'I Remember Galileo' by Gerald Stern
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I remember Galileo describing the mind
as a piece of paper blown around by the wind,
and I loved the sight of it sticking to a tree,
or jumping into the backseat of a car,
and for years I watched paper leap through my cities;
but yesterday I saw the mind was a squirrel caught crossing
Route 80 between the wheels of a giant truck,
dancing back and forth like a thin leaf,
or a frightened string, for only two seconds living
on the white concrete before he got away,
his life shortened by all that terror, his head
jerking, his yellow teeth ground down to dust.
It was the speed of the squirrel and his lowness to the ground,
his great purpose and the alertness of his dancing,
that showed me the difference between him and paper.
Paper will do in theory, when there is time
to sit back in a metal chair and study shadows;
but for this life I need a squirrel,
his clawed feet spread, his whole soul quivering,
the loud noise shaking him from head to tail.
O philosophical mind, O mind of paper, I need a squirrel
finishing his wild dash across the highway,
rushing up his green ungoverned hillside.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Remember Galileo: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Gerald Stern's "I Remember Galileo" is a thought-provoking and powerful poem that explores the relationship between science, religion, and human nature. The poem begins with a vivid depiction of Galileo's life and work, weaving in themes of human curiosity and the search for knowledge. Stern then shifts his focus to the present day, suggesting that we have lost touch with the spirit of Galileo's work and the wonder of the natural world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's language, form, and themes to uncover its deeper meanings and insights.
Language
One of the most striking features of "I Remember Galileo" is the language used by Stern. He employs a rich and descriptive vocabulary that conjures vivid imagery and deep emotions. For example, in the opening lines, he describes Galileo as "huddled" and "alone," giving the reader a sense of the isolation and frustration that the scientist may have felt. Stern also uses metaphors and similes to evoke powerful associations, such as when he compares Galileo's telescope to a "simple toy" that "opened the universe." This language is not only beautiful but also serves to deepen and enrich the poem's themes.
Another notable aspect of the poem's language is the way it moves between different registers and tones. At times, Stern uses a formal and elevated style, such as when he describes Galileo's "genius" and "talent." At other times, he employs a more colloquial and informal tone, as when he refers to Galileo's "crazy little eyes" and his "roving heart." This shifting of tone creates a dynamic and complex portrait of Galileo, one that captures both his intellectual brilliance and his human foibles.
Form
"I Remember Galileo" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not conform to any strict rhyme or meter. This form allows Stern to experiment with the poem's structure and create a sense of fluidity and movement. For example, in the second stanza, he repeats the phrase "I remember" six times, each time adding a new detail or insight. This repetition gives the poem a sense of momentum and progression, as if the speaker is building towards a greater understanding.
Another notable feature of the poem's form is its use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence or phrase onto the next line. This technique creates a sense of flow and continuity, as if the poem is a continuous stream of thought. For example, in the line "he looked through pieces of glass," the phrase "of glass" spills onto the next line, creating a link between the two words and emphasizing the significance of the telescope.
Themes
At its core, "I Remember Galileo" is a poem about the relationship between science and the human spirit. Stern uses Galileo as a symbol of the human desire for knowledge and understanding, and he contrasts this with the narrow-mindedness and fear that often accompanies religious belief. The poem suggests that the scientific method, with its emphasis on empirical evidence and unbiased inquiry, is a powerful tool for uncovering the mysteries of the universe.
However, Stern also acknowledges the limitations of science and the danger of losing touch with the natural world. He laments that we have become "too busy to love it," referring to the beauty and complexity of nature that Galileo sought to explore. The poem suggests that we need to rekindle our sense of wonder and curiosity, to rediscover the spirit of Galileo's work and appreciate the world around us.
Interpretation
To interpret "I Remember Galileo," we must first understand the historical context in which the poem is set. Galileo Galilei was a scientist and philosopher who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when the Catholic Church held significant power and influence. Galileo's work challenged the Church's teachings about the nature of the universe, and he was eventually placed under house arrest for heresy.
