'Halley's Comet' by Stanley Kunitz
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Miss Murphy in first grade
wrote its name in chalk
across the board and told us
it was roaring down the stormtracks
of the Milky Way at frightful speed
and if it wandered off its course
and smashed into the earth
there'd be no school tomorrow.
A red-bearded preacher from the hills
with a wild look in his eyes
stood in the public square
at the playground's edge
proclaiming he was sent by God
to save every one of us,
even the little children.
"Repent, ye sinners!" he shouted,
waving his hand-lettered sign.
At supper I felt sad to think
that it was probably
the last meal I'd share
with my mother and my sisters;
but I felt excited too
and scarcely touched my plate.
So mother scolded me
and sent me early to my room.
The whole family's asleep
except for me. They never heard me steal
into the stairwell hall and climb
the ladder to the fresh night air.
Look for me, Father, on the roof
of the red brick building
at the foot of Green Street --
that's where we live, you know, on the top floor.
I'm the boy in the white flannel gown
sprawled on this coarse gravel bed
searching the starry sky,
waiting for the world to end.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Halley's Comet by Stanley Kunitz: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you excited about comets? Do you wonder about their mysterious movements and the impact they have on our universe? If so, then you might enjoy Stanley Kunitz's poem, "Halley's Comet." This classic poem takes us on a journey through time and space, exploring the power and beauty of this celestial phenomenon. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the various themes and techniques employed by Kunitz in his poem.
Form and Structure
"Halley's Comet" is a free verse poem, which means it does not have a specific rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, the poem is structured around a series of ten numbered sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the comet. This structure allows Kunitz to move seamlessly between different themes and ideas, while also providing a sense of progression and development throughout the poem.
One interesting feature of the poem is the way Kunitz uses repetition and variation to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, in the first section, he repeats the phrase "I have come" three times, each time adding a new detail about the comet's journey. This repetition creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, as we wait to see where the comet will take us next.
Themes and Motifs
Throughout the poem, Kunitz explores a variety of themes related to the comet's power and significance. One key motif is the idea of the comet as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. In the second section, Kunitz describes the comet as a "messenger / from the heart of the universe / announcing the birth / of a new age." This image of the comet heralding a new era suggests that even in the midst of destruction and chaos, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the comet as a force of destruction and upheaval. In the fourth section, Kunitz describes the comet's impact on the earth, saying that "its tail blazed like a sword / cutting through the darkness / of our small world." This image of the comet as a weapon suggests that its power is not always benevolent or beneficial, and that its influence can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "Halley's Comet" is the vivid imagery and symbolism that Kunitz employs throughout the poem. From the opening lines, he uses language that is both evocative and precise, creating a sense of wonder and mystery around the comet. For example, in the third section, he describes the comet as "a fiery dragon / breathing flames / across the night sky." This image of the comet as a dragon suggests both its power and its danger, while also tapping into the rich mythology and symbolism associated with dragons in many cultures.
Another powerful image in the poem is the comet's tail, which Kunitz describes in a variety of ways throughout the poem. In the fifth section, he says that the tail is "a river of light / flowing from the comet's heart," while in the seventh section, he describes it as "a whip / lashing the stars." These images suggest both the beauty and the danger of the comet's tail, which can be both mesmerizing and destructive.
Tone and Mood
Throughout "Halley's Comet," Kunitz employs a tone that is both reverent and awestruck. He speaks of the comet in lofty terms, as if it were a deity or a celestial being of immense power and significance. At the same time, there is a sense of humility and wonder in his words, as if he is grappling with something that is beyond his understanding.
The mood of the poem is similarly complex, shifting between moments of awe, fear, and wonder. At times, Kunitz seems almost overwhelmed by the comet's power and beauty, while at other times he speaks of it with a sense of detachment and objectivity. This shifting mood and tone creates a sense of dynamic tension throughout the poem, as we are never quite sure how to feel about the comet or what it represents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Halley's Comet" by Stanley Kunitz is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the awe-inspiring beauty and terrifying power of this celestial phenomenon. Through its vivid imagery, complex themes, and dynamic structure, the poem invites us to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and our place within it. Whether you are a lover of poetry, a fan of astronomy, or simply someone who wonders about the nature of existence, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Halley's Comet: A Poetic Ode to the Celestial Visitor
As the night sky lights up with the arrival of Halley's Comet, one cannot help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the celestial visitor. The same sense of awe and wonder is captured in the classic poem "Halley's Comet" by Stanley Kunitz. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand the poet's message and the significance of Halley's Comet.
Overview of the Poem
"Halley's Comet" is a short poem that consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows the poet to convey his message in a concise and powerful way.
The poem begins with the line "Miss Murphy in first grade," which immediately sets the tone and establishes the poem's nostalgic and reflective mood. The poet then goes on to describe Miss Murphy's excitement at the arrival of Halley's Comet, which she had seen in 1910. The second stanza shifts the focus to the poet's own experience of seeing the comet in 1986, and the final stanza concludes with a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of the universe.
Themes
One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The poet uses the image of Halley's Comet, which only appears once every 76 years, to illustrate this theme. The poem's opening line, "Miss Murphy in first grade," immediately establishes a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. The fact that Miss Murphy saw the comet in 1910, and the poet saw it in 1986, highlights the vast expanse of time that has passed between the two sightings.
Another theme of the poem is the beauty and wonder of the universe. The poet uses the image of Halley's Comet to convey the sense of awe and wonder that comes with witnessing a celestial event. The lines "We looked and looked / where she pointed, / but all we saw / was the dark" capture the sense of anticipation and disappointment that comes with waiting for the comet to appear. However, the final stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the beauty of the universe as a whole, rather than just the comet. The lines "the universe / pouring itself into that tiny / gulf between our houses" convey the sense of vastness and wonder that comes with contemplating the universe.
Language and Imagery
The language and imagery of the poem are simple yet powerful. The poet uses vivid imagery to convey the sense of wonder and beauty that comes with witnessing Halley's Comet. The lines "a fireball / riding in her hair" and "a huge comet / that flared like a flag" capture the sense of awe and excitement that comes with seeing the comet.
The poet also uses metaphor and personification to convey his message. The line "the universe / pouring itself into that tiny / gulf between our houses" personifies the universe and gives it a sense of agency. The metaphor of the comet as a "fireball" and a "flag" conveys the sense of power and majesty that comes with witnessing a celestial event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Halley's Comet" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the sense of wonder and beauty that comes with witnessing a celestial event. The poem's themes of the passage of time and the beauty of the universe are conveyed through the poet's use of language and imagery. The simple yet effective structure of the poem allows the poet to convey his message in a concise and powerful way. As we gaze up at the night sky and witness the arrival of Halley's Comet, we can take comfort in the fact that we are part of something much larger and more beautiful than ourselves.
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