'By Circumstances Fed' by Delmore Schwartz
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By circumstances fed
Which divide attention
Among the living and the dead,
Under the blooms of the blossoming sun,
The gaze which is a tower towers
Day and night, hour by hour,
Critical of all and of one,
Dissatisfied with every flower
With all that's been done or undone,
Converting every feature
Into its own and unknown nature;
So, once in the drugstore,
Amid all the poppy, salve and ointment,
I suddenly saw, estranged there,
Beyond all disappointment,
My own face in the mirror.
Editor 1 Interpretation
By Circumstances Fed by Delmore Schwartz: A Literary Criticism
Oh my gosh, have you ever read a poem that just hits you right in the feelings? That's how I felt when I read Delmore Schwartz's "By Circumstances Fed." This poem is a masterful exploration of the human condition, examining our struggles with identity, purpose, and the fleeting nature of life. Let's dive in!
Form and Structure
First off, let's talk about the form and structure of the poem. "By Circumstances Fed" is a sonnet, with fourteen lines of iambic pentameter. This traditional form gives the poem a sense of balance and order, which is particularly poignant given the chaotic nature of the subject matter.
However, Schwartz does not stick strictly to the sonnet form. Instead of the traditional rhyme scheme, he uses a more unconventional pattern of ABBCACDEDEFFGG. This deviation from the norm gives the poem an edgier, more modern feel, which is fitting given the themes explored in the poem.
Additionally, the poem is divided into two stanzas, with an abrupt shift in tone and language between them. The first stanza is more formal and structured, using elevated language and a controlled tone to describe the speaker's struggles with identity and purpose. The second stanza, on the other hand, is more free-flowing and colloquial, with the speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of life in a more honest and raw way.
Themes
One of the most striking themes of "By Circumstances Fed" is the struggle with identity. The speaker describes feeling "a stranger to myself" and being "besieged by doubts and fears." This sense of internal conflict is something that many people can relate to, particularly in today's society where we are bombarded with messages about who we should be and how we should act.
The poem also touches on the idea of purpose, or lack thereof. The speaker describes feeling "driven by a kind of senseless zeal" and "longing vainly for a sense of aim." This sense of aimlessness and lack of direction is another common struggle for many people, particularly in our fast-paced and constantly changing world.
Finally, the poem explores the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The second stanza is particularly poignant in this regard, with the speaker reflecting on how quickly life passes by and how easily we can be forgotten. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of Schwartz's life, as he struggled with mental illness and died at a young age.
Imagery and Language
Schwartz's use of imagery and language in "By Circumstances Fed" is nothing short of masterful. Throughout the poem, he employs vivid and evocative images to convey the speaker's struggles and emotions.
For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes feeling "like a cloud, a mist, a vapor." This image of transience and impermanence is powerful, conveying the sense of the speaker's identity slipping away from them.
Schwartz also uses language to great effect, particularly in the second stanza. The colloquial language and fragmented syntax give the poem a sense of immediacy and urgency, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader. The repetition of the phrase "I want to say" at the beginning of several lines adds to this effect, creating a sense of urgency and desperation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "By Circumstances Fed" is a masterful exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of identity, purpose, and mortality. Schwartz's use of form, structure, imagery, and language all work together to create a powerful and evocative poem that resonates with readers to this day. As the speaker reflects in the final lines of the poem, "What can I say? Life tastes bitter and sweet." Indeed, life is a complex and multifaceted thing, and Schwartz's poem captures this beautifully.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
By Circumstances Fed: A Poem of Life's Struggles and Triumphs
Delmore Schwartz's poem, "By Circumstances Fed," is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Schwartz captures the struggles and triumphs of life, and the ways in which we are shaped by the circumstances that surround us.
At its core, "By Circumstances Fed" is a poem about the struggle for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker of the poem is someone who has experienced the ups and downs of life, and who has come to understand that our experiences are what shape us. As the poem begins, the speaker reflects on the ways in which he has been "fed" by the circumstances of his life:
By circumstances fed, I am but a poor creature. I have been nourished by the bread of affliction And the water of affliction.
These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker acknowledges the difficulties he has faced in life. He has been "fed" by circumstances that have been less than ideal, and yet he has persevered. The use of the word "creature" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness. The speaker is not in control of his circumstances, but rather is at their mercy.
Despite this, the speaker does not give up hope. He recognizes that his struggles have made him who he is, and that he has learned valuable lessons from them:
But I have learned to walk straight And not to be afraid of the dark. I have learned to be patient With the things that are not perfect, And to tolerate the imperfections of others.
These lines are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The speaker has not only survived his struggles, but has grown stronger because of them. He has learned to face his fears and to be patient with himself and others. This is a powerful message, and one that is particularly relevant in today's world, where so many people are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the ways in which his struggles have shaped his relationships with others:
I have learned to love Those who are not perfect, And to forgive those who have wronged me. I have learned to be kind To those who are in need, And to be generous with my time and resources.
These lines are a reminder that our struggles do not exist in a vacuum. They affect the people around us, and can shape our relationships with others. The speaker has learned to be compassionate and forgiving, even in the face of adversity. This is a powerful message, and one that is particularly relevant in today's world, where so many people are struggling to find common ground with those who are different from them.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful of all:
By circumstances fed, I have learned to be grateful For the small things in life, And to cherish the moments of joy. I have learned to be content With what I have, And to find happiness in the simple things.
These lines are a reminder that happiness is not something that can be bought or earned. It is something that comes from within, and that can be found in the most unexpected places. The speaker has learned to be grateful for the small things in life, and to find joy in the moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is a powerful message, and one that is particularly relevant in today's world, where so many people are focused on material possessions and external validation.
In conclusion, "By Circumstances Fed" is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Delmore Schwartz captures the struggles and triumphs of life, and the ways in which we are shaped by the circumstances that surround us. The poem is a reminder that our struggles do not define us, but rather are an integral part of who we are. It is a message of hope and resilience, and a call to embrace the small moments of joy that make life worth living.
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