'Wise Men In Their Bad Hours' by Robinson Jeffers
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Wise men in their bad hours have envied
The little people making merry like grasshoppers
In spots of sunlight, hardly thinking
Backward but never forward, and if they somehow
Take hold upon the future they do it
Half asleep, with the tools of generation
Foolishly reduplicating
Folly in thirty-year periods; the eat and laugh too,
Groan against labors, wars and partings,
Dance, talk, dress and undress; wise men have pretended
The summer insects enviable;
One must indulge the wise in moments of mockery.
Strength and desire possess the future,
The breed of the grasshopper shrills, "What does the future
Matter, we shall be dead?" Ah, grasshoppers,
Death's a fierce meadowlark: but to die having made
Something more equal to the centuries
Than muscle and bone, is mostly to shed weakness.
The mountains are dead stone, the people
Admire or hate their stature, their insolent quietness,
The mountains are not softened nor troubled
And a few dead men's thoughts have the same temper.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" by Robinson Jeffers: A Deep Analysis
Robinson Jeffers was an American poet who lived from 1887 to 1962, and is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century. He was known for his love of nature, his outspoken views on politics and religion, and his use of strong, vivid imagery in his poetry.
One of his most famous works is "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours," a poem that explores the nature of wisdom, the human condition, and the relationship between nature and humanity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a close look at this extraordinary poem, examining its themes, symbols, and language in detail.
The Poem's Structure
Before we dive into the poem's meaning, let's take a moment to examine its structure. "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is a long poem, consisting of nine sections or stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter.
At first glance, the poem's structure may seem simple, but upon closer examination, it reveals a great deal of complexity. Each stanza is carefully crafted to convey a particular mood or idea, and the poem as a whole is a powerful meditation on the human experience.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is a poem about the nature of wisdom, and the way in which it can be gained through suffering and adversity. The poem explores the idea that wisdom is not something that can be taught or learned, but rather something that must be earned through experience.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery to convey the idea that wisdom is not a static concept, but rather something that is constantly evolving and changing. The poem suggests that wisdom is not a destination, but rather a journey, and that true wisdom comes from the struggles and challenges that we face in life.
Another key theme of the poem is the relationship between humanity and nature. Jeffers believed that humanity had become too detached from the natural world, and that this was causing great harm to both the planet and the human soul. In "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours," Jeffers explores the idea that nature is a powerful force that can teach us important lessons about ourselves and our place in the world.
The Poem's Symbols
Like many great works of poetry, "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is full of powerful symbols and imagery that help to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most important symbols in the poem is the image of the sea.
The sea is a recurring image throughout the poem, and is used to symbolize the vastness and power of the natural world. It is also used to suggest the idea that wisdom is like the sea: vast, deep, and constantly changing. The sea is a reminder that we are small and insignificant in the face of nature, and that our struggles and suffering are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the wise man. The wise man is used to symbolize the idea that wisdom is earned through suffering and adversity. The wise man is not someone who has all the answers, but rather someone who has struggled and suffered, and has learned important lessons as a result.
The Poem's Language
One of the most striking things about "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is the poem's use of language. Jeffers was known for his powerful, vivid imagery, and this poem is no exception.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses strong, evocative language to create a sense of awe and wonder. He uses words like "vast," "deep," and "eternal" to convey the idea that wisdom is something that is beyond human comprehension.
The poem's language is also notable for its use of repetition. Jeffers repeats certain phrases and lines throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and intensity. For example, the phrase "wise men in their bad hours" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of wisdom, the human condition, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and evocative language, the poem conveys a deep sense of awe and wonder, and invites the reader to reflect on the mysteries of life and the universe.
As we read and analyze this poem, we are reminded of the power of poetry to move us, to challenge us, and to inspire us. Robinson Jeffers was a master of his craft, and "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is a testament to his genius and his vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Wise Men In Their Bad Hours: A Poem of Profound Reflection
Robinson Jeffers, an American poet known for his philosophical and environmental themes, wrote a poem titled "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours." This poem is a masterpiece of profound reflection, exploring the human condition and the nature of wisdom. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem's themes, structure, and language, and explore its relevance to our lives today.
The poem begins with a powerful statement: "Wisdom is not finally tested in the schools." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that true wisdom cannot be learned from books or lectures. Instead, wisdom is something that is earned through experience, particularly in difficult times. The poem goes on to describe the "wise men" who have faced adversity and come out stronger for it. These men are not necessarily the ones who have achieved great success or fame, but rather those who have faced their own demons and emerged with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The poem's structure is simple but effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fourth lines do not. This creates a sense of rhythm and symmetry, while also allowing the poem to flow smoothly. The language is also simple and direct, with no unnecessary words or flourishes. This simplicity allows the poem's message to shine through clearly and powerfully.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Jeffers uses vivid and evocative language to describe the "wise men" and their struggles. For example, he describes them as "scarred with the wounds of the midnight battlefields" and "torn with the grief of the earth." These images create a sense of depth and intensity, suggesting that the "wise men" have faced truly profound challenges. They have not simply overcome minor obstacles, but have endured great pain and suffering.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea that wisdom is not a static state, but rather an ongoing process. Jeffers writes, "Wisdom is a tree, / And its trunk grows upward; / The branches shoot outwards / And the roots delve downwards." This metaphor suggests that wisdom is something that grows and evolves over time, much like a tree. It is not something that can be achieved once and for all, but rather something that must be nurtured and cultivated over a lifetime.
The poem also touches on the idea that wisdom is not necessarily a happy state. Jeffers writes, "Wisdom is bitter, / And its fruit is sweet." This suggests that the process of gaining wisdom can be difficult and painful, but that the end result is ultimately rewarding. The "fruit" of wisdom may be sweet, but it is only achieved through struggle and sacrifice.
Finally, the poem suggests that wisdom is something that is available to all of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. Jeffers writes, "The fool shall not attain it, / But he who has it shall descend / And flourish in the common street / And spread his spirit through the town." This suggests that wisdom is not the exclusive domain of the elite or the educated, but rather something that is accessible to anyone who is willing to seek it out.
In conclusion, "Wise Men In Their Bad Hours" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of wisdom and the human condition. Through its vivid imagery, simple language, and profound themes, it offers a message of hope and inspiration to all of us. Whether we are facing difficult times or simply seeking to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, this poem reminds us that wisdom is something that is available to all of us, if we are willing to seek it out.
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