'At This Moment Of Time' by Delmore Schwartz
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Some who are uncertain compel me. They fear
The Ace of Spades. They fear
Loves offered suddenly, turning from the mantelpiece,
Sweet with decision. And they distrust
The fireworks by the lakeside, first the spuft,
Then the colored lights, rising.
Tentative, hesitant, doubtful, they consume
Greedily Caesar at the prow returning,
Locked in the stone of his act and office.
While the brass band brightly bursts over the water
They stand in the crowd lining the shore
Aware of the water beneath Him. They know it. Their eyes
Are haunted by water
Disturb me, compel me. It is not true
That "no man is happy," but that is not
The sense which guides you. If we are
Unfinished (we are, unless hope is a bad dream),
You are exact. You tug my sleeve
Before I speak, with a shadow's friendship,
And I remember that we who move
Are moved by clouds that darken midnight.
Editor 1 Interpretation
At This Moment Of Time
Introduction
Delmore Schwartz is a significant writer of the 20th century, known for his innovative poetry and prose. His poem, "At This Moment of Time," is one of his most famous works, and it has been praised for its profound and insightful portrayal of the human experience.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "At This Moment of Time." Through a close reading of the poem, we will examine the ways in which Schwartz uses language and imagery to convey his ideas about time, love, and the human condition.
Themes
The poem "At This Moment of Time" is concerned with several themes: time, love, and the human experience. These themes are interrelated and are explored throughout the poem in different ways.
One of the central themes of the poem is time. Schwartz is interested in the ways in which time affects our lives and our relationships. He is particularly interested in the way that time can change our perceptions of the world and of ourselves. "At This Moment of Time" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the ways in which it shapes our experiences.
Another theme of the poem is love. Schwartz is interested in the ways in which love can both transcend time and be affected by it. He explores the different stages of love, from the initial excitement and passion to the eventual disillusionment and sadness that can come with the passage of time.
Finally, the poem is concerned with the human experience more broadly. It is a reflection on the ways in which we are all connected to each other and to the world around us. Schwartz is interested in the way that our experiences shape us and the way that we shape the world around us.
Structure
"At This Moment of Time" is a free-verse poem consisting of seven stanzas. Each stanza is composed of varying numbers of lines, ranging from four to nine. There is no consistent rhyme scheme or meter, which gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and fluidity.
The poem is structured around the central image of a clock. The first stanza begins with the line, "At this moment of time," which introduces the idea of time as a central theme of the poem. The next two stanzas continue to explore this idea through a series of metaphors and images related to time, such as "the endless river of history" and "the clock that ticks and tocks."
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of love, which is further developed in the fifth and sixth stanzas. These stanzas explore the different stages of love, from the initial excitement and passion to the eventual disillusionment and sadness that can come with the passage of time.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle by returning to the image of the clock. The clock is now seen as a symbol of hope, a reminder that time continues to move forward and that there is always the possibility for change and renewal.
Language and Imagery
Schwartz's use of language and imagery in "At This Moment of Time" is notable for its richness and complexity. He uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as metaphor, personification, and allusion, to create a vivid and evocative picture of the human experience.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the clock. Schwartz uses the clock as a metaphor for time, and he imbues it with a sense of urgency and inevitability. The clock is seen as an ever-present reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment.
Another important image in the poem is that of the river. The river is a symbol of history and the passage of time, but it is also a symbol of continuity and the interconnectedness of all things. Schwartz uses the image of the river to convey a sense of the vastness and complexity of the world and the ways in which we are all connected to each other and to the past.
Schwartz also makes use of allusion in the poem, referencing several historical and literary figures, such as Galileo, Shakespeare, and Prometheus. These allusions serve to deepen the poem's meaning, adding layers of complexity and nuance to Schwartz's meditation on time and the human experience.
Conclusion
"At This Moment of Time" is a powerful and insightful poem that explores the themes of time, love, and the human experience. Through its rich language and vivid imagery, the poem presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of the human condition. Schwartz's use of metaphor, personification, and allusion creates a sense of depth and complexity that rewards close reading and interpretation. Overall, "At This Moment of Time" is a masterpiece of 20th-century poetry, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
At This Moment Of Time: A Timeless Poem by Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz, an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his literary works that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. His poem, "At This Moment Of Time," is a timeless piece that captures the essence of the human experience.
The poem begins with the line, "This moment of June," which sets the tone for the entire piece. The month of June is often associated with the arrival of summer, a time of warmth, growth, and renewal. However, the poem takes a different turn, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life.
The second line, "This moment of June," is followed by the phrase, "This moment of ripeness," which suggests that the speaker is aware of the transience of life and is trying to savor the present moment. The word "ripeness" also implies that the speaker is at a stage in life where they have gained wisdom and experience.
The next line, "This moment of twilight," further emphasizes the passing of time and the inevitability of darkness. The word "twilight" suggests a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the memories of the past.
The fourth line, "This moment of suspense," adds a sense of tension to the poem. The word "suspense" suggests that the speaker is waiting for something to happen, perhaps a moment of clarity or realization.
The fifth line, "This moment of vision," is a turning point in the poem. The word "vision" suggests that the speaker has gained a new perspective on life, perhaps through their experiences and reflections.
The sixth line, "This moment of quiet," is a moment of stillness and contemplation. The speaker is taking a moment to reflect on their life and the world around them.
The seventh line, "This moment of turmoil," adds a sense of conflict to the poem. The word "turmoil" suggests that the speaker is struggling with their emotions and thoughts.
The eighth line, "This moment of hope," is a moment of optimism and positivity. The speaker is looking towards the future with a sense of hope and possibility.
The ninth line, "This moment of despair," adds a sense of darkness to the poem. The word "despair" suggests that the speaker is struggling with their emotions and is feeling overwhelmed.
The final line, "At this moment of time," brings the poem full circle. The speaker is reflecting on the present moment, with all its complexities and contradictions. The phrase "moment of time" suggests that the speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of life and is trying to make the most of the present moment.
Overall, "At This Moment Of Time" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Through its use of imagery and language, the poem explores the complexities of life and the inevitability of change. It is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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