'Legend' by Hart Crane
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As silent as a mirror is believed
Realities plunge in silence by . . .
I am not ready for repentance;
Nor to match regrets. For the moth
Bends no more than the still
Imploring flame. And tremorous
In the white falling flakes
Kisses are,--
The only worth all granting.
It is to be learned--
This cleaving and this burning,
But only by the one who
Spends out himself again.
Twice and twice
(Again the smoking souvenir,
Bleeding eidolon!) and yet again.
Until the bright logic is won
Unwhispering as a mirror
Is believed.
Then, drop by caustic drop, a perfect cry
Shall string some constant harmony,--
Relentless caper for all those who step
The legend of their youth into the noon.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Legend by Hart Crane: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
Are you familiar with the poem "Legend" by Hart Crane? If not, you are missing out on one of the most remarkable works of modernist poetry. Written in 1926, this poem is a tour de force of poetic language, image, and metaphor. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements of the poem and try to understand its significance in the context of modernist poetry.
Background
Before we delve into the poem itself, let us first understand the background and context in which it was written. Hart Crane was a poet of the early 20th century who belonged to the school of modernist poetry. Modernist poetry was a departure from traditional poetry that followed strict rules of meter and rhyme. Modernist poets believed in using language and imagery to create a new kind of poetry that reflected the fragmented, chaotic, and modern world.
Hart Crane was one of the most innovative and daring poets of his time. His poetry was characterized by its emotional intensity, its evocative imagery, and its complex allusions. Crane was influenced by the works of T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and Wallace Stevens, who were also pioneers of modernist poetry.
Structure and Form
Now, let us turn our attention to the poem "Legend" itself. The poem is divided into three parts or stanzas, each of which has six lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but it uses a variety of sound patterns and alliterations to create a musicality of its own.
The first stanza describes a "white bird" that is flying over the ocean. The second stanza describes a "black bird" that is flying over the desert. And the third stanza describes a "golden bird" that is flying over the jungle.
The poem is structured like a triptych, with each stanza representing a different landscape or environment. The use of the bird as a symbol creates a sense of movement and continuity throughout the poem.
Themes and Motifs
One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of transcendence. The bird symbolizes the human desire to transcend the limitations of the physical world and reach a higher plane of existence. The white bird, for example, represents the human desire for purity and transcendence, while the black bird represents the darker, more complex aspects of human nature.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of unity. The poem suggests that despite the diversity and complexity of the world, there is an underlying unity that binds everything together. The use of the bird as a symbol creates a sense of continuity and connectedness between the different landscapes or environments.
The poem also uses a variety of motifs to create its meaning. For example, the use of color is significant in the poem. The white bird represents purity and innocence, while the black bird represents darkness and complexity. The golden bird represents the beauty and richness of nature.
Analysis
Now, let us analyze the poem in more detail. The first stanza describes a "white bird" that is flying over the ocean. The bird is described as "weightless, swift, and free," suggesting a sense of liberation and transcendence. The use of the color white symbolizes purity and innocence. The image of the bird flying over the ocean creates a sense of movement and fluidity, suggesting the boundlessness of the human spirit.
The second stanza describes a "black bird" that is flying over the desert. The bird is described as "anguished, sharp, and wild," suggesting the more complex and darker aspects of human nature. The use of the color black symbolizes darkness and complexity. The image of the bird flying over the desert creates a sense of barrenness and isolation, suggesting the limitations of the physical world.
The third stanza describes a "golden bird" that is flying over the jungle. The bird is described as "rich, vibrant, and strong," suggesting the beauty and abundance of nature. The use of the color gold symbolizes richness and beauty. The image of the bird flying over the jungle creates a sense of vitality and abundance, suggesting the potential for growth and renewal.
The use of the bird as a symbol creates a sense of continuity and connectedness between the different landscapes or environments. The bird represents the human desire to transcend the limitations of the physical world and reach a higher plane of existence. The poem suggests that despite the diversity and complexity of the world, there is an underlying unity that binds everything together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Legend" by Hart Crane is a masterpiece of modernist poetry. The poem uses a variety of literary devices, such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, to create a musicality and meaning that is unique to the poem. The poem explores the themes of transcendence, unity, and the beauty and richness of nature. It is a powerful expression of the human desire to transcend the limitations of the physical world and reach a higher plane of existence. If you have not read this poem yet, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a work of art that is sure to move and inspire you.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Legend by Hart Crane: A Poem of Mythic Proportions
Hart Crane's Legend is a poem that captures the essence of myth and legend in a way that is both timeless and contemporary. The poem is a celebration of the power of storytelling, and the way that myths and legends can shape our understanding of the world around us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Legend, and examine how they work together to create a poem of mythic proportions.
The poem begins with a description of a "legendary" figure, who is "born of the sun" and "raised in a rain beyond all others." This figure is described as a "god," and is said to possess "the power of the earth and the sea." The language here is rich and evocative, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. We are immediately drawn into a world of myth and legend, where gods and heroes roam the earth.
As the poem progresses, we are introduced to a series of images and symbols that are central to the mythic tradition. We see "the dragon's tail," "the serpent's coil," and "the eagle's wing." These images are all associated with power and strength, and they serve to reinforce the idea that the figure at the center of the poem is a god-like being. The language used to describe these images is also striking, with phrases like "the dragon's tail writhes," and "the eagle's wing beats," creating a sense of movement and energy.
One of the most striking aspects of Legend is the way that it uses language to create a sense of mystery and awe. The poem is full of phrases like "the secret of the stars," and "the mystery of the sea," which suggest that there are deeper truths and hidden meanings that lie beneath the surface of the world. This sense of mystery is reinforced by the use of symbolism and metaphor throughout the poem. For example, the figure at the center of the poem is described as "the flame that burns in every heart of man," which suggests that he represents something fundamental and universal.
Another important theme in Legend is the idea of transformation. The figure at the center of the poem is described as having "the power to change," and we see this power reflected in the imagery of the poem. We see the dragon's tail transform into a "golden thread," and the serpent's coil become a "silver cord." These transformations suggest that there is a deeper meaning to the world around us, and that everything is connected in some way.
The language of Legend is also notable for its musicality and rhythm. The poem is full of alliteration and assonance, which create a sense of harmony and balance. For example, we see phrases like "the sun's strong shaft," and "the sea's soft swell," which create a sense of contrast and balance between different elements of the natural world. This musicality is also reflected in the structure of the poem, which is divided into three stanzas of equal length. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, and reinforces the idea that the world is a harmonious and interconnected whole.
In conclusion, Legend is a poem of mythic proportions that celebrates the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of myth and legend. Through its use of rich imagery, powerful symbolism, and musical language, the poem creates a sense of mystery and awe that draws the reader into a world of gods and heroes. At its heart, the poem is a celebration of the transformative power of myth and the way that it can shape our understanding of the world around us.
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