'Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow)' by Delmore Schwartz
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Old man in the crystal morning after snow,
Your throat swathed in a muffler, your bent
Figure building the snow man which is meant
For the grandchild's target,
do you know
This fat cartoon, his eyes pocked in with coal
Nears you each time your breath smokes the air,
Lewdly grinning out of a private nightmare?
He is the white cold shadow of your soul.
You build his comic head, you place his comic hat;
Old age is not so serious, and I
By the window sad and watchful as a cat,
Build to this poem of old age and of snow,
And weep: you are my snow man and I know
I near you, you near him, all of us must die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow) by Delmore Schwartz
Introduction
Delmore Schwartz's Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow) is a classic poem that has left many literary critics and enthusiasts in awe for decades. The poem, which was published in 1940, explores the themes of aging, mortality, and the beauty of nature. Schwartz's use of vivid and sensory language, combined with his ability to evoke emotions through his words, has made this poem a timeless masterpiece.
Analysis
The poem is written in free verse and is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza describes an old man walking in the snow on a winter morning. The second stanza focuses on the beauty of the snow and the landscape around the old man. The third and final stanza deals with the old man's mortality.
Schwartz's use of vivid imagery in the first stanza immediately draws the reader into the poem. The phrase "crystal morning after snow" evokes a sense of clarity and purity, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The old man is described as "bent and crippled," which creates a sense of sympathy for him. The phrase "alone and slow" emphasizes his isolation and vulnerability.
The second stanza is where Schwartz's poetic talent truly shines. The snow is described as a "white and silver wonder," creating an image of sparkling snowflakes in the sunlight. The imagery of the "pale and silent sky" and the "bare and blackened trees" emphasizes the contrast between the snow and the rest of the landscape. The phrase "almost like a dream" suggests that the beauty of the snow is almost too perfect to be real.
In the third and final stanza, the poem takes a darker turn. The old man's mortality is emphasized with the phrase "his final winter in the world." The phrase "all his memories locked within him" suggests that the old man is carrying the weight of his past with him. The final lines of the poem, "he must go on, and face the snow, and die," emphasize the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of life.
Interpretation
Schwartz's Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow) can be interpreted in a number of ways. One interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of the natural world. The old man's slow and solitary walk through the snow emphasizes the transience of life, while the beauty of the snow and landscape highlights the importance of appreciating the present moment.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human condition. The old man's physical limitations and isolation can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles that come with aging. The phrase "all his memories locked within him" suggests that the old man is carrying the weight of his past, emphasizing the impact that memory and experience have on our lives.
Overall, the poem can be seen as a celebration of life and the natural world, while also acknowledging the inevitability of death. Schwartz's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a powerful and emotional reading experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delmore Schwartz's Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow) is a masterpiece of modern American poetry. The poem's exploration of themes such as aging, mortality, and the beauty of nature has made it a timeless classic. Schwartz's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a powerful and emotional reading experience that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, thoughts, and feelings in the reader. Delmore Schwartz's poem, "Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow)," is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of a moment and convey it in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The poem begins with a vivid description of an old man standing in the snow on a crystal-clear morning. The use of the word "crystal" is significant here, as it suggests a sense of clarity and purity. The snow, too, is a powerful symbol, representing both the beauty and the transience of life. The old man, then, is a figure who stands in stark contrast to the snow and the morning. He is a reminder of the passing of time, of the inevitability of aging and death.
The poem's first stanza sets the scene, but it is the second stanza that really delves into the old man's character. Here, Schwartz describes the man's face as "wrinkled and sere," suggesting that he has lived a long and difficult life. The man's eyes are described as "deep and clear," however, suggesting that he has also gained wisdom and insight over the years. The use of the word "clear" here is particularly interesting, as it echoes the crystal-clear morning of the first stanza. It suggests that the old man has achieved a kind of clarity in his own life, despite the hardships he has faced.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Here, Schwartz describes the old man's "lonely and lovely" existence. The use of the word "lonely" is significant, as it suggests that the man has lived a life of solitude and isolation. However, the use of the word "lovely" suggests that there is something beautiful and admirable about the man's life. Perhaps it is his resilience in the face of adversity, or his ability to find joy and meaning in the small things.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the old man's life and the passing of time. Schwartz writes, "And the snow has fallen and the snow has melted / And the sun has risen and the sun has set." This simple yet powerful statement reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. The snow falls and melts, the sun rises and sets, and the old man continues to stand in the midst of it all. He is a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
Overall, "Poem (Old man in the crystal morning after snow)" is a beautiful and poignant meditation on the passing of time and the resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Schwartz captures the essence of a moment and conveys it in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking. The old man in the poem is a symbol of the human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, and his story is one that will resonate with readers for generations to come.
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