'We Are Those People' by Robinson Jeffers
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I have abhorred the wars and despised the liars, laughed at the frightened
And forecast victory; never one moment's doubt.
But now not far, over the backs of some crawling years, the next
Great war's column of dust and fire writhes
Up the sides of the sky: it becomes clear that we too may suffer
What others have, the brutal horror of defeat—
Or if not in the next, then in the next—therefore watch Germany
And read the future. We wish, of course, that our women
Would die like biting rats in the cellars, our men like wolves on the mountain:
It will not be so. Our men will curse, cringe, obey;
Our women uncover themselves to the grinning victors for bits of chocolate.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
We Are Those People by Robinson Jeffers
Have you ever read a poem that leaves you feeling a sense of awe and wonder? That's exactly how I felt when I first encountered "We Are Those People" by Robinson Jeffers. This classic poem is a masterpiece of modernist literature, written in a unique style that challenges readers to confront the complexities of human existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll explore the deeper meaning of "We Are Those People," examining its themes, symbolism, and poetic devices.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a look at the context in which it was written. Robinson Jeffers was an American poet born in 1887, known for his unconventional style and controversial subject matter. His work often dealt with themes of nature, human isolation, and the dangers of modern technology. "We Are Those People" was published in 1937, during a period of great social upheaval in America. The world was on the brink of World War II, and many people were grappling with the meaning of life in a rapidly changing world. Jeffers' poem speaks directly to these concerns, offering a powerful meditation on the human condition.
Themes
At its core, "We Are Those People" is a poem about the human experience. Jeffers explores the nature of existence, the search for meaning, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of human isolation. Jeffers portrays humans as creatures cut off from the natural world, living in a world of their own making. He writes, "We are those people whom the Creator had in mind / When he made the stone and the leaf and the cloud." This suggests that humans are fundamentally different from the rest of the natural world, and that their existence is marked by a sense of isolation and disconnection.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of mortality. Jeffers reminds us that we are all mortal beings, subject to the ravages of time and decay. He writes, "Our life is brief as the falling of a leaf." This line speaks to the fragility of human life, and the fleeting nature of our existence. Through this theme, Jeffers encourages us to embrace the present moment, and to find meaning in the here and now.
Finally, "We Are Those People" is a poem about the search for meaning. Jeffers suggests that humans are driven by a deep need to understand their place in the world, and to find meaning in their existence. He writes, "We seek to know, we seek to understand, we seek / To build a bridge across the void." This line speaks to the human desire for connection, and the search for a greater purpose in life.
Symbolism
In addition to its themes, "We Are Those People" is rich in symbolism. Jeffers uses a variety of images and metaphors to convey his message, creating a layered and complex poem that rewards close reading. One of the key symbols in the poem is the natural world. Jeffers frequently describes the world around us in vivid, sensory detail, suggesting that nature has a power and significance that transcends human understanding. He writes, "We are those people who have looked upon the sea / And felt its great breath steal into our veins," suggesting that the ocean represents a kind of primal power that humans can only hope to comprehend.
Another important symbol in the poem is the idea of the bridge. Jeffers uses the bridge as a metaphor for human connection, suggesting that we are constantly striving to build bridges between ourselves and the world around us. He writes, "We seek to build a bridge across the void / To span the gulf that lies between us and the stars." This line suggests that humans are driven by a deep desire for connection, and that we are constantly searching for meaning and purpose in our lives.
Finally, Jeffers uses the symbol of the void to represent the emptiness and isolation that humans often feel. He writes, "We are those people whom the Creator had in mind / When He made the void and placed it in our hearts." This line suggests that humans are marked by a sense of emptiness, and that we are constantly searching for something to fill the void within us.
Poetic Devices
In addition to its themes and symbolism, "We Are Those People" is a masterclass in poetic technique. Jeffers uses a variety of devices to create a poem that is both beautiful and complex. One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Jeffers frequently repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and pattern that draws the reader in. For example, he repeats the phrase "We are those people" multiple times throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and connection.
Another important poetic device in the poem is its use of imagery. Jeffers describes the natural world in vivid detail, using sensory language to create a powerful and immersive experience for the reader. He writes, "We are those people who have seen the sun / Rise like a great red flower out of the hills." This line is rich in sensory detail, using vivid imagery to create a sense of awe and wonder.
Finally, Jeffers uses metaphor and analogy to convey his message. He compares humans to the natural world, describing us as "creatures of the earth." He also uses the metaphor of the bridge to represent human connection, and the void to represent human emptiness. These comparisons and analogies help to deepen our understanding of the poem, and to connect us to its themes and symbols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "We Are Those People" is a masterpiece of modernist literature that explores the complexities of human existence. Through its themes of isolation, mortality, and the search for meaning, the poem speaks directly to the concerns of its time, while also offering a timeless meditation on the human condition. Through its rich symbolism and poetic devices, the poem creates a powerful and immersive experience for the reader, drawing us into its world of wonder and mystery. Whether you're a longtime fan of Robinson Jeffers, or a newcomer to his work, "We Are Those People" is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
We Are Those People: A Poem of Resilience and Strength
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem titled "We Are Those People" that speaks to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. This poem, written in 1937, is a powerful reminder of the power of community and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
The poem begins with a description of a group of people who have been "driven from the sea" and forced to make a new home in the mountains. These people are described as "hard and bitter" and "tough as the mountains themselves." Despite the hardships they have faced, they are still able to find joy in their new home, and they are determined to make the best of their situation.
As the poem continues, Jeffers describes the challenges that these people face. They must work hard to survive in their new environment, and they are constantly threatened by the forces of nature. But despite these challenges, they remain strong and resilient. They are able to find beauty in the world around them, and they are able to find joy in the simple things in life.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem comes near the end, when Jeffers writes, "We are those people whom God made mad." This line speaks to the idea that these people are different from others, that they have been chosen to endure hardships and to overcome adversity. They are not weak or helpless, but rather they are strong and resilient, able to face whatever challenges come their way.
The poem ends with a powerful message of hope and resilience. Jeffers writes, "We are those people who will not be broken." This line speaks to the idea that no matter what challenges we face, we have the strength and resilience to overcome them. We are not defined by our hardships, but rather by our ability to rise above them and to find joy and meaning in our lives.
There are many themes and ideas that can be found in this poem. One of the most important is the idea of community and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. The people in this poem are able to survive and thrive because they work together and support each other. They are not alone in their struggles, but rather they are part of a larger community that helps them to overcome their challenges.
Another important theme in this poem is the idea of resilience and strength. The people in this poem are able to endure hardships and overcome challenges because they are strong and resilient. They are able to find joy and meaning in their lives, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, "We Are Those People" is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we have the ability to overcome them and to find joy and meaning in our lives. It is a poem that speaks to the power of community and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
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