'From: A King Of Kings, A King Among The Kings' by Delmore Schwartz
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Come, let us rejoice in James Joyce, in the greatness of this poet,
king, and king of poets
For he is our poor dead king, he is the monarch and Caesar of English,
he is the veritable King of the King's English
The English of the life of the city,
and the English of music;
Let them rejoice because he rejoiced and was joyous;
For his joy was superior, it was supreme, for it was accomplished
After the suffering of much evil, the evil of the torment of pride,
By the overcoming of disgust and despair by means of the confrontation of them
By the enduring of nausea, the supporting of exile, the drawing from
the silence of exile, the pure arias of the
hidden music of all things, all beings.
For the joy of Joyce was earned by the sweat of the bow of his mind
by the tears of the agony of his heart;
hence it was gained, mastered, and conquered,
(hence it was not a gift and freely given,
a mercy often granted to masters,
as if they miraculous were natural -)
For he earned his joy and ours by the domination of evil by
confrontation and the exorcism of language
in all its powers of imitation and
imagination and radiance and delight....
Editor 1 Interpretation
From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
Delmore Schwartz’s poem, "From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings," is a powerful piece of work that explores the complexities of human existence. The poem is an ode to the grandeur and majesty of a king, and it celebrates the greatness of this figure while also acknowledging the flaws and imperfections that come with power. This literary criticism will examine the themes, structure, and language of the poem to explore its deeper meanings and interpretations.
Themes
At its core, "From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings" is a meditation on power and the human condition. The poem explores the idea that power can corrupt, but it can also inspire greatness. It is this paradox that makes the king such a fascinating and complex figure, and it is what drives the poem’s exploration of his character.
The poem also touches on themes of mortality and the inevitability of death. Despite his power and majesty, the king is still subject to the same natural forces that govern all life. This realization creates a sense of melancholy and sadness in the poem, as the reader is forced to confront the fleeting nature of existence.
Finally, the poem explores themes of identity and self-awareness. The king is both a symbol of power and a flawed human being, and his struggles with his own identity mirror the struggles of all people as they attempt to reconcile their public and private selves.
Structure
The structure of "From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings" is deceptively simple. The poem is composed of three stanzas, each with six lines. The first and third stanzas are identical, while the second stanza introduces a new element into the poem.
This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem. The repetition of the first and third stanzas gives the poem a sense of stability and order, while the introduction of the second stanza disrupts this order and creates a sense of tension and conflict.
Language
Schwartz’s use of language in "From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings" is both elegant and powerful. The poem is full of rich, evocative imagery that creates a sense of grandeur and majesty. For example, in the first stanza, the king is described as "a king of kings, a king among the kings," a phrase that immediately conjures up images of power and greatness.
The use of repetition is another powerful tool in the poem. The repetition of the first and third stanzas creates a sense of stability and order, while the repetition of the phrase "the king is dead" in the second stanza creates a sense of finality and inevitability.
Finally, the poem’s use of metaphor is particularly effective. The king is described as a "lion" and a "phoenix," both powerful symbols of renewal and rebirth. These metaphors create a sense of hope and optimism in the face of the king’s mortality, reminding the reader that even in death, new life can emerge.
Conclusion
"From: A King of Kings, A King Among the Kings" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of power, mortality, and identity. Schwartz’s use of language and structure creates a sense of grandeur and majesty that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the human imagination, and it reminds us that even in the face of death, there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
From: A King Of Kings, A King Among The Kings is a classic poem written by Delmore Schwartz, an American poet, short story writer, and literary critic. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of power, glory, and the inevitable downfall of kings. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the historical context of this poem.
The poem begins with a powerful statement, "I am King of Kings, and I am he who will conquer and rule." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's authority and ambition. The speaker is a king among kings, and he is determined to conquer and rule over all. This opening line also introduces the theme of power, which is a central theme throughout the poem.
The speaker goes on to describe his kingdom, which is vast and magnificent. He talks about his armies, his wealth, and his subjects who adore him. The speaker's kingdom is a symbol of his power and glory, and he revels in it. He is the epitome of a powerful king, and he knows it.
However, the speaker's arrogance and pride are his downfall. He becomes so consumed with his power and glory that he forgets about the people he rules over. He becomes tyrannical and cruel, and his subjects begin to fear him. The speaker's downfall is a symbol of the inevitable downfall of all kings who become too consumed with their power.
The theme of power is further explored through the use of literary devices such as imagery and symbolism. The speaker's kingdom is described in vivid detail, with images of gold, jewels, and armies. These images create a sense of grandeur and power, which is the speaker's ultimate goal. The use of symbolism is also prevalent in the poem. The speaker's crown, for example, is a symbol of his power and authority. The crown represents the speaker's status as a king, and it is a symbol of his desire for power and glory.
The historical context of the poem is also important to consider. Delmore Schwartz wrote this poem in the 1930s, a time when the world was in turmoil. The rise of fascism and totalitarianism in Europe was a major concern, and many people were afraid of the power-hungry leaders who were emerging. From: A King Of Kings, A King Among The Kings can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of power and the consequences of tyranny.
In conclusion, From: A King Of Kings, A King Among The Kings is a powerful poem that explores the theme of power and the downfall of kings. The speaker's arrogance and pride lead to his downfall, which is a symbol of the inevitable downfall of all kings who become too consumed with their power. The use of literary devices such as imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture of the speaker's kingdom and his desire for power and glory. The historical context of the poem adds another layer of meaning, as it can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of power and the consequences of tyranny. Overall, this poem is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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