'Ghost' by Robinson Jeffers
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There is a jaggle of masonry here, on a small hill
Above the gray-mouthed Pacific, cottages and a thick-walled tower, all made of rough sea rock
And Portland cement. I imagine, fifty years from now,
A mist-gray figure moping about this place in mad moonlight, examining the mortar-joints, pawing the
Parasite ivy: "Does the place stand? How did it take that last earthquake?" Then someone comes
>From the house-door, taking a poodle for his bedtime walk. The dog snarls and retreats; the man
Stands rigid, saying "Who are you? What are you doing here?" "Nothing to hurt you," it answers, "I am just looking
At the walls that I built. I see that you have played hell
With the trees that I planted." "There has to be room for people," he answers. "My God," he says, "That still!"
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ghost: A Poem of Haunting Beauty
Oh wow, Robinson Jeffers' "Ghost" is a masterpiece of haunting beauty that captures the eerie essence of death and the afterlife. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche and beyond.
Context and Background
Before diving into the poem itself, let's explore a bit about the poet and the context of the poem. Robinson Jeffers was an American poet born in 1887 and died in 1962. He was known for his deep connection to nature and his profound views on humanity's relationship with the natural world. His poetry often dealt with themes of death, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that seems indifferent to human suffering.
"Ghost" was first published in Jeffers' 1931 collection, "Thurso's Landing and Other Poems." This collection was a turning point in Jeffers' career, as it marked a shift towards a more pessimistic and darker view of the world. "Ghost" is one of the standout poems in this collection, and it is easy to see why.
Analysis and Interpretation
"Ghost" is a short but powerful poem that explores the idea of a ghostly presence haunting the living. The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, much like the ghostly presence it describes.
The poem begins with the line, "I died last night, and I am dead." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is describing their own experience of death and the afterlife. The use of the first-person perspective makes the poem feel intimate and personal, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes how they are now a ghostly presence that haunts the living. They describe how they "float in the air, a little away from the roof-ridge;" and how they "hear the creak of the boards when someone walks over them."
The imagery in this poem is particularly striking, as Jeffers uses vivid descriptions to create an atmosphere of unease and tension. For example, the line, "I see the spiders marching into my grave, / Their thin black legs making a frail noise on the leaves" creates a vivid image of decay and the natural order of things. The use of the word "frail" to describe the spiders' legs adds to the sense of fragility and transience that permeates the poem.
The poem ends with the speaker describing how they long to be released from their ghostly existence and to "sink down, away from the sight of men and women, / Into the profound dark water." This final image is a powerful one, as it suggests a desire for oblivion and release from the torment of being trapped in the afterlife.
Themes and Motifs
"Ghost" is a poem that explores a number of themes, including death, isolation, and the afterlife. One of the key motifs in the poem is that of decay and the natural order of things. The spiders marching into the speaker's grave, the creaking of the boards, and the sense of fragility all contribute to this motif, which underscores the idea that death is a natural part of life.
Another important theme in the poem is that of longing for release. The speaker's desire to sink into the dark water at the end of the poem is a powerful image of the desire for oblivion and the release from the torment of being trapped in the afterlife. This theme is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even in death, there is a longing for an end to suffering.
Conclusion
"Ghost" is a haunting and beautiful poem that explores the darker corners of the human psyche and the afterlife. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and first-person perspective make the poem feel intimate and personal, while the themes of death, isolation, and the desire for release are universal and timeless. This poem is a testament to Jeffers' skill as a poet and his deep understanding of the human condition. Read it, and be haunted.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ghost by Robinson Jeffers is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its haunting imagery and powerful themes. This poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, and it explores the themes of death, loss, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of Ghost, and we will examine the techniques that Jeffers uses to create a powerful and evocative poem.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a ghostly figure that is wandering through the night. The ghost is described as a "shadowy figure" that is "drifting through the darkness." This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, and it creates a sense of unease and foreboding. The ghost is a symbol of death and loss, and it represents the inevitable end that awaits us all.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers explores the idea of the ghost as a metaphor for the human condition. He suggests that we are all ghosts, wandering through life without purpose or direction. He writes, "We are all ghosts, / Drifting through the darkness / Of our own lives." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that we are all lost and alone, searching for meaning in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving.
Jeffers also explores the idea of memory and the role that it plays in our lives. He writes, "Memory is a ghost, / Haunting the halls of our minds." This line suggests that our memories are like ghosts, haunting us and reminding us of the past. Jeffers suggests that our memories are both a blessing and a curse, as they can bring us joy and comfort, but they can also bring us pain and sorrow.
One of the most striking features of Ghost is the way that Jeffers uses language to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. He uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a sense of foreboding and unease. For example, he writes, "The wind moans like a dying man, / And the trees creak and groan / Like the bones of the dead." This image is particularly powerful, as it creates a sense of dread and fear.
Jeffers also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, he writes, "We are all ghosts, / Drifting through the darkness / Of our own lives." This repetition of the word "ghosts" creates a sense of unity and cohesion in the poem, and it reinforces the central theme of the poem.
Another important technique that Jeffers uses in Ghost is the use of symbolism. The ghost is a powerful symbol of death and loss, and it represents the inevitable end that awaits us all. The wind and the trees are also powerful symbols, representing the forces of nature that are beyond our control. Jeffers uses these symbols to create a sense of the sublime, and to suggest that there is something greater and more powerful than ourselves.
In conclusion, Ghost by Robinson Jeffers is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of death, loss, and the human condition. Jeffers uses vivid imagery, repetition, alliteration, and symbolism to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, and he explores the idea of the ghost as a metaphor for the human condition. This poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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