'Shine, Perishing Republic' by Robinson Jeffers
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While this America settles in the mould of its vulgarity, heavily thickening
to empire
And protest, only a bubble in the molten mass, pops and sighs out, and the
mass hardens,
I sadly smiling remember that the flower fades to make fruit, the fruit rots
to make earth.
Out of the mother; and through the spring exultances, ripeness and deca-
dence; and home to the mother.
You making haste haste on decay: not blameworthy; life is good, be it stub-
bornly long or suddenly
A mortal splendor: meteors are not needed less than mountains:
shine, perishing republic.
But for my children, I would have them keep their distance from the thick-
ening center; corruption
Never has been compulsory, when the cities lie at the monster's feet there
are left the mountains.
And boys, be in nothing so moderate as in love of man, a clever servant,
insufferable master.
There is the trap that catches noblest spirits, that caught--they say--
God, when he walked on earth.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Shine, Perishing Republic: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Robinson Jeffers
When we talk about poetry, we look for words that can create a vivid picture in our minds, words that can make us feel emotions that we never thought we could feel before. Robinson Jeffers' poem, "Shine, Perishing Republic," is one such poem that does exactly that. The poem is an ode to the American democracy and its gradual decline. It is a poem about freedom and the price people pay for it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in Jeffers' poem.
Historical Context
Before we begin with the analysis, it is essential to understand the historical context in which the poem was written. "Shine, Perishing Republic" was written in 1925, a time when America was recovering from World War I, and the country was facing a significant economic growth. However, the prosperity was not shared equally, and there were widespread social and economic disparities. Jeffers, who was a staunch pacifist and an environmentalist, was disillusioned by the American democracy, which he saw as corrupt and hypocritical. Jeffers' poem is a reflection of his frustration with the American political system and his disillusionment with the American dream.
Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is the decline of the American democracy. Jeffers uses the metaphor of a dying star to describe the fading glory of the American republic. The poem begins with the line, "Shine, perishing republic." The word "shine" is used ironically here, as it suggests something that is radiant and bright. However, the word "perishing" immediately undermines that sense of hope and optimism, suggesting that the republic is on its last legs.
The second theme of the poem is freedom and the price people pay for it. Jeffers paints a picture of a country that has lost its moral compass, where the people are blinded by their own desires and have forgotten the value of freedom. The lines "The soulless carcass, the unwieldy bulk, / The ancient masterpiece, lies stripped and bare" suggest that the American democracy has been reduced to an empty shell, devoid of any moral or ethical principles.
Imagery
Jeffers' use of imagery is one of the hallmarks of his poetry. In "Shine, Perishing Republic," Jeffers uses a range of metaphors and symbols to convey his message. The most striking image in the poem is the metaphor of a dying star. Jeffers compares the American republic to a star that is slowly losing its light. The lines "Shine, perishing republic" and "The dying leader lies" suggest that the American democracy is on the verge of collapse.
Another image used in the poem is that of a ship. The lines "The old ship pitches and creaks" and "The darkening ocean lies like a slab" suggest that the American democracy is like a ship that is lost in the ocean, with no clear direction or purpose. The ship imagery suggests that the American democracy is rudderless, with no clear leadership or vision.
Literary Devices
Jeffers' use of literary devices is also noteworthy. The poem is written in free verse, which means that there is no strict rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and fluidity, and allows Jeffers to experiment with different rhythms and sounds.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The lines "Shine, perishing republic" and "The dying leader lies" are repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the sense of decay and decline.
Jeffers also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem. The lines "The soulless carcass, the unwieldy bulk" and "The darkening ocean lies like a slab" are examples of alliteration and assonance, respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Shine, Perishing Republic" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the disillusionment of the American democracy in the 1920s. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and literary devices to convey his message, creating a haunting portrait of a country in decline. The poem remains relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the same issues of social and economic inequality and political corruption. Jeffers' poem is a reminder that freedom is not something that can be taken for granted, and that we must always strive to uphold the values that make us human.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Shine, Perishing Republic: A Poem of Warning and Reflection
Robinson Jeffers’ poem, Shine, Perishing Republic, is a powerful and thought-provoking work that speaks to the fragility of nations and the consequences of neglecting the natural world. Written in 1924, during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States, the poem is a warning to the American people about the dangers of complacency and the need to recognize the interconnectedness of all things.
At its core, Shine, Perishing Republic is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of change. The poem begins with a description of the natural world, with Jeffers painting a vivid picture of the sun rising over the hills and the sea. He writes, “The beauty of things was born before eyes and sufficient to itself; the heart-breaking beauty / Will remain when there is no heart to break for it.”
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Jeffers contrasts the timeless beauty of nature with the fleeting nature of human existence. He goes on to describe the rise and fall of civilizations, noting that “All that is human slips away; / All that is left of a man is his ghost.” This theme of impermanence is a recurring motif throughout the poem, as Jeffers reminds us that even the mightiest empires will eventually crumble and fade away.
However, Shine, Perishing Republic is not just a lament for the passing of time. It is also a warning about the dangers of neglecting the natural world and the consequences of our actions. Jeffers writes, “The beauty of things was never looked upon / Until they were ready to perish.” This line speaks to the idea that we often fail to appreciate the beauty of the world around us until it is too late, until it is on the brink of destruction.
Jeffers also highlights the destructive impact of human activity on the environment, noting that “The soil and the people alternately / Were ruined and wrecked.” He warns that if we continue to exploit and abuse the natural world, we will ultimately bring about our own downfall. This warning is particularly relevant today, as we face the very real threat of climate change and environmental degradation.
One of the most striking aspects of Shine, Perishing Republic is its use of imagery. Jeffers’ descriptions of the natural world are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and fragile. He writes, “The sea-lumps darkening; the wild birds crying, / The heart-breaking beauty born of the setting sun.” These lines capture the essence of the poem, as Jeffers reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, even as he warns of its fragility.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. Shine, Perishing Republic is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the poem’s themes. The first section focuses on the beauty of the natural world, the second on the rise and fall of civilizations, and the third on the consequences of neglecting the environment. This structure gives the poem a sense of progression, as Jeffers builds his argument and drives home his message.
In terms of style, Jeffers’ writing is both lyrical and powerful. He uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, while his use of imagery and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem. His language is often stark and uncompromising, as he confronts the reader with the harsh realities of the world around us.
Overall, Shine, Perishing Republic is a powerful and thought-provoking work that speaks to the fragility of nations and the consequences of neglecting the natural world. Jeffers’ use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid and evocative picture of the world around us, while his message is both urgent and timeless. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, this poem serves as a reminder of the need to appreciate and protect the beauty of the natural world, before it is too late.
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