'Strange Are The Ways Of Men' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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STRANGE are the ways of men,
And strange the ways of God!
We tread the mazy paths
That all our fathers trod.
We tread them undismayed,
And undismayed behold
The portents of the sky,
The things that were of old.
The fiery stars pursue
Their course in heav'n on high;
And round the 'leaguered town,
Crest-tossing heroes cry.
Crest-tossing heroes cry;
And martial fifes declare
How small, to mortal minds,
Is merely mortal care.
And to the clang of steel
And cry of piercing flute
Upon the azure peaks
A God shall plant his foot:
A God in arms shall stand,
And seeing wide and far
The green and golden earth,
The killing tide of war,
He, with uplifted arm,
Shall to the skies proclaim
The gleeful fate of man,
The noble road to fame!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Strange Are The Ways of Men: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Are you a fan of poetry that captures the complexities and contradictions of human nature? If so, have you read Robert Louis Stevenson's "Strange Are The Ways Of Men"? This poem is a masterpiece of literary criticism and interpretation that explores the many facets of the human psyche.
In this 4000 word literary analysis, we will delve into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem. We will also examine the historical context in which it was written and its relevance to modern-day readers.
Overview of the Poem
"Strange Are The Ways Of Men" is a poem that consists of ten stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem was first published in Stevenson's collection of poetry, "Underwoods," in 1887.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on how humans are often driven by their desires and passions, which can lead them to make questionable decisions. The second stanza introduces the idea that humans often hide their true nature from others, putting on a facade of civility and respectability.
The third and fourth stanzas explore the theme of power and how it can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The fifth stanza delves into the theme of love and how it can both elevate and destroy a person.
The sixth and seventh stanzas focus on the theme of death and how it can bring clarity and perspective to life. The eighth stanza examines the theme of faith and the role it plays in shaping a person's beliefs and values.
The ninth stanza takes a more philosophical turn, pondering the nature of existence and the ultimate futility of human endeavors. Finally, the poem concludes on a note of acceptance, acknowledging that life is full of mysteries and uncertainties, but that we must still press on and make the most of it.
Themes
One of the most striking themes of "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" is the idea that humans are complex creatures who are often driven by their desires and passions. The poem acknowledges that we all have a dark side, and that it can be difficult to reconcile our base instincts with our desire to be seen as respectable and moral individuals.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea that power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The poem warns against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the way it can lead people to do terrible things in the name of progress or success.
The theme of love is also explored in the poem, with the speaker acknowledging the transformative power that love can have on a person's life. However, the poem also acknowledges that love can be a double-edged sword, capable of both elevating and destroying a person.
The theme of death is also a prominent one in the poem, with the speaker reflecting on the way that death can bring clarity and perspective to life. The poem acknowledges the finality of death and the way that it forces us to confront our own mortality.
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of faith and the role it plays in shaping a person's beliefs and values. The poem acknowledges the importance of faith in providing a sense of purpose and meaning in life, but also acknowledges that it can be a source of conflict and division.
Symbols
One of the most powerful symbols in "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" is the idea of masks. The poem acknowledges that humans often wear masks in order to hide their true nature from others, presenting a facade of civility and respectability. The idea of masks serves as a powerful metaphor for the way that humans often conceal their inner selves, presenting only what they want others to see.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the idea of fire. The poem uses fire to represent both the destructive power of passion and desire, as well as the transformative power of love. The symbol of fire serves as a powerful reminder of the way that emotions can both elevate and destroy us.
The theme of death is also symbolized through the image of a ship sailing off into the horizon. The ship represents the journey of life, with the horizon symbolizing the unknown expanse beyond death. The symbol of the ship serves as a powerful reminder of the finality of death and the way that it forces us to confront the unknown.
Literary Devices
"Strange Are The Ways Of Men" uses several literary devices to convey its themes and symbols. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid imagery that helps to bring its themes and symbols to life.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The poem uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas and themes, such as the idea that humans are driven by their desires and passions.
The poem also makes use of metaphor and simile to convey its themes and symbols. For example, the poem uses the metaphor of a ship sailing into the horizon to symbolize the journey of life.
Finally, the poem uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects. For example, the poem personifies death as a silent watcher who waits for us all.
Historical Context
"Strange Are The Ways Of Men" was written during a time of great social and political change in Europe. The Industrial Revolution had transformed the way people lived and worked, leading to widespread social unrest and political upheaval.
Stevenson himself was a product of this era, having grown up in Scotland during a time of great economic and social change. As a writer, he was deeply interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the way that society shapes our beliefs and values.
Relevance Today
Despite being written over a century ago, "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" remains a relevant and powerful poem that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. The themes and symbols of the poem are timeless, and speak to the way that humans have always struggled to reconcile their desires and passions with their desire to be seen as respectable and moral individuals.
In many ways, the poem is a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the way that it can lead people to do terrible things in the name of progress or success. It is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against our own dark impulses, and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" is a remarkable poem that explores the many facets of the human experience. It is a powerful reminder of the complexities and contradictions that make us human, and the way that our desires and passions can both elevate and destroy us.
The poem's themes and symbols are timeless, and speak to the way that humans have always struggled to reconcile their inner selves with the expectations of society. And despite being written over a century ago, the poem remains relevant to modern-day readers, serving as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the need to always strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Strange Are The Ways Of Men: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his captivating and thought-provoking works. Among his many literary masterpieces, "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" stands out as a profound and insightful poem that delves into the complexities of human nature.
The poem, which was first published in 1885, is a reflection on the unpredictable and often irrational behavior of human beings. It explores the paradoxical nature of human existence, where people can be both good and evil, kind and cruel, loving and hateful, all at the same time.
The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which presents a different aspect of human nature. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its opening lines, "Strange are the ways of men, / And strange the ways of God." Here, Stevenson acknowledges the mystery and unpredictability of human behavior, as well as the enigmatic nature of the divine.
The second stanza explores the theme of love and its many contradictions. Stevenson writes, "Love is the root of all, / And love is the bane of life." He recognizes that love can be both a source of joy and happiness, as well as pain and suffering. He also acknowledges the paradoxical nature of love, where it can be both selfless and selfish, pure and tainted.
The third stanza delves into the theme of power and its corrupting influence. Stevenson writes, "Power is a heady wine, / And power is a bitter draught." He recognizes that power can be intoxicating and addictive, but also destructive and harmful. He also acknowledges the paradoxical nature of power, where it can be both a force for good and evil, depending on how it is wielded.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a reflection on the transience of life. Stevenson writes, "Life is a fading gleam, / And death is a dark abyss." He recognizes that life is fleeting and impermanent, and that death is an inevitable part of the human experience. He also acknowledges the paradoxical nature of life and death, where they are both beautiful and tragic, joyful and sorrowful.
Overall, "Strange Are The Ways Of Men" is a powerful and insightful poem that explores the complexities of human nature. It is a testament to Stevenson's skill as a poet and his deep understanding of the human condition. The poem is a reminder that, despite our many contradictions and flaws, we are all part of the same mysterious and enigmatic universe, and that our lives are both beautiful and tragic, joyful and sorrowful.
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