'To A Young Artist' by Robinson Jeffers


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay


It is good for strength not to be merciful
To its own weakness, good for the deep urn to run
over, good to explore
The peaks and the deeps, who can endure it,
Good to be hurt, who can be healed afterward: but
you that have whetted consciousness
Too bitter an edge, too keenly daring,
So that the color of a leaf can make you tremble
and your own thoughts like harriers
Tear the live mind: were your bones mountains,
Your blood rivers to endure it? and all that labor
of discipline labors to death.
Delight is exquisite, pain is more present;
You have sold the armor, you have bought shining
with burning, one should be stronger than
strength
To fight baresark in the stabbing field
In the rage of the stars: I tell you unconsciousness
is the treasure, the tower, the fortress;
Referred to that one may live anything;
The temple and the tower: poor dancer on the flints
and shards in the temple porches, turn home.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Interpretation of Robinson Jeffers' "To A Young Artist"

Seriously, who doesn't love a good classic poem? And when it comes to Robinson Jeffers' "To A Young Artist," we're talking about a legendary work of art. This poem is not only emotionally charged, but it's also philosophically profound, which makes it an ideal piece for literary criticism and interpretation.

So, buckle up and get ready to delve into the world of "To A Young Artist."

About the Poem

"To A Young Artist" is a piece of poetry that was written by Robinson Jeffers, an American poet known for his literary contributions in the early 1900s. Jeffers was born in Pennsylvania in 1887 and later moved to California, where he became a prominent writer.

"To A Young Artist" presents a powerful message to the young artists of the world. The poem is a manifesto of sorts, encouraging artists to stay true to their vision and not to give in to society's expectations of them.

Jeffers wrote "To A Young Artist" during a time when the world was going through significant changes. The industrial revolution was at its peak, and people were starting to question the value of art in the face of modernization. Jeffers was a strong believer in the power of art and felt that it was essential for society's well-being.

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a specific rhyme or meter. This style of writing gives Jeffers' words a natural flow, allowing the reader to focus on the message he is trying to convey.

The Message of the Poem

"To A Young Artist" is a poem that offers a message of hope and encouragement to young artists. Jeffers believed that artists had a responsibility to use their creativity to improve society. This message is evident in the poem's opening lines:

The world stands out on either side
No wider than the heart is wide;
Above the world is stretched the sky,—
No higher than the soul is high.

These lines suggest that the world is not as expansive as we think it is. Instead, the world is only as wide as our hearts can perceive it. Jeffers encourages young artists to see beyond the surface of things and to create art that reflects the depth of their souls.

The poem's central message is one of staying true to oneself. Jeffers warns against the dangers of conforming to society's expectations, stating that "The world forgets and disappears, / The flesh shall rot, the dust shall go." Jeffers is saying that if we base our art on what society expects of us, our work will be forgotten and lost in the sands of time.

In the final stanza of the poem, Jeffers gives his readers the ultimate challenge. He urges young artists to strive for authenticity in their creations, stating that "Build it well and carefully, / It must be perfect, it must last."

Interpretation of the Poem

"To A Young Artist" is a poem about the transformative power of art. It suggests that art has the potential to change society and that artists have a responsibility to use their talent for the greater good.

The poem's central message is that artists must stay true to their vision, even in the face of adversity. Jeffers suggests that society has a way of pressuring artists to conform to its expectations, and that this pressure can be damaging to the creative process.

Jeffers' use of free verse is significant, as it allows him to create a natural flow to his words. This style of writing reflects his belief that art should be natural and authentic. Jeffers encourages his readers to let their creativity flow and to create works that reflect their true selves.

The poem's final stanza is the most resonant. Jeffers challenges young artists to create works that are perfect and long-lasting. This challenge is not meant to discourage young artists but rather to inspire them to strive for excellence in their craft.

Conclusion

"To A Young Artist" is a powerful poem that offers a message of hope and encouragement to young artists. Jeffers believed that art had the power to change society and that artists had a responsibility to use their creativity for the greater good.

The poem's central message is one of staying true to oneself. Jeffers encourages young artists to see beyond the surface of things and to create works that reflect the depth of their souls. The poem's final stanza is the most powerful, as Jeffers challenges young artists to create works that are perfect and long-lasting.

