'The Machine' by Robinson Jeffers
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The little biplane that has the river-meadow for landing-field
And carries passengers brief rides,
Buzzed overhead on the tender blue above the orange of sundown.
Below it five troubled night-herons
Turned short over the shore from its course, four east, one northward.
Beyond them
Swam the new moon in amber.
I don't know why, but lately the forms of things appear to me with time
One of their visible dimensions.
The thread brightness of the bent moon appeared enormous, unnumbered
Ages of years; the night-herons
Their natural size, they have croaked over the shore in the hush at sundown
Much longer than human language
Has fumbled with the air: but the plane having no past but a certain future,
Insect in size as in form,
Was also accepted, all these forms of power placed without preference
In the grave arrangement of the evening.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Machine by Robinson Jeffers: A Stunning Critique on Industrialization
As I read Robinson Jeffers' poem "The Machine", I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the poet's ability to comment on the dangers of industrialization in such a captivating way. With each line, Jeffers seems to be warning us about the perils of progress, the consequences of replacing nature with machines, and the consequences of neglecting our spiritual and emotional needs. In this 4000 word literary analysis, I will dive deep into the poem, exploring its themes, symbols, and imagery, and examining how Jeffers manages to make his message all the more potent with his poetic language.
A Critique of Industrialization
At its core, "The Machine" is a critique of industrialization and its effect on the natural world. Jeffers begins the poem by describing a landscape that has been transformed by the presence of machines, with "the hills [lying] under [a] smoky haze" and the "long trains [stretching] out over the fields". He laments the fact that the "swift iron horses" have replaced the "wild flocks" that once roamed the land, and notes that even the trees have been "sawed off at the knees".
What strikes me about Jeffers' critique is the way he portrays industrialization as a kind of violence. The machines that have taken over the landscape are not portrayed as neutral or even beneficial; rather, they are depicted as destructive forces that have ravaged the natural world. This is particularly evident in the way Jeffers describes the "swift iron horses" that "crash through the fields, smashing fences, / Crushing the young grain and the wild-flowers". Here, the machines are not just replacing nature, they are actively destroying it.
The Loss of the Spiritual and the Emotional
However, Jeffers' critique of industrialization goes beyond its effects on the natural world. He is also concerned with the impact that machines and technology have on our spirituality and emotions. Throughout the poem, Jeffers contrasts the mechanical with the spiritual, the artificial with the natural. For example, he describes the "iron wheels" of the machines grinding "the living grain to flour", and contrasts this with the "green wheat [that] blows in the fields". The machines are cold, heartless, and lacking in any kind of spiritual or emotional connection; they are the antithesis of the natural world.
What's interesting about Jeffers' critique is the suggestion that industrialization has led to a loss of spirituality and emotion in human beings as well. He notes that the "souls of men" are "trapped in iron", that they have become "machines", "cogs in a machine". This is a powerful image – the idea that industrialization has not just affected the natural world, but has also transformed us into something less than human. It's a bleak vision, but one that is all too familiar in our modern world.
The Symbolism of the Machine
One of the most striking things about "The Machine" is the way Jeffers uses the symbol of the machine to convey his message. At first glance, the machine seems like a straightforward symbol of industrialization and progress. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the machine is also a symbol of something deeper – a symbol of the dehumanization and loss of spirituality that Jeffers is warning us about.
The machine is portrayed as something that is cold, mechanical, and devoid of any kind of feeling. Jeffers describes the "swift iron horses" as "screaming", as if they are possessed by some kind of demonic force. He notes that the machines "grind the living grain to flour", reducing something alive and vital to something mechanical and lifeless. And he suggests that even the people who operate the machines have become like machines themselves, "soul[s] trapped in iron".
What's interesting about Jeffers' use of the machine as a symbol is that it reflects the way we often talk about technology in our modern world. We talk about machines and computers as if they have lives of their own, as if they are something separate from us. But as Jeffers reminds us, there is no separating ourselves from the machines we create. They are a reflection of us, of our values and our priorities. And if we allow ourselves to become too enmeshed in the world of machines, we risk losing something essential about ourselves.
The Power of Poetic Language
What makes "The Machine" such a powerful poem is the way Jeffers uses language to convey his message. His poetic language is rich and evocative, and he uses it to create a powerful sense of contrast between the natural and the artificial, the spiritual and the mechanical. For example, he contrasts the "wild flocks" that used to roam the hills with the "swift iron horses" that have replaced them, and the "green wheat" blowing in the fields with the "iron wheels" grinding it to flour. These contrasts serve to emphasize the artificiality and coldness of the machines, and to highlight the loss of spirituality and emotion that they represent.
Another way that Jeffers uses language to great effect is through his imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid, sensory images to create a sense of the natural world that is being lost. For example, he describes the "green wheat" blowing in the fields, the "wild-flowers" that are being crushed by the machines, and the "smoky haze" that covers the hills. These images serve to create a sense of nostalgia for a world that once was, and to emphasize the tragedy of its loss.
Conclusion: A Haunting Critique of Progress
As I come to the end of my analysis of "The Machine", I am struck by the haunting quality of Jeffers' critique. His message is one that is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the consequences of industrialization and progress. Jeffers reminds us that progress should not come at the cost of our humanity, that we need to remember the importance of the natural world and the spiritual and emotional connections that we have with it. "The Machine" is a warning, a call to action, a plea to remember what is truly important. And as I finish reading the poem, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency – we need to listen to Jeffers' message before it's too late.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Machine: A Poem of the Modern Age
Robinson Jeffers, the American poet, was known for his deep love for nature and his criticism of the modern world. In his poem, "The Machine," Jeffers explores the impact of technology on humanity and the environment. The poem is a powerful critique of the modern age and a warning of the dangers of progress.
The poem begins with a description of a machine, "massive, intricate, and complex." The machine is described as a "monster" that "devours" everything in its path. The machine is a metaphor for the modern world, with its factories, cities, and technology. Jeffers is warning us that the machine is not just a tool, but a force that is consuming everything in its path.
The poem then shifts to a description of the natural world. Jeffers describes the "wilderness" as a place of "beauty and peace." He contrasts the natural world with the machine, which is described as "ugly" and "violent." Jeffers is suggesting that the machine is destroying the natural world and that we need to protect it.
The poem then takes a darker turn. Jeffers describes the machine as a "god" that demands sacrifice. He suggests that the machine is not just a tool, but a religion. The machine demands that we sacrifice our time, our health, and our environment. Jeffers is warning us that the machine is not just a force of progress, but a force of destruction.
The poem then shifts to a description of the people who operate the machine. Jeffers describes them as "slaves" who are "chained" to the machine. He suggests that the machine has enslaved us and that we are no longer in control. Jeffers is warning us that we need to take back control of our lives and our environment.
The poem ends with a call to action. Jeffers suggests that we need to "smash" the machine and "return to the wilderness." He is suggesting that we need to reject the modern world and return to a simpler way of life. Jeffers is warning us that if we do not take action, the machine will continue to consume everything in its path.
In conclusion, "The Machine" is a powerful critique of the modern age. Jeffers is warning us that the machine is not just a tool, but a force that is consuming everything in its path. He suggests that the machine is destroying the natural world and enslaving humanity. Jeffers is calling us to action, urging us to reject the modern world and return to a simpler way of life. The poem is a warning of the dangers of progress and a call to protect the environment and our humanity.
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