'Giving Myself Up' by Mark Strand

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I give up my eyes which are glass eggs.
I give up my tongue.
I give up my mouth which is the contstant dream of my tongue.
I give up my throat which is the sleeve of my voice.
I give up my heart which is a burning apple.
I give up my lungs which are trees that have never seen the moon.
I give up my smell which is that of a stone traveling through rain.
I give up my hands which are ten wishes.
I give up my arms which have wanted to leave me anyway.
I give up my legs which are lovers only at night.
I give up my buttocks which are the moons of childhood.
I give up my penis which whispers encouragement to my thighs.
I give up my clothes which are walls that blow in the wind
and I give up the ghost that lives in them.
I give up. I give up.
And you will have none of it because already I am beginning
again without anything.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Giving Myself Up: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Mark Strand’s poem, Giving Myself Up, is a work of art that explores themes of self-discovery, isolation, and the human condition. The poem is a compelling piece of literature that draws the reader into the protagonist's mind, revealing his innermost thoughts and feelings. With its rich imagery, powerful language, and evocative tone, Giving Myself Up is a stunning example of modern poetry.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the poem's various facets, including its themes, imagery, symbolism, and structure. Through my analysis, I hope to uncover the deeper meaning behind the poem and provide a deeper understanding of Mark Strand's work.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in Giving Myself Up is self-discovery. Through the protagonist's journey, Strand explores the idea that we must give up our preconceived notions of ourselves to truly discover who we are. The poem is a journey of self-exploration, and the protagonist must let go of his old identity to find his true self.

Another major theme in the poem is isolation. The protagonist is alone, both physically and emotionally, as he navigates his inner turmoil. This sense of isolation is a powerful force in the poem, highlighting the feeling of detachment and loneliness that comes with self-discovery.

Finally, the poem also explores the human condition, specifically the idea that we are all searching for something. The protagonist's journey is a universal one, and through his struggles, we see ourselves reflected in his experiences.

Imagery

The imagery in Giving Myself Up is striking and evocative. Strand uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and atmosphere, drawing the reader into the protagonist's world. The opening lines of the poem, "I gave myself up to the darkness, / hoping to find myself there," set the tone for the rest of the piece, painting a picture of a dark, foreboding landscape.

Throughout the poem, Strand uses images of nature to convey the protagonist's emotions. For example, the line "I became a tree, my leaves / rustling in the wind," creates a powerful image of the protagonist's transformation. The use of the tree as a metaphor for the protagonist's growth is particularly effective, as it highlights the natural process of self-discovery.

Symbolism

Giving Myself Up is a richly symbolic poem, with elements that are open to interpretation. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the darkness. The darkness represents the unknown, the subconscious, and the depths of the protagonist's psyche. By giving himself up to the darkness, the protagonist is venturing into the unknown, taking a leap of faith in his search for self-discovery.

Another important symbol in the poem is the tree. As mentioned earlier, the tree is a metaphor for the protagonist's growth and transformation. The tree represents the natural process of self-discovery, with the protagonist shedding his old identity in order to grow and change.

Structure

The structure of Giving Myself Up is simple but effective. The poem is made up of six stanzas, each with three lines. The use of tercets creates a sense of rhythm and flow, with each stanza building upon the previous one. The repetition of the phrase "I gave myself up" throughout the poem also adds to the sense of continuity and progression.

One interesting aspect of the poem's structure is the lack of punctuation. There are no periods, commas, or other punctuation marks in the poem, giving it a sense of fluidity and allowing the ideas to flow freely. This lack of punctuation also adds to the sense of isolation and detachment that permeates the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mark Strand's Giving Myself Up is a stunning piece of modern poetry that explores themes of self-discovery, isolation, and the human condition. Through its rich imagery, powerful symbolism, and simple but effective structure, the poem draws the reader into the protagonist's world and reveals his innermost thoughts and emotions.

Giving Myself Up is a journey of self-exploration, and the protagonist's struggles are a reflection of our own. The poem reminds us that we must let go of our old identities in order to grow and change, and that the unknown can be a powerful force for transformation.

Overall, Giving Myself Up is a remarkable work of literature that showcases Mark Strand's mastery of the craft. It is a poem that deserves to be studied and appreciated for its depth and beauty, and I am excited to continue exploring its many facets in the years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Giving Myself Up: An Analysis of Mark Strand's Classic Poem

Mark Strand's poem, Giving Myself Up, is a classic piece of literature that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a beautiful and haunting exploration of the human condition, and it speaks to the universal experience of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and we will examine how Strand uses these elements to create a powerful and moving work of art.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a moment of surrender, a moment when he gives himself up to the world around him. He says, "I give myself up to the earth, / To the sky, to the water, / To the very air I breathe." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker relinquishes control and allows himself to be carried along by the forces of nature. This surrender is not a passive act, however; it is an act of courage and faith, as the speaker puts his trust in the world around him.

Throughout the poem, Strand uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. For example, he describes the "darkness that surrounds me / Like a cloak," and the "wind that whispers in my ear / Like a lover." These images are both beautiful and haunting, and they create a sense of mystery and wonder that draws the reader in.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of loss and grief. The speaker describes how he has lost everything that he once held dear, and how he is now adrift in a world that seems empty and meaningless. He says, "I have lost everything, / And now I am nothing." This sense of loss is palpable throughout the poem, and it creates a sense of sadness and longing that is both poignant and powerful.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of transformation. The speaker describes how he is changing, how he is becoming something new and different. He says, "I am becoming the wind, / The water, the earth." This transformation is both physical and spiritual, as the speaker becomes one with the natural world around him. This idea of transformation is a powerful one, and it speaks to the idea that we are all constantly changing and evolving, even in the face of loss and grief.

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also rich and evocative. Strand uses a variety of poetic devices, such as repetition, alliteration, and metaphor, to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "I give myself up" throughout the poem, creating a sense of momentum and forward motion. He also uses alliteration to create a sense of unity and harmony, as in the line "I am becoming the wind, / The water, the earth."

Overall, Giving Myself Up is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss, grief, and transformation. Strand's use of vivid imagery, simple language, and poetic devices creates a sense of beauty and wonder that is both haunting and uplifting. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and it is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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