Overall, "To A Young Artist" is an excellent example of Jeffers' literary contributions. It's a timeless piece that still resonates with readers today, making it a classic in every sense of the word.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To A Young Artist: A Masterpiece of Inspiration and Guidance

Robinson Jeffers, the renowned American poet, has left behind a legacy of literary works that have inspired generations of readers and writers. Among his many masterpieces, "To A Young Artist" stands out as a timeless piece of advice and encouragement for aspiring artists. This poem, written in 1940, is a heartfelt message to all young artists who are struggling to find their voice and purpose in life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand its significance and relevance to the modern world.

The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "As you lean from the high window." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of imagery and symbolism. The window represents the artist's perspective, the vantage point from which they view the world. The height of the window suggests that the artist has a unique and elevated view of the world, one that is not shared by ordinary people. This idea is reinforced in the next line: "you whisper to me that the world is a vale of soul-making." Here, Jeffers is echoing the Romantic poets who believed that art is a means of exploring the deeper truths of life and the human condition. The phrase "vale of soul-making" suggests that the world is a place where the soul is tested and refined, and that art is a way of capturing and expressing this process.

The second stanza of the poem is a call to action for the young artist. Jeffers urges them to "make something now." This is not just a suggestion, but a command. The urgency of the language ("now") suggests that the artist must act quickly and decisively, before the opportunity is lost. The phrase "make something" is deliberately vague, allowing the artist to interpret it in their own way. It could mean creating a work of art, but it could also mean taking action in some other way, such as standing up for a cause or pursuing a dream. The important thing is that the artist must do something, rather than just sit back and observe.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and inspiring. Jeffers tells the young artist that they have a unique gift, one that is not shared by others. He says, "You have the power to make life beautiful." This is a bold statement, but one that is backed up by the rest of the poem. Jeffers believes that art has the power to transform the world, to make it a better and more beautiful place. He urges the artist to use their gift wisely, to create something that will endure and inspire others.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a warning to the young artist. Jeffers tells them that the road ahead will not be easy, that they will face many obstacles and challenges. He says, "The road is hard, the sea is dark." This is a metaphor for the difficulties that the artist will encounter on their journey. The sea represents the unknown, the uncharted waters that the artist must navigate. The darkness suggests that the artist will not always know where they are going, that they will have to rely on their intuition and creativity to find their way.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a message of hope and encouragement. Jeffers tells the young artist that they are not alone, that there are others who share their vision and their passion. He says, "But do not fear, the stars are shining." This is a metaphor for the community of artists and thinkers who have gone before, who have paved the way for the young artist. The stars represent the legacy of art and culture that the artist is a part of, and that they will contribute to in their own way.

In terms of structure, "To A Young Artist" is a five-stanza poem, each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and freedom, reflecting the creative spirit of the young artist. The language of the poem is simple and direct, but also rich in imagery and symbolism. Jeffers uses metaphors and allusions to convey his message, but he does so in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.

In conclusion, "To A Young Artist" is a masterpiece of inspiration and guidance. Robinson Jeffers has crafted a poem that speaks directly to the heart of the young artist, urging them to pursue their dreams and create something beautiful. The poem is full of symbolism and imagery, but it is also grounded in reality, acknowledging the challenges and difficulties that the artist will face. Ultimately, Jeffers' message is one of hope and encouragement, reminding the young artist that they are not alone, and that their work has the power to transform the world. This poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of art and creativity, and it will continue to inspire generations of artists to come.

Editor Recommended Sites

ML Privacy:
Learn DBT: Tutorials and courses on learning DBT
Learn to Code Videos: Video tutorials and courses on learning to code
Crypto Rank - Top Ranking crypto alt coins measured on a rate of change basis: Find the best coins for this next alt season
Decentralized Apps - crypto dapps: Decentralized apps running from webassembly powered by blockchain

Recommended Similar Analysis

The Vanishing Red by Robert Frost analysis
After Apple Picking by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Sounds of grief by Sappho analysis
A Last Confession by William Butler Yeats analysis
To A Shade by William Butler Yeats analysis
Evening Star by William Blake analysis
The Emperor Of Ice-Cream by Wallace Stevens analysis
Anecdote Of The Jar by Wallace Stevens analysis
Sonnet 30: When to the sessions of sweet silent thought by William Shakespeare analysis
Kin To Sorrow by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis