'Water' by Robert Lowell
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It was a Maine lobster town—
each morning boatloads of hands
pushed off for granite
quarries on the islands,
and left dozens of bleak
white frame houses stuck
like oyster shells
on a hill of rock,
and below us, the sea lapped
the raw little match-stick
mazes of a weir,
where the fish for bait were trapped.
Remember? We sat on a slab of rock.
>From this distance in time
it seems the color
of iris, rotting and turning purpler,
but it was only
the usual gray rock
turning the usual green
when drenched by the sea.
The sea drenched the rock
at our feet all day,
and kept tearing away
flake after flake.
One night you dreamed
you were a mermaid clinging to a wharf-pile,
and trying to pull
off the barnacles with your hands.
We wished our two souls
might return like gulls
to the rock. In the end,
the water was too cold for us.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Water by Robert Lowell: A Deep Dive into the Depths of Symbolism
Robert Lowell's poem "Water" is a masterpiece that explores the depth of human emotions through the lens of nature. The poem is a meditation on the power and fluidity of water, and the ways in which it reflects the complexities of human experience. With its rich imagery, vivid metaphors, and powerful language, the poem invites readers to dive deep into the hidden meanings and symbols that lie beneath the surface. In this literary criticism, we will explore the various themes and symbols that are woven into the fabric of this poem, and uncover the deeper meanings that lie within.
The Power of Water
The first and most obvious theme of "Water" is the power of water itself. The poem begins with a description of a waterfall, which is presented as a symbol of the raw, untamed force of nature. Lowell uses powerful language to convey the sheer magnitude of the waterfall, describing it as "a white fist of thunder / punching the rocks with foam." This vivid image captures the primal power of water, and suggests that it is a force to be reckoned with.
But water is not just a destructive force; it is also a life-giving force. Lowell describes water as a "nursemaid," suggesting that it has the power to nourish and sustain life. This is particularly true of the ocean, which is described as a "mother" and a "cradle." These images suggest that water is both powerful and nurturing, and that it is a vital part of the natural world.
Water as a Metaphor for Human Emotions
Beyond its physical power, water is also a powerful metaphor for human emotions. Throughout the poem, Lowell uses water to represent a wide range of emotional states, from joy and love to despair and grief. For example, he describes the ocean as "a heart-breaking / lover," suggesting that it is capable of inspiring intense emotions in those who experience it.
Similarly, the rain is described as "a bridal veil" that "mourns" for lost love. This image suggests that water can represent not just the intensity of human emotion, but also its transience and impermanence. The rain, like human emotions, comes and goes, leaving behind only memories and echoes.
The Symbolism of Water
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of "Water" is the symbolism that is woven into the poem. Lowell uses water to symbolize a wide range of ideas and concepts, from the power of nature to the complexity of human emotions. For example, the waterfall can be seen as a symbol of both destruction and renewal, suggesting that even the most destructive forces of nature can have a positive impact.
Similarly, the ocean can be seen as a symbol of the vastness and profundity of human experience. It is described as a "mirror / of our own souls," suggesting that we can see ourselves reflected in the endless expanse of the sea. This image is both beautiful and unsettling, suggesting that the depths of our own emotions are just as vast and unknowable as the sea itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Water" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the depths of human experience through the lens of nature. With its rich imagery, vivid metaphors, and powerful language, the poem invites readers to dive deep into the hidden meanings and symbols that lie beneath the surface. Whether we see water as a symbol of the destructive power of nature, the nurturing force of life, or the complexity of human emotion, it is clear that Lowell has crafted a work of great depth and beauty. So let us raise a glass of water to this wonderful poem, and dive deep into its mysteries once more.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Water by Robert Lowell: A Poem of Reflection and Transformation
Robert Lowell’s poem “Water” is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the themes of transformation, reflection, and the power of nature. The poem is a journey through the speaker’s mind as he reflects on his life and the changes that have occurred within him. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem’s structure, language, and themes to understand its deeper meaning.
Structure
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the theme of transformation. The second stanza is a reflection on the speaker’s past and the changes he has undergone. The third and final stanza is a meditation on the power of nature and the speaker’s place within it.
The first stanza is a description of a river, which serves as a metaphor for the speaker’s own transformation. The river is described as “a clear stream of light” that “flows through the center of my brain.” This image suggests that the speaker is undergoing a process of purification and renewal, as if the river is washing away his old self and leaving him with a fresh start.
The second stanza is a reflection on the speaker’s past and the changes he has undergone. He describes himself as a “boy” who was “afraid of the dark” and “afraid of the light.” This suggests that he was once a timid and fearful person who was afraid of both the unknown and the known. However, he has since grown and changed, becoming someone who is “not afraid of anything.”
The third stanza is a meditation on the power of nature and the speaker’s place within it. He describes himself as a “stone” that is “worn smooth by the water’s touch.” This image suggests that the speaker has been shaped and molded by the forces of nature, just as a stone is shaped by the water that flows over it. He also describes himself as a “leaf” that is “carried away by the wind.” This image suggests that the speaker is not in control of his own destiny, but rather is subject to the whims of nature.
Language
Lowell’s use of language in “Water” is both simple and powerful. He uses short, declarative sentences to convey his message, and his choice of words is precise and evocative.
The river is described as “a clear stream of light,” which creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind. The use of the word “light” suggests that the river is a source of enlightenment and clarity, which is further reinforced by the image of the river flowing through the speaker’s brain.
The speaker’s transformation is described as a process of “washing away” his old self, which creates a powerful image of purification and renewal. The use of the word “washing” suggests that the transformation is a cleansing process, and the word “away” suggests that the old self is being removed completely.
The image of the speaker as a “stone” that is “worn smooth by the water’s touch” is particularly powerful. It suggests that the speaker has been shaped and molded by the forces of nature, just as a stone is shaped by the water that flows over it. This image is both humbling and empowering, as it suggests that the speaker is part of something greater than himself.
Themes
The themes of transformation, reflection, and the power of nature are central to “Water.” The poem is a meditation on the process of change and the ways in which we are shaped by our experiences.
The theme of transformation is introduced in the first stanza, where the river is described as a metaphor for the speaker’s own transformation. The river is a powerful force that is capable of washing away the old and leaving behind the new. This suggests that the speaker is undergoing a process of purification and renewal, as if the river is washing away his old self and leaving him with a fresh start.
The theme of reflection is explored in the second stanza, where the speaker reflects on his past and the changes he has undergone. He describes himself as a “boy” who was “afraid of the dark” and “afraid of the light.” This suggests that he was once a timid and fearful person who was afraid of both the unknown and the known. However, he has since grown and changed, becoming someone who is “not afraid of anything.” This suggests that the speaker has undergone a process of self-reflection and has come to understand himself better.
The theme of the power of nature is explored in the third stanza, where the speaker describes himself as a “stone” that is “worn smooth by the water’s touch.” This image suggests that the speaker has been shaped and molded by the forces of nature, just as a stone is shaped by the water that flows over it. He also describes himself as a “leaf” that is “carried away by the wind.” This image suggests that the speaker is not in control of his own destiny, but rather is subject to the whims of nature. This theme is both humbling and empowering, as it suggests that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Water” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of transformation, reflection, and the power of nature. Lowell’s use of language is both simple and powerful, and his choice of words is precise and evocative. The poem is a meditation on the process of change and the ways in which we are shaped by our experiences. It is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves, and that we are subject to the whims of nature. Ultimately, “Water” is a poem of reflection and transformation, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and move us.
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