'Divinely Superfluous Beauty' by Robinson Jeffers
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The storm-dances of gulls, the barking game of seals,
Over and under the ocean ...
Divinely superfluous beauty
Rules the games, presides over destinies, makes trees grow
And hills tower, waves fall.
The incredible beauty of joy
Stars with fire the joining of lips, O let our loves too
Be joined, there is not a maiden
Burns and thirsts for love
More than my blood for you, by the shore of seals while the wings
Weave like a web in the air
Divinely superfluous beauty.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Divinely Superfluous Beauty: An In-Depth Analysis
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were transported to a different world? A poem that not only captured your imagination, but also left you with a sense of awe and wonder? Divinely Superfluous Beauty, written by Robinson Jeffers, is one such poem.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, imagery, and language used in this classic poem, and explore what makes it such a masterpiece of modernist poetry.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the analysis, let's first discuss some background information about the poet and the poem itself.
Robinson Jeffers was an American poet who lived from 1887-1962. He is known for his unique style of poetry, which often focused on nature and the environment, and his rejection of traditional forms of poetry.
Divinely Superfluous Beauty was first published in 1920 as part of Jeffers' collection of poems, Flagons and Apples. This poem, along with many others in the collection, expresses Jeffers' admiration for the natural world and his rejection of human-centered values.
Themes
One of the main themes of Divinely Superfluous Beauty is the idea that nature is superior to humanity. Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty and power of nature, contrasting it with the mundane and ephemeral nature of human civilization.
For example, in the first stanza, Jeffers describes the "great blue" of the sea, which he imagines as a "colossus," towering over the "little ships" of human beings. He also describes the "unnumbered fish" that swim in the sea, making it seem like an entire world of its own.
This theme of nature's superiority is also evident in the second stanza, where Jeffers contrasts the "tawdry makeshifts" of human industry with the "sudden splendor" of a rainbow. He suggests that the beauty of nature is "superfluous" to human needs, but that it is nonetheless divine and worthy of admiration.
Another theme in Divinely Superfluous Beauty is the idea that beauty is fleeting and temporary. Jeffers describes the beauty of nature as something that is constantly changing and evolving, and suggests that humans should appreciate it while they can.
For example, in the third stanza, he writes about the "delicate creatures" of the sea, imagining them as "fragile flowers" that are easily destroyed by the "indifferent waves." He also describes the "transient colors" of the rainbow, which disappear as quickly as they appear.
This theme of impermanence is also reflected in the language and structure of the poem, which has a sense of urgency and immediacy. The short stanzas and abrupt line breaks create a sense of movement and change, as if the poem itself is a reflection of the fleeting beauty it describes.
Imagery and Language
One of the most striking aspects of Divinely Superfluous Beauty is the vivid imagery and language that Jeffers uses to describe the natural world. He uses a variety of metaphors and similes to create a sense of wonder and admiration for the beauty of nature.
For example, in the first stanza, he describes the sea as a "colossus," imagining it as a giant statue or monument that dwarfs the "little ships" of humans. He also describes the "unnumbered fish" that swim in the sea as a "multitude of lives," suggesting that the sea is teeming with a diversity of creatures.
In the second stanza, Jeffers uses the image of a rainbow to contrast the "tawdry makeshifts" of human industry with the "sudden splendor" of nature. He describes the rainbow as a "magic arch" that spans the sky, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers also uses language that is both vivid and musical. He uses alliteration, assonance, and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and harmony, as if the poem itself is a reflection of the beauty it describes.
For example, in the fourth stanza, he writes about the "fleeting flame" of a bird's wings, using the repetition of the "f" sound to create a sense of movement and fluttering. He also describes the "shimmering scales" of a fish, using the repetition of the "s" sound to create a sense of fluidity and motion.
Interpretation
So, what can we take away from Divinely Superfluous Beauty? What does it tell us about the relationship between humans and nature, and the nature of beauty itself?
One interpretation of the poem is that it challenges our human-centered view of the world. Jeffers suggests that our obsession with progress and technology has blinded us to the beauty and power of the natural world, and that we should learn to appreciate and admire it instead.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of the ephemeral beauty of nature. Jeffers suggests that the beauty of the world is something that is always changing and evolving, and that we should appreciate it while we can.
Overall, Divinely Superfluous Beauty is a breathtaking poem that captures the wonder and awe of the natural world. Through vivid imagery and musical language, Robinson Jeffers reminds us of the power and beauty of nature, and challenges us to rethink our relationship with the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Divinely Superfluous Beauty: A Poem of Nature's Majesty
Robinson Jeffers' poem, Divinely Superfluous Beauty, is a masterpiece of nature poetry. Written in 1925, the poem captures the essence of the natural world and its beauty. Jeffers' use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the world around us, and his message is clear: nature is divine, and its beauty is superfluous.
The poem begins with a description of the natural world, with Jeffers using the metaphor of a "great blue heron" to represent the majesty of nature. The heron is described as "standing like a statue" in the water, and its "long neck and beak" are compared to "a sword and scabbard." This imagery creates a sense of power and strength, and the heron becomes a symbol of the natural world's beauty and majesty.
Jeffers then goes on to describe the beauty of the world around us, using vivid imagery to create a picture of the natural world. He describes the "wild iris" as "purple and gold," and the "larkspur" as "blue-black." These descriptions are not just beautiful, but they also create a sense of the diversity and richness of the natural world.
The poem then takes a turn, with Jeffers questioning the purpose of this beauty. He asks, "What if the heart of a man should beat with joy / And the heart of the world with sorrow?" This question is a powerful one, and it raises the issue of the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Jeffers seems to be suggesting that the beauty of nature is superfluous, that it serves no real purpose, and that it is something that we should simply appreciate and enjoy.
The poem then returns to its theme of the beauty of the natural world, with Jeffers describing the "white butterflies" and the "yellow bees." He uses these images to create a sense of movement and life, and the poem becomes a celebration of the natural world and its beauty.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Jeffers writes, "Let us be unashamed of soul, / As earth lies bare to heaven above!" This is a call to embrace the natural world and to be unafraid of our own emotions and feelings. Jeffers seems to be suggesting that the beauty of the natural world can help us to connect with our own souls, and that it is something that we should embrace and celebrate.
Overall, Divinely Superfluous Beauty is a powerful poem that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Jeffers' use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the world around us, and his message is clear: nature is divine, and its beauty is something that we should appreciate and enjoy. The poem is a reminder of the importance of the natural world, and it encourages us to embrace our own emotions and feelings in order to connect with the world around us.
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