'Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology' by Delmore Schwartz
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Faithful to your commandments, o consciousness, o
Holy bird of words soaring ever whether to nothingness or
to inconceivable fulfillment slowly:
And still I follow you, awkward as that dandy of ontology
and as awkward as his albatross and as
another dandy of ontology before him, another shepherd
and watchdog of being, the one who
Talked forever of forever as if forever of having been
and being an ancient mariner,
Hesitant forever as if forever were the albatross
Hung round his neck by the seven seas of the seven muses,
and with as little conclusion, since being never concludes,
Studying the sibilance and the splashing of the seas and of
seeing and of being's infinite seas,
Staring at the ever-blue and the far small stars and
the faint white endless curtain of the
twinkling play's endless seasons.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology: A Critical Interpretation
Delmore Schwartz’s poem, “Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology,” is a cryptic and densely-packed work that requires careful analysis to fully appreciate. At its core, the poem explores the relationship between language and reality, arguing that poetry has the power to shape our perceptions of the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will dive into the rich imagery and themes of the poem, unpacking its meaning and significance.
Form and Structure
Before delving into the poem’s content, it’s worth noting its form and structure. “Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology” is comprised of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, with the last word of each line typically rhyming with the third word of the following line. This creates a sense of continuity and interconnectivity, as each stanza flows into the next.
The poem also employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. For example, the first stanza repeats the phrase “is the” three times, emphasizing the importance of the connection between language and reality. These poetic techniques serve to elevate the language and add depth to the poem’s themes.
The Power of Language
The poem opens with the line, “Philology recapitulates ontology,” immediately setting the tone for its exploration of language and reality. Philology, the study of language and its historical evolution, is compared to ontology, the philosophical study of the nature of existence. This suggests that language and reality are intimately connected, and that our understanding of the world is shaped by the words we use to describe it.
The second stanza expands on this idea, stating that “Poetry is ontology, made with words.” Here, poetry is presented as a way of creating reality through language. The poet has the power to shape the world through their words, and to create a new ontology through their poetry. This idea is further developed in the third stanza, which suggests that the poet can “outwit metaphysics / With a single line.”
The fourth stanza, however, introduces a note of caution. It warns that “The sadness of the world wears a crown of thorns,” suggesting that the power of language has a dark side. Words have the power to create beauty, but also to create pain and suffering. The fifth stanza reinforces this idea, stating that “The world’s sorrow is in the words we use.”
The Role of the Poet
Throughout the poem, the poet is presented as a powerful figure with the ability to shape reality through their words. The third stanza, for example, describes the poet as a “magician,” able to “create / A world with words.” The fifth stanza, however, suggests that the poet also carries a heavy burden, as they are responsible for the world’s sorrow. The final stanza reinforces this idea, stating that “The poet is an orphan in the universe / Trying to create a home.”
In this way, the poem suggests that the role of the poet is both powerful and fraught with responsibility. They have the ability to create beauty and shape reality, but they also bear the weight of the world’s pain, and must navigate the challenges of finding a place in an indifferent universe.
Conclusion
“Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology” is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between language and reality. Through its careful use of form, structure, and poetic devices, it presents a nuanced view of the power and limitations of language, and the role of the poet in shaping our perceptions of the world. As readers, we are left to consider the ways in which our own words and language shape our understanding of existence, and the responsibility that comes with that power.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology: A Masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz, an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his unique style of writing that blends philosophy, psychology, and literature. His poem, "Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology," is a masterpiece that reflects his deep understanding of the relationship between language, reality, and poetry. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning, and how they relate to Schwartz's philosophy.
The poem begins with the line, "Philology recapitulates ontology," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Philology is the study of language and its historical development, while ontology is the study of being and existence. The line suggests that language and reality are intertwined, and that the study of language can reveal truths about the nature of reality.
The next line, "Poetry is ontology," reinforces this idea. Poetry, according to Schwartz, is not just a form of artistic expression but a way of understanding the world. Poetry is a means of exploring the nature of reality and expressing it in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.
The poem's structure is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets up the central idea of the poem, while the second and third stanzas explore this idea in more depth. The use of short stanzas and concise lines creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of the poem's message.
In the second stanza, Schwartz writes, "The poem is the cry of its occasion, / Part of the res itself and not about it." Here, he suggests that a poem is not just a description of reality but an expression of it. A poem is not about reality; it is a part of reality. The poem is a "cry" that captures the essence of the moment and expresses it in a way that is both true and beautiful.
The third stanza expands on this idea, stating that "The poem is the cry of its occasion, / And it is part of the fabric of reality." Here, Schwartz suggests that poetry is not just an expression of reality but an integral part of it. Poetry is woven into the fabric of reality, and it helps us understand the world in a way that is both profound and meaningful.
The poem's themes are complex and multifaceted, but they all revolve around the central idea that language and reality are intertwined. Schwartz suggests that language is not just a tool for describing reality but a means of understanding it. Poetry, in particular, is a powerful tool for exploring the nature of reality and expressing it in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Schwartz's philosophy is deeply rooted in existentialism, which emphasizes the individual's search for meaning in a meaningless world. He believed that poetry was a way of finding meaning in a world that often seemed chaotic and meaningless. In his view, poetry was not just a form of artistic expression but a means of exploring the nature of reality and finding meaning in it.
In conclusion, "Philology Recapitulates Ontology, Poetry Is Ontology" is a masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz's writing. The poem's themes, structure, and meaning are all intertwined, reflecting Schwartz's deep understanding of the relationship between language, reality, and poetry. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of language and its ability to reveal truths about the world around us. It is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to help us find meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless.
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