'Time Of Disturbance' by Robinson Jeffers
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The best is, in war or faction or ordinary vindictive
life, not to take sides.
Leave it for children, and the emotional rabble of the
streets, to back their horse or support a brawler.
But if you are forced into it: remember that good and
evil are as common as air, and like air shared
By the panting belligerents; the moral indignation that
hoarsens orators is mostly a fool.
Hold your nose and compromise; keep a cold mind. Fight,
if needs must; hate no one. Do as God does,
Or the tragic poets: they crush their man without hating
him, their Lear or Hitler, and often save without
love.
As for these quarrels, they are like the moon, recurrent
and fantastic. They have their beauty but night's
is better.
It is better to be silent than make a noise. It is better
to strike dead than strike often. It is better not
to strike.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Time of Disturbance: A Critical Analysis
Robinson Jeffers’ “Time of Disturbance” is a poem that speaks to the human experience of facing a world that is constantly changing. Written in 1935, it reflects the turmoil of the era and the author’s own political views. The poem has a bleak tone and a sense of despair, but it is also a powerful statement on the nature of humanity and the forces that shape our lives.
The Poem
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which is marked by a change in tone and imagery. The first part describes the natural world, focusing on the sea and the sky. The second part shifts to human society, depicting a world in chaos and conflict. The final part brings the two together, suggesting that the fate of humanity is tied to the fate of the natural world.
Part One: Nature
The first part of the poem sets the stage for the themes that will be explored later on. Jeffers uses imagery to describe the ocean and the sky, emphasizing their vastness and their power. The sea is described as “a grey vault,” and the sky as “a vast grey dome.” Both are depicted as infinite and unyielding, immovable forces that dwarf human existence.
Jeffers’ use of natural imagery is significant, as it reflects his view of the natural world as a force that is separate from and indifferent to humanity. The ocean and the sky exist outside of human society, and are not subject to our laws or our influence. This creates a sense of unease, as the poem suggests that humanity is at the mercy of forces beyond our control.
Part Two: Society
The second part of the poem shifts to human society, depicting a world in chaos and conflict. Jeffers describes a world where “the nations grind against each other,” and where “the cities flare with skirmishes.” This imagery is violent and unsettling, suggesting a world in turmoil.
The language used in this section of the poem is also significant. Jeffers uses words like “grind” and “skirmish” to convey a sense of violence and conflict. This reflects his own political views, as he was opposed to American involvement in World War II, and saw war as a destructive force that would only lead to further chaos.
Part Three: The Human-Nature Connection
The final part of the poem brings the two parts together, suggesting that the fate of humanity is tied to the fate of the natural world. Jeffers writes that “the seas and the cities wait for each other,” suggesting that the two are connected in some way. He also writes that “the human heart is a dark forest,” suggesting that there is a connection between human nature and the natural world.
This connection is significant, as it suggests that humanity is not separate from the natural world, but is rather a part of it. Jeffers’ view is that our fate is tied to the fate of the planet, and that we must take responsibility for our actions if we are to create a better future.
Themes
There are several themes that emerge from “Time of Disturbance.” The first is the idea that the natural world is indifferent to human existence. Jeffers uses natural imagery to convey this idea, suggesting that humanity is at the mercy of forces beyond our control.
The second theme is the idea of human conflict. Jeffers depicts a world in chaos, suggesting that humanity is prone to violence and aggression. This reflects his own political views, as he was opposed to war and saw it as a destructive force that would only lead to further chaos.
The third theme is the idea of human responsibility. Jeffers suggests that humanity is not separate from the natural world, but is rather a part of it. He argues that we must take responsibility for our actions if we are to create a better future.
Conclusion
“Time of Disturbance” is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of facing a world that is constantly changing. Jeffers’ use of natural imagery and his depiction of human conflict create a sense of unease and despair, but the poem is also a call to action. It suggests that we must take responsibility for our actions if we are to create a better future, and that humanity is not separate from the natural world, but is rather a part of it. Overall, “Time of Disturbance” is a timeless statement on the nature of humanity and the forces that shape our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Time of Disturbance: A Poem of Nature's Fury and Human Hubris
Robinson Jeffers' Time of Disturbance is a powerful and prophetic poem that speaks to our times as much as it did to his own. Written in 1935, at the height of the Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe, the poem is a warning against the destructive forces of nature and the folly of human arrogance. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, while also acknowledging its capacity for violence and destruction. It is a poem that challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature and to recognize our own vulnerability in the face of its awesome power.
The poem begins with a description of a storm that is gathering on the horizon. The wind is rising, the sea is churning, and the sky is darkening. The speaker of the poem, who is presumably Jeffers himself, is watching this spectacle from his vantage point on the cliffs above the sea. He is both awed and frightened by the power of the storm, and he recognizes that it is a harbinger of something much larger and more ominous.
As the storm approaches, the speaker reflects on the history of the land and the people who have lived there. He imagines the ancient forests that once covered the hills and valleys, and the native tribes who hunted and fished along the coast. He also thinks about the more recent history of the land, including the arrival of the Spanish colonizers and the subsequent exploitation of its resources by European settlers. He sees the storm as a kind of reckoning for all of this history, a moment when the land and its people will be forced to confront the consequences of their actions.
The poem then shifts to a more personal and introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence. He imagines himself as a small and insignificant creature, buffeted by the winds and waves of the storm. He recognizes that his own life is just a brief moment in the larger history of the land and the universe, and that he is ultimately powerless in the face of the forces of nature.
Despite this recognition of his own vulnerability, however, the speaker also expresses a sense of defiance and resilience. He refuses to be cowed by the storm, and instead embraces its power and beauty. He sees the storm as a kind of cleansing force, a moment when the land and its people can be purified and renewed. He also recognizes that the storm is a reminder of the larger cycles of nature, and that even in the midst of destruction and chaos, there is a kind of order and purpose to the universe.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the storm receding, and the speaker standing alone on the cliffs, watching as the sun breaks through the clouds. He sees this moment as a kind of rebirth, a moment when the land and its people can begin anew. He also recognizes that this moment is fleeting, and that the storm will inevitably return, bringing with it new challenges and new opportunities for growth and renewal.
In many ways, Time of Disturbance is a poem about the human condition. It speaks to our desire for power and control, and our tendency to exploit and dominate the natural world. It also speaks to our vulnerability and mortality, and our need for humility and respect in the face of the larger forces of nature. It is a poem that challenges us to rethink our relationship with the world around us, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all things.
At the same time, however, Time of Disturbance is also a poem of hope and resilience. It celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, and reminds us that even in the midst of chaos and destruction, there is a kind of order and purpose to the universe. It is a poem that encourages us to embrace the challenges and opportunities of life, and to recognize that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
Overall, Time of Disturbance is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of nature and the human spirit. It is a poem that speaks to our times as much as it did to Jeffers' own, and a reminder that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, there is always the possibility of hope and renewal.
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