'For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands' by Delmore Schwartz

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Athlete, virtuoso,
Training for happiness,
Bend arm and knee, and seek
The body's sharp distress,
For pain is pleasure's cost,
Denial is route
To speech before the millions
Or personal with the flute.

The ape and great Achilles,
Heavy with their fate,
Batter doors down, strike
Small children at the gate,
Driven by love to this,
As knock-kneed Hegel said,
To seek with a sword their peace,
That the child may be taken away
From the hurly-burly and fed.

Ladies and Gentlemen, said
The curious Socrates,
I have asked, What is this life
But a childermass,
As Abraham recognized,
A working with the knife
At animal, maid and stone
Until we have cut down
All but the soul alone:
Through hate we guard our love,
And its distinction's known.

Editor 1 Interpretation

For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands by Delmore Schwartz: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Delmore Schwartz was a poet known for his mastery of the craft and the depth of his work. One of his most famous poems is "For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands," which tackles themes of fear, depression, and suicide. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand how Schwartz captures the complex emotions of his subject.

Structure

The poem is structured into three stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has six lines, the second has eight, and the third has nine. This structure is not arbitrary; it serves a purpose in conveying the poem's message.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the subject, the one who would not take his life in his hands. It establishes the tone of the poem, which is somber and melancholic. The second stanza is longer and more detailed, describing the subject's struggles with fear and depression. The third stanza is the longest and most profound, as it reveals the subject's ultimate decision not to commit suicide and his newfound appreciation for life.

The increasing number of lines in each stanza is symbolic of the subject's growing understanding of himself and his world. The short first stanza represents his initial state of mind, which is narrow and limited. The longer second stanza reflects his expanding awareness of his problems and the world around him. The final stanza, which is the longest, shows his newfound clarity and depth of understanding.

Language

Schwartz's use of language in the poem is powerful and evocative. He employs metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create a vivid and emotional picture of the subject's struggles. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

The man who would not take his life in his hands [...] Was moved by more than fear to abstain [...] He felt the wet cold: the snow upon the mountain

This passage uses the metaphor of "taking one's life in one's hands" to describe suicide, and it implies that the subject is afraid to do so. However, the metaphor is not the only literary device employed here. Schwartz also uses imagery to evoke a sense of coldness and isolation, which adds to the somber mood of the poem.

In the second stanza, Schwartz uses similes to describe the subject's fear and depression. He writes:

He knew fear, but not enough of fear To make him do what he feared He felt depression, but was not depressed [...] He felt old, but not very wise

These similes create a sense of distance between the subject and his emotions. He knows fear but not enough to act on it; he feels depression but is not consumed by it. This distance is important because it implies that the subject is not entirely in control of his emotions.

In the final stanza, Schwartz uses metaphors and imagery to describe the subject's newfound appreciation for life. He writes:

He felt the wind against his face And, smiling, said, ‘I will take my life.’ The wind is blowing, and there is nothing In the world I cannot embrace.

The wind represents the subject's newfound freedom and joy, and it is a stark contrast to the snow and cold of the first stanza. The metaphor of embracing the world suggests that the subject has found a new sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Interpretation

"For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands" is a poem about the struggles of depression and the importance of finding meaning in life. The subject of the poem is someone who has contemplated suicide but ultimately decides not to go through with it. The poem explores the reasons for this decision and the emotional journey that leads to it.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, establishing a sense of fear and isolation. The subject is afraid to take his life, but it is not just fear that holds him back. He is also moved by a sense of the coldness and emptiness of life. The metaphor of the snow on the mountain suggests that life is barren and inhospitable.

In the second stanza, the subject's emotional struggles come into focus. He knows fear but is not consumed by it; he feels depression but is not overwhelmed by it. This suggests that the subject is still in control of his emotions to some extent, even as they threaten to engulf him.

The final stanza is the most profound, as it reveals the subject's ultimate decision not to commit suicide and his newfound appreciation for life. The wind blowing against his face represents a new sense of freedom and joy, and the metaphor of embracing the world suggests that he has found a new purpose and meaning in life.

Ultimately, "For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands" is a poem about the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the face of depression and despair. The subject of the poem realizes that life is not just about avoiding pain and suffering but about embracing joy and finding purpose. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Conclusion

"For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the struggles of depression and the importance of finding meaning in life. Schwartz's use of language and structure creates a vivid and emotional picture of the subject's journey, from fear and isolation to joy and purpose. This is a poem that speaks directly to the human experience, and its message will resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Delmore Schwartz, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has become a classic in the world of literature. "For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands" is a powerful and moving piece that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand why it has become such a beloved work of art.

Structure

The poem is composed of five stanzas, each with four lines. The structure is simple, but it is the repetition of the same structure that gives the poem its power. The first two stanzas set the tone for the rest of the poem. They are a warning to the reader that the subject matter is serious and that the poet is not afraid to tackle difficult themes. The third stanza is the turning point of the poem. It is where the poet begins to explore the reasons why someone might not want to take their life in their hands. The fourth stanza is the most emotional and powerful part of the poem. It is where the poet reveals his own struggles with life and death. The final stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to take control of their own life.

Language

The language of the poem is simple and direct. There are no complex metaphors or obscure references. The poet uses everyday language to convey his message. This simplicity is what makes the poem so accessible and relatable. The use of repetition is also a powerful tool in the poet's arsenal. The repetition of the phrase "take his life in his hands" creates a sense of urgency and importance. It is a reminder that life is precious and that we should not take it for granted.

Meaning

The poem explores the reasons why someone might not want to take their life in their hands. The poet suggests that fear is the main reason. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of death. The poet also suggests that there is a certain comfort in not taking risks. It is easier to stay in our comfort zone than to venture out into the unknown. The fourth stanza is where the poet reveals his own struggles with life and death. He talks about his own fear of death and how it has affected his life. He also talks about the importance of facing our fears and taking risks. The final stanza is a call to action. The poet urges the reader to take control of their own life and to not be afraid to take risks.

Conclusion

"For The One Who Would Not Take His Life In His Hands" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition in a simple and direct way. The repetition of the same structure and language creates a sense of urgency and importance. The poem is a reminder that life is precious and that we should not take it for granted. It is a call to action, urging the reader to take control of their own life and to not be afraid to take risks. Delmore Schwartz has created a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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