'Tor House' by Robinson Jeffers
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If you should look for this place after a handful
of lifetimes:
Perhaps of my planted forest a few
May stand yet, dark-leaved Australians or the coast
cypress, haggard
With storm-drift; but fire and the axe are devils.
Look for foundations of sea-worn granite, my fingers
had the art
To make stone love stone, you will find some remnant.
But if you should look in your idleness after ten
thousand years:
It is the granite knoll on the granite
And lava tongue in the midst of the bay, by the mouth
of the Carmel
River-valley, these four will remain
In the change of names. You will know it by the wild
sea-fragrance of wind
Though the ocean may have climbed or retired a little;
You will know it by the valley inland that our sun
and our moon were born from
Before the poles changed; and Orion in December
Evenings was strung in the throat of the valley like
a lamp-lighted bridge.
Come in the morning you will see white gulls
Weaving a dance over blue water, the wane of the moon
Their dance-companion, a ghost walking
By daylight, but wider and whiter than any bird in
the world.
My ghost you needn't look for; it is probably
Here, but a dark one, deep in the granite, not
dancing on wind
With the mad wings and the day moon.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tor House: An Ode to Nature and Creativity
Robinson Jeffers, the celebrated American poet, was known for his love of nature and his unique poetic style that blended classical forms with modernist sensibilities. His poem, "Tor House," is a perfect example of his artistic vision, as it celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the power of creativity to transform it.
The Poem
"Tor House" is a long poem that consists of 22 stanzas, each containing eight lines. The poem is named after the house that Jeffers built for himself and his family in Carmel, California, which was made of local stones and served as a symbol of his connection to the land.
The poem begins with a description of the rugged coastline of Carmel and the tor, or rocky outcropping, that rises above it. Jeffers describes the tor as "a granite wave" that "breaks into foam of stone" and "flings its spray of birds" into the air. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Jeffers uses the tor and the surrounding landscape as a metaphor for the creative process.
Jeffers goes on to describe the house that he built on the tor, which he calls "a house of stone." He describes how he "set the stones," "fitted them together," and "carved their faces." He also describes the animals and plants that he has coexisting in his garden, and how they are all part of the same ecosystem.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery and rich language to describe the natural world. He describes the tor as a "stony ship" that "sails above the trees," and the ocean as a "blue beast" that "rolls its smooth flanks." He also describes the animals that inhabit the landscape, such as the eagle that "drops like a thunderbolt" and the deer that "runs through the surf." These images create a vivid and powerful portrait of nature that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "Tor House" is a celebration of nature and creativity. Jeffers uses the tor and the surrounding landscape as a metaphor for the creative process, showing how art can transform the raw materials of the world into something beautiful and meaningful. The house that he built on the tor serves as a symbol of this creative process, as it represents the transformation of the natural world into something human-made and beautiful.
In addition to celebrating creativity, "Tor House" also highlights the importance of our connection to the natural world. Jeffers describes how the animals and plants in his garden are all part of the same ecosystem, and how they depend on each other for survival. This message is especially relevant today, as we face increasing environmental challenges and the need for greater sustainability.
Another important theme in "Tor House" is the role of the individual in the creative process. Jeffers emphasizes the importance of personal vision and creativity, showing how his own unique perspective has allowed him to create something beautiful and meaningful. This message is especially relevant today, as we face increasing pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations.
Style and Structure
"Tor House" is a masterful example of Jeffers' poetic style, which blends classical forms with modernist sensibilities. The poem is written in blank verse, which gives it a sense of naturalness and spontaneity. At the same time, Jeffers uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration, assonance, and enjambment, to create a rich and complex texture.
The structure of the poem is also important, as it reflects the thematic content. The 22 stanzas represent the 22 years that Jeffers spent building his house on the tor, showing how the creative process is a long and sometimes arduous journey. The repetition of the eight-line stanza also creates a sense of unity and coherence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the natural world and the creative process.
Conclusion
"Tor House" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the transformative power of creativity. Jeffers' vivid imagery and rich language create a vivid portrait of the natural world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. At the same time, the poem also explores important themes such as our connection to the natural world, the role of the individual in the creative process, and the importance of personal vision and creativity.
Overall, "Tor House" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit. Jeffers' vision of nature and creativity is both timeless and relevant, and his message is as important today as it was when he wrote the poem almost a century ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tor House: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, the renowned American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects his love for nature and his deep understanding of the human psyche. His poem "Tor House" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic vision. The poem is a tribute to the house that Jeffers built in Carmel, California, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a description of the Tor House, a stone house built by Jeffers himself. The house is situated on a rocky hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it is surrounded by wildflowers and cypress trees. The house is described as "a house of stone on a rocky hill," and the imagery of the stone and the rock symbolizes the solidity and permanence of the house. The house is also described as "a house of life," which suggests that it is not just a physical structure but a living entity that is connected to the natural world.
The poem then moves on to describe the natural beauty that surrounds the Tor House. Jeffers describes the "wildflowers and the cypress trees" that grow around the house, and the "blue waves breaking on a rocky shore." The imagery of the wildflowers and the cypress trees symbolizes the beauty and resilience of nature, while the waves breaking on the rocky shore symbolize the power and majesty of the ocean. Jeffers also describes the "white gulls" that fly over the house, which symbolize freedom and the spirit of adventure.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn, as Jeffers reflects on the meaning of life and the human condition. He writes, "We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milkwood," which suggests that human beings are complex creatures who are capable of both good and evil. The reference to Milkwood, a fictional town in Dylan Thomas's play "Under Milk Wood," suggests that life is a journey that is full of contradictions and paradoxes.
Jeffers then reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. He writes, "Time that is intolerant of the brave and innocent, / And indifferent in a week to a beautiful physique, / Worships language and forgives / Everyone by whom it lives." This passage suggests that time is a powerful force that can destroy even the bravest and most innocent of people, but it is also forgiving and merciful to those who use language to express themselves.
The poem ends with a reflection on the Tor House and its place in the natural world. Jeffers writes, "This beauty / Is not the thing in itself; it is only the scent / Of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune / We have not heard, news from a country we have never / Visited." This passage suggests that the beauty of the Tor House is not just a physical thing but a spiritual and emotional experience that connects us to the natural world and to something greater than ourselves.
In conclusion, "Tor House" is a masterpiece of American poetry that captures the essence of Robinson Jeffers's poetic vision. The poem is a tribute to the natural beauty that surrounds the Tor House, and it reflects Jeffers's deep understanding of the human condition and the passage of time. The poem is full of rich imagery and symbolism, and it invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of life and our place in the natural world. If you have not yet read "Tor House," I highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and the natural world.
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