'For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands' by Delmore Schwartz
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Tiger Christ unsheathed his sword,
Threw it down, became a lamb.
Swift spat upon the species, but
Took two women to his heart.
Samson who was strong as death
Paid his strength to kiss a slut.
Othello that stiff warrior
Was broken by a woman's heart.
Troy burned for a sea-tax, also for
Possession of a charming whore.
What do all examples show?
What must the finished murderer know?
You cannot sit on bayonets,
Nor can you eat among the dead.
When all are killed, you are alone,
A vacuum comes where hate has fed.
Murder's fruit is silent stone,
The gun increases poverty.
With what do these examples shine?
The soldier turned to girls and wine.
Love is the tact of every good,
The only warmth, the only peace.
"What have I said?" asked Socrates.
"Affirmed extremes, cried yes and no,
Taken all parts, denied myself,
Praised the caress, extolled the blow,
Soldier and lover quite deranged
Until their motions are exchanged.
-What do all examples show?
What can any actor know?
The contradiction in every act,
The infinite task of the human heart."
Editor 1 Interpretation
"For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" by Delmore Schwartz: A Critical Analysis
Delmore Schwartz's poem "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is a powerful expression of the human condition. Written in 1938, at a time of great social and political upheaval, the poem speaks to the universal experience of fear, despair, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to offer none. In this essay, I will provide a literary criticism and interpretation of Schwartz's poem, exploring its themes, form, and use of language to uncover the deeper meaning behind its words.
Theme
At its core, "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is a poem about the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. The speaker of the poem is addressing someone who has "come to murder me" and is questioning their motives. The speaker wonders why anyone would want to take another person's life and what kind of person would be capable of such an act. The poem is therefore a meditation on the nature of evil and the human condition.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of the human condition as a struggle between good and evil. The speaker of the poem acknowledges that there is evil in the world, but he also recognizes the importance of choosing to do good. He states that "there is no evil angel but Love" and that only love can overcome the darkness in the human heart. This theme is central to the poem, as it raises fundamental questions about the nature of humanity and our place in the world.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of the search for meaning in a meaningless world. The speaker questions the motives of the person who would take his life, wondering what kind of meaning they hope to find in such an act. He also questions the meaning of his own life, wondering if his existence has any significance in the grand scheme of things. This theme is closely related to the idea of the human condition as a struggle between good and evil, as it suggests that the search for meaning is an essential part of the struggle to do good in the face of evil.
Form
The form of "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is simple but effective. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The simplicity of the form allows the poem's message to shine through, without any distractions from complex or ornate language.
The use of repetition throughout the poem is also noteworthy. The phrase "for" is repeated several times, emphasizing the speaker's urgent plea for understanding. Additionally, the repetition of the word "Love" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the idea that only love can overcome evil. The repetition of these key words and phrases creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the poem's central message.
Language
Schwartz's use of language in "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is both simple and powerful. The poem is written in plain language, with no complex or obscure vocabulary. This simplicity allows the reader to focus on the message of the poem, without any distractions from the language itself.
The poem's use of metaphor is also effective. The speaker compares the person who would take his life to a shadow, suggesting that they are not fully human. He also compares the struggle between good and evil to a battle between angels, emphasizing the importance of choosing to do good. These metaphors add depth and complexity to the poem, without detracting from its overall simplicity.
Interpretation
Interpreting "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" requires an understanding of its historical context. The poem was written in 1938, at a time when the world was on the brink of war. The rise of fascism in Europe and the threat of war cast a shadow over everyday life, creating an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and despair. Against this backdrop, Schwartz's poem can be seen as a plea for understanding, compassion, and love in a world that seemed to be devoid of these qualities.
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection of Schwartz's own struggles with mental illness. Schwartz suffered from depression and anxiety throughout his life, and his poetry often reflects these struggles. In "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands," the speaker's plea for understanding and compassion can be seen as a reflection of Schwartz's own need for these qualities in his life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is a powerful expression of the human condition. Through its simple form and language, the poem explores complex themes of good and evil, the search for meaning, and the importance of compassion and love in a world that can often seem devoid of these qualities. Schwartz's poem is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry
Delmore Schwartz, the American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his unique style of writing that blends the modernist and traditionalist elements of poetry. His poem, "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands," is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of power, responsibility, and the human condition. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance in the world of poetry.
The poem begins with a powerful statement, "For the one who would take man's life in his hands," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "man" here is significant as it represents the entire human race, and the poem is addressing someone who wants to take control of it. The speaker then goes on to describe the immense power that this person would hold, "Is there anybody who would undertake to do it?" The use of the word "undertake" here implies that taking control of the human race is not an easy task and requires a great deal of effort and responsibility.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to question the motives of the person who wants to take control. "Who is qualified and who is not qualified?" The use of the word "qualified" here suggests that the speaker believes that not everyone is capable of taking on such a responsibility. The speaker then goes on to describe the immense power that this person would hold, "And who is to be held responsible?" The use of the word "responsible" here is significant as it implies that the person who takes control of the human race would be held accountable for their actions.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the consequences of taking control of the human race. "Is it true that you and your only friend will live forever?" The use of the word "forever" here suggests that the speaker believes that taking control of the human race would lead to immortality. The speaker then goes on to describe the loneliness that this person would feel, "And that the perfect crime will be committed endlessly?" The use of the word "loneliness" here is significant as it implies that the person who takes control of the human race would be isolated from the rest of humanity.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to question the morality of taking control of the human race. "What is morality? Who is qualified to judge?" The use of the word "morality" here suggests that the speaker believes that taking control of the human race would require a great deal of moral responsibility. The speaker then goes on to describe the consequences of not being morally responsible, "And if the broken egg cries out for justice, who will hear?" The use of the word "justice" here is significant as it implies that the person who takes control of the human race would be responsible for ensuring that justice is served.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the human condition. "And what is the meaning of a snail's life repeated ad infinitum?" The use of the word "snail" here is significant as it represents the slow and steady pace of human life. The speaker then goes on to describe the futility of life, "And what is the meaning of a day?" The use of the word "day" here is significant as it represents the fleeting nature of human life.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker concludes their thoughts on taking control of the human race. "Is it not enough that yearly in the veins of an unsuspecting tree the leaves applause themselves?" The use of the word "unsuspecting" here is significant as it implies that nature is unaware of the human desire for power. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of nature, "And does lonely gravity too rejoice secretly in the applause of silent stars, above the suffering earth?" The use of the word "lonely" here is significant as it implies that even gravity, a force of nature, can feel isolated from the rest of the universe.
The structure of the poem is significant as it is divided into six stanzas, each with its own theme and message. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the poem is also significant as it engages the reader and encourages them to think deeply about the themes and messages of the poem. The use of imagery throughout the poem is also significant as it helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
The literary devices used in the poem are also significant. The use of repetition in the phrase "For the one who would take man's life in his hands" is significant as it emphasizes the importance of the message. The use of alliteration in the phrase "perfect crime" is also significant as it creates a sense of foreboding and danger. The use of metaphor in the phrase "lonely gravity" is also significant as it helps to create a sense of isolation and loneliness.
In conclusion, "For The One Who Would Take Man's Life In His Hands" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of power, responsibility, and the human condition. The poem's structure, literary devices, and imagery all contribute to its significance in the world of poetry. Delmore Schwartz's unique style of writing blends the modernist and traditionalist elements of poetry, creating a powerful and thought-provoking work of art.
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