'Why He Was There' by Edwin Arlington Robinson
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Much as he left it when he went from us
Here was the room again where he had been
So long that something oh him should be seen,
Or felt—and so it was. Incredulous,
I turned about, loath to be greeted thus,
And there he was in his old chair, serene
As ever, and as laconic as lean
As when he lived, and as cadaverous.
Calm as he was of old when we were young,
He sat there gazing at the pallid flame
Before him. "And how far will this go on?"
I thought. He felt the failure of my tongue,
And smiled: "I was not here until you came;
And I shall not be here when you are gone."
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Why He Was There: An Analysis of Edwin Arlington Robinson's Poem
"Somewhere, on any map, the truth is there," declares Edwin Arlington Robinson in his poem "Why He Was There." The poem, a narrative of a man's reflections on his past, present, and future, is a powerful commentary on the human condition. With its subtle imagery and precise language, the poem invites readers to explore the deeper meanings behind the protagonist's journey.
Summary of the Poem
"Why He Was There" follows the internal musings of a man as he reflects on his life. The poem begins with the man sitting alone, contemplating his existence. Robinson uses imagery to create a sense of loneliness and isolation, with the man's surroundings described as "drear," "silent," and "still." The man reflects on his youth, his lost loves, and his failures.
The poem then shifts to the present, where the man finds himself in a foreign land. He reflects on the choices that led him there, wondering if he is running away from something or towards something. He feels lost and disconnected from the world around him.
As the poem progresses, the man's thoughts turn to the future. He wonders what will become of him and what legacy he will leave behind. He contemplates the idea of death and the possibility of an afterlife. The poem ends with the man still lost in thought, still searching for answers.
Analysis of the Poem
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the entire work. Robinson's use of imagery creates a sense of foreboding and despair. The man is alone in a "drear and silent land," with "no living soul" to keep him company. This imagery creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, a theme that runs throughout the poem.
The man's reflections on his past reveal a life full of regret and missed opportunities. He remembers lost loves and wonders what could have been. Robinson's use of language is precise and evocative, with lines like "the ghosts of girls he had not kissed" creating a sense of longing and melancholy.
The man's reflections on his present situation are equally poignant. He finds himself in a foreign land, surrounded by people he does not know. He wonders if he is running away from something or towards something. Robinson's use of language is again precise and evocative, with lines like "was he running to or from?" creating a sense of uncertainty and confusion.
The poem's final section, where the man reflects on his future, is perhaps the most powerful. He wonders what will become of him and what legacy he will leave behind. He contemplates the idea of death and the possibility of an afterlife. Robinson's use of language is again precise and evocative, with lines like "where is the road that leads to God?" creating a sense of awe and wonder.
The poem ends with the man still lost in thought, still searching for answers. Robinson's use of language throughout the poem invites readers to join in the man's search for meaning.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Why He Was There" is a powerful commentary on the human condition. The man's reflections on his past, present, and future are universal themes that everyone can relate to. Robinson's use of imagery and language creates a sense of isolation and despair that is both haunting and beautiful.
The poem invites readers to join the man in his search for meaning. Through the man's reflections, readers are encouraged to contemplate their own lives, their own regrets, and their own hopes for the future. The poem reminds us that life is fleeting and that we should strive to make the most of every moment.
At its core, "Why He Was There" is a poem about the search for meaning and purpose. The man in the poem is searching for something, but he is not entirely sure what it is. His reflections on his past, present, and future are an attempt to understand his place in the world.
Conclusion
"Somewhere, on any map, the truth is there," declares Edwin Arlington Robinson in his poem "Why He Was There." The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition, inviting readers to join the protagonist in his search for meaning and purpose.
Through the man's reflections on his past, present, and future, Robinson creates a sense of isolation and despair. But the poem is ultimately a hopeful one, reminding us that life is fleeting and that we should strive to make the most of every moment.
"Why He Was There" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, with its precise language and haunting imagery. It is a poem that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it, inviting them to continue their own search for meaning and purpose.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Why He Was There: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression
Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Why He Was There" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life. The poem is a poignant reflection on the human condition, and it speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost and disconnected from the world around us.
The poem begins with a description of a man who is standing alone in a field, looking out at the world around him. The man is described as being "lonely as a cloud," and the imagery of the empty field and the solitary figure creates a sense of isolation and emptiness. The man is not described in detail, but we get the sense that he is a lost soul, searching for something that he cannot find.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the man and his reasons for being there. We discover that he is a soldier, and that he has come to this place to fight in a war. The war is not named, but it is clear that it is a brutal and bloody conflict, and that the man is deeply affected by what he has seen and experienced.
The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, but it is filled with powerful imagery and symbolism. The field where the man stands is described as being "barren and brown," and the sky above is "gray and low." These images create a sense of desolation and despair, and they reflect the man's own feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The poem also uses a number of powerful metaphors to convey its message. The man is compared to a "wounded bird," and the war is described as a "storm." These metaphors create a sense of vulnerability and fragility, and they highlight the destructive nature of war and violence.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its exploration of the theme of loneliness. The man is described as being "lonely as a cloud," and this image captures the sense of isolation and disconnection that he feels. The poem suggests that this loneliness is not just a personal experience, but a universal one. We are all, in some sense, alone in the world, and we all struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
The poem also explores the theme of the search for meaning. The man is searching for something, but he cannot find it. He is looking for a sense of purpose and direction, but he is lost in a world that seems meaningless and chaotic. The poem suggests that this search for meaning is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that it is something that we all must grapple with.
In conclusion, "Why He Was There" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life. Through its use of powerful imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, the poem captures the sense of despair and hopelessness that can come from living in a world that seems devoid of meaning. At the same time, the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, there is still the possibility of finding meaning and purpose in our lives.
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