'You Begin' by Margaret Atwood
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You begin this way:
this is your hand,
this is your eye,
this is a fish, blue and flat
on the paper, almost
the shape of an eye
This is your mouth, this is an O
or a moon, whichever
you like. This is yellow.
Outside the window
is the rain, green
because it is summer, and beyond that
the trees and then the world,
which is round and has only
the colors of these nine crayons.
This is the world, which is fuller
and more difficult to learn than I have said.
You are right to smudge it that way
with the red and then
the orange: the world burns.
Once you have learned these words
you will learn that there are more
words than you can ever learn.
The word hand floats above your hand
like a small cloud over a lake.
The word hand anchors
your hand to this table
your hand is a warm stone
I hold between two words.
This is your hand, these are my hands, this is the world,
which is round but not flat and has more colors
than we can see.
It begins, it has an end,
this is what you will
come back to, this is your hand.
Submitted by Sophia
Editor 1 Interpretation
You Begin by Margaret Atwood: A Deep Dive into the Poem
Wow, what a poem! Margaret Atwood's "You Begin" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that captures the essence of human life and its journey. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem to understand its meaning and significance. So, fasten your seatbelts and let's begin this exciting journey!
Overview of the Poem
At first glance, "You Begin" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of only eight lines. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Atwood has packed a lot of meaning into those few lines. The poem is structured in two stanzas, with the first stanza addressing the reader directly and the second stanza providing a metaphor for the journey of life.
Themes in the Poem
One of the most prominent themes in "You Begin" is the theme of beginnings and endings. Atwood uses the metaphor of a journey to illustrate the cyclical nature of life, where every ending is also a new beginning. This theme is reflected in the title of the poem, which emphasizes the idea of starting anew.
Another important theme in the poem is the theme of choices. Atwood acknowledges that life is full of choices, some of which may lead us down the wrong path. However, she also emphasizes that we always have the power to make new choices and start again.
Finally, the poem explores the theme of growth and development. Atwood suggests that life is a journey of self-discovery, where we learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals. This theme is reflected in the metaphor of the journey, which implies a process of growth and transformation.
Imagery in the Poem
Atwood's use of imagery in "You Begin" is both vivid and powerful. In the first stanza, she uses the metaphor of a blank page to describe the beginning of a new journey. This image creates a sense of possibility and potential, emphasizing the idea that we have the power to shape our own destiny.
In the second stanza, Atwood uses the metaphor of a river to describe the journey of life. This image is particularly effective because it captures the fluid, constantly changing nature of life. The river is also a powerful symbol of growth and transformation, as it represents the gradual process of change that occurs over time.
Language in the Poem
Atwood's choice of language in "You Begin" is both simple and poetic. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This gives Atwood the freedom to play with language and create a sense of spontaneity and fluidity.
One of the most striking features of the poem is Atwood's use of the second person point of view. By addressing the reader directly, she creates a sense of intimacy and connection, as if she is speaking directly to us.
Interpretation of the Poem
So, what does "You Begin" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the journey of life and the power of new beginnings. Atwood suggests that life is a journey full of choices, and that every ending is also an opportunity for a new beginning. She encourages us to embrace the unknown and to have faith in ourselves, even when we stumble along the way.
The metaphor of the river is particularly significant, as it captures the fluid, constantly changing nature of life. Atwood suggests that the journey of life is not a straight line, but rather a winding path that is full of twists and turns. However, she also emphasizes that we have the power to shape our own destiny, even when the current is against us.
Finally, the poem is a reminder of the importance of growth and development. Atwood suggests that life is a journey of self-discovery, where we learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals. The blank page at the beginning of the poem represents the infinite potential within us, while the river represents the gradual process of transformation that occurs over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "You Begin" is a beautiful and meaningful poem that captures the essence of human life and its journey. Atwood's use of imagery and language is both vivid and powerful, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader. By exploring themes of beginnings and endings, choices, and growth and development, Atwood encourages us to embrace the unknown and to have faith in ourselves. So, as you embark on your own journey of life, remember Atwood's words: "You begin this way."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
You Begin: A Poem of Hope and Renewal
Margaret Atwood's poem "You Begin" is a beautiful and inspiring piece that speaks to the human experience of starting anew. With its simple yet powerful language, the poem encourages us to embrace change and to find hope in the midst of difficult times. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as its overall message of resilience and renewal.
The poem begins with the line "You begin this way," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is addressing the reader directly, and the use of the second person creates a sense of intimacy and connection. The phrase "this way" is intentionally vague, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly they are beginning. This ambiguity allows the poem to be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on the reader's own experiences and perspective.
The next few lines of the poem describe the act of starting over. The speaker tells us that "this is your hand, / this is your eye, / this is the moment / before you run out of time." These lines suggest that the act of beginning is a physical one, involving the use of our own bodies and senses. The phrase "before you run out of time" adds a sense of urgency to the poem, reminding us that we only have a limited amount of time to make changes in our lives.
The poem then moves into a series of images that represent the process of starting anew. The speaker tells us to "gather yourself" and to "stand up." These lines suggest that we must first take stock of ourselves and our situation before we can move forward. We must gather our strength and our courage, and we must stand up to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
The next few lines of the poem describe the act of letting go. The speaker tells us to "let go / of the ones who have left you / let go of the past / let go of the words / you don't need them." These lines suggest that in order to begin again, we must first release ourselves from the things that are holding us back. We must let go of our regrets, our fears, and our attachments to people and things that are no longer serving us.
The poem then moves into a series of images that represent the act of moving forward. The speaker tells us to "tell yourself / that you will go on / that you will find a way." These lines suggest that we must have faith in ourselves and in our ability to overcome obstacles. We must believe that we have the strength and the resilience to keep going, even when things get tough.
The final lines of the poem offer a message of hope and renewal. The speaker tells us that "you begin this way / this is your hand / this is your eye / this is the moment." These lines suggest that every moment is an opportunity to begin again. We have the power to shape our own lives, and we can choose to start anew at any time. The poem ends with the line "you are alive," which is a powerful reminder that life itself is a gift, and that every moment is a chance to embrace that gift and to live fully.
Overall, "You Begin" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of starting over. It encourages us to embrace change, to let go of the things that are holding us back, and to have faith in ourselves and in our ability to overcome obstacles. The poem's use of simple yet powerful language, combined with its intimate tone and universal themes, make it a timeless piece that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether we are facing a major life change or simply looking to make small improvements in our daily lives, "You Begin" reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to begin again, and that we have the power to shape our own destinies.
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