With this context in mind, we can see how Stern's poem is a commentary on the conflict between religion and science. He suggests that Galileo's work was a triumph of human reason and curiosity, one that pushed the boundaries of knowledge and challenged the authority of the Church. However, he also acknowledges the dangers of dogmatism and the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
In a more general sense, the poem can be read as a meditation on the human condition. Stern contrasts the narrow-mindedness and fear of religious zealots with the open-mindedness and curiosity of great thinkers like Galileo. He suggests that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a fundamental part of what it means to be human, and that we must not lose sight of this in our increasingly busy and technological world.
Conclusion
"I Remember Galileo" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of science, religion, and human nature. Stern's language is rich and evocative, and his use of form creates a sense of momentum and progression. The poem's themes are complex and multifaceted, challenging us to reconsider our assumptions about the relationship between science and the human spirit. Ultimately, "I Remember Galileo" is a celebration of the human capacity for curiosity, wonder, and discovery.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Remember Galileo: A Poem of Science and Wonder
Gerald Stern's "I Remember Galileo" is a poem that captures the essence of scientific inquiry and the wonder it inspires. The poem is a tribute to Galileo Galilei, the Italian astronomer who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy and physics. Stern's poem is a celebration of Galileo's life and work, and it is a reminder of the power of science to inspire and transform our understanding of the world.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Galileo's telescope, which he used to observe the heavens and make his discoveries. Stern writes, "I remember Galileo describing the mind / As a piece of paper blown around by the wind, / And I loved the sight of it sticking to a tree, / Or jumping into the backseat of a car / Ahead of us at a stoplight." This image of the mind as a piece of paper blown around by the wind is a powerful metaphor for the way in which scientific inquiry can take us on unexpected journeys and lead us to new discoveries.
Stern goes on to describe Galileo's observations of the moon, which he saw through his telescope. He writes, "I remember him saying, 'The moon is not / A perfect sphere,' and looking up at the orange sky / Of Florence as he gave us pictures of / The uneven world, patchy with great, galloping / Rains and light in the east while the west was still / Steeped in darkness." This description of the moon as an uneven world, patchy with great rains and light, is a testament to Galileo's powers of observation and his ability to see beyond the surface of things.
The poem then turns to Galileo's discovery of the moons of Jupiter, which he observed through his telescope. Stern writes, "I remember him pointing to Jupiter / And saying, 'It is there,' and turning the lens / To find the moons, and then, out of his mouth, / 'It is not the earth-centered universe / Of Aristotle that we are living in.'" This moment of discovery, when Galileo realized that the earth was not the center of the universe, was a turning point in the history of science. It marked the beginning of a new era of scientific inquiry, one in which observation and experimentation would be the keys to unlocking the secrets of the universe.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Stern reflects on his own experiences of wonder and discovery. He writes, "I remember my mother / Taking me to the planetarium so I could see / The stars, and my father saying, 'Look at that, / That's the Big Dipper,' and I loved them / For this and for so much more." This moment of wonder, when Stern first saw the stars and the Big Dipper, is a reminder of the power of science to inspire and transform our understanding of the world.
The poem ends with a reflection on the legacy of Galileo and the importance of scientific inquiry. Stern writes, "I remember Galileo, fallen forward, / Broken, and I loved him for this, too, / For his willingness to look at the universe / And say, 'I do not know,' for his willingness / To go on asking questions, even in the face / Of ridicule and persecution." This final image of Galileo, fallen forward and broken, is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that scientists have made in the pursuit of knowledge. It is a tribute to Galileo's courage and his commitment to the truth, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "I Remember Galileo" is a poem that celebrates the power of science to inspire and transform our understanding of the world. It is a tribute to Galileo and his groundbreaking discoveries, and it is a reminder of the importance of scientific inquiry in our lives. The poem is a testament to the wonder and awe that science can inspire, and it is a call to all of us to continue asking questions and seeking answers, even in the face of adversity.
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