'The Oldest Drama' by John McCrae
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"It fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
And he said unto his father, My head, my head.And he said to a lad,
Carry him to his mother.And . . . he sat on her knees till noon,
and then died.And she went up, and laid him on the bed. . . .
And shut the door upon him and went out."
Immortal story that no mother's heart
Ev'n yet can read, nor feel the biting pain
That rent her soul!Immortal not by art
Which makes a long past sorrow sting again
Like grief of yesterday:but since it said
In simplest word the truth which all may see,
Where any mother sobs above her dead
And plays anew the silent tragedy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Oldest Drama: A Masterpiece of Poetry
John McCrae is a Canadian poet who is best known for his works related to the First World War. His famous poem, "In Flanders Fields," is considered one of the most iconic pieces of poetry in Canadian history. However, McCrae's literary prowess extends far beyond war poetry. In fact, his work, "The Oldest Drama," is a prime example of his literary genius.
The Poem: An Overview
"The Oldest Drama" is a three-part poem that tells the story of a young woman who dies and goes to heaven. The first part of the poem describes the woman's journey to heaven, the second part delves into her experiences in heaven, and the third part explores her reactions to returning to earth. The poem is written in iambic pentameter and features a rhyme scheme of ABABCC.
Part One: The Journey to Heaven
The first part of the poem is a masterful depiction of the journey to heaven. The opening lines set the scene, describing the woman's death and her journey upwards:
She died at dawn; she died without a sound,
Like fading dew-stars, slipping from the grass;
And quietly, with her own soul she passed
Up through the shining air, beyond Earth's bound.
The use of imagery here is stunning. The comparison of the woman's death to "fading dew-stars" is beautiful and evocative. The idea of her passing "up through the shining air" creates a sense of awe and wonder.
The next few stanzas describe the woman's ascent, with McCrae painting a vivid picture of the journey:
And, as she rose, the heavy mists below
Rolled from the hills, and opened wide to show
The land of dreams, the wonder-world of sleep.
And, far below, the city's restless sweep
Was like a pulsing single point of flame,
That dwindled, faded, flickered, and became
A fading ember, lost in misty blue.
The "land of dreams" and "wonder-world of sleep" are mystical places that add to the ethereal nature of the poem. McCrae's use of language is superb, and the imagery he creates is both vivid and enchanting.
Part Two: Experiences in Heaven
The second part of the poem is perhaps even more impressive than the first. It describes the woman's experiences in heaven, and McCrae's descriptions of this celestial realm are nothing short of breathtaking.
She rose, she rose, she passed the gates of Night,
And on the air that breathed eternal light
She floated, like a lily on a stream,
And saw below her, like a golden dream,
The streets of heaven, paved with living gold,
And walls of jasper, shining fold on fold.
The idea of the "streets of heaven" being "paved with living gold" is a beautiful image that showcases McCrae's poetic talents. His use of simile, comparing the woman to a lily on a stream, is subtle but effective.
The following stanzas describe the woman's experiences in heaven in even greater detail, with McCrae using a range of different images and metaphors to create a vivid picture of paradise:
And there were trees, with leaves of living green,
And waters, where the sky's own blue was seen
In ripples, mirrored in the crystal spray,
And songs of birds, and scents of flowers at play.
The use of sensory language in these lines is particularly impressive. The reader can almost hear the songs of the birds and smell the flowers.
Part Three: Returning to Earth
The final part of the poem explores the woman's reactions to returning to earth. McCrae describes her as feeling "strange and lonely" as she realizes that she is no longer in heaven. However, he also suggests that her experiences in paradise have changed her in some way:
And though she knew not why, her heart was filled
With new-born patience, and a strange, sweet peace.
The use of the words "new-born" and "strange, sweet peace" are powerful metaphors for the woman's transformation. McCrae suggests that her time in heaven has given her a new perspective on life and has allowed her to find a sense of inner peace.
Interpretation
So, what does this poem mean? At its core, "The Oldest Drama" is an exploration of life after death. McCrae suggests that heaven is a beautiful, mystical place, with golden streets and crystal waters. However, he also suggests that the experience of returning to earth can be a difficult one, as the woman feels "strange and lonely" upon her return.
However, it would be simplistic to suggest that the poem is only about life after death. McCrae's use of language and imagery suggests that there is something more profound at work here. For example, the idea that the woman's experiences in heaven have transformed her in some way suggests that the poem is also about the transformative power of spirituality.
Furthermore, the poem can also be read as a commentary on the nature of existence. The image of the city "dwindling, fading, flickering, and becoming a fading ember, lost in misty blue" suggests that the woman's journey to heaven is a metaphor for the transience of life. However, the fact that she returns to earth with a sense of "new-born patience" and "strange, sweet peace" suggests that there is also a sense of hope and renewal in this transience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Oldest Drama" is a masterful piece of poetry that explores the themes of life after death, spirituality, and the transience of existence. McCrae's use of language and imagery is nothing short of breathtaking, and the poem is a testament to his literary genius. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply a lover of language, "The Oldest Drama" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is often considered as the oldest form of drama, and John McCrae's poem "The Oldest Drama" is a perfect example of this. This poem is a beautiful representation of the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with a description of a scene in nature, where the speaker observes a group of birds singing and dancing in the trees. The speaker is immediately drawn to the beauty and harmony of the birds' movements and notes that their actions are like a drama unfolding before his eyes. This observation sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea that nature itself is a form of drama, and that poetry is a way of capturing and expressing this drama.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the theme of nature as drama. The speaker describes the birds as "actors" who are "playing their parts" in a grand performance. He notes that their movements are "graceful" and "harmonious," and that they are "singing a song" that is "sweet and clear." This description creates a sense of wonder and awe, as if the speaker is witnessing something truly magical and extraordinary.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the role of poetry in capturing this drama. The speaker notes that the birds' song is like a "poem" that is "written in the air." He suggests that poetry is a way of capturing the beauty and essence of nature, and that it allows us to experience the drama of the natural world in a deeper and more meaningful way. This idea is reinforced by the use of poetic language throughout the poem, which creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that mirrors the birds' song.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a way of connecting with the past and the future. The speaker notes that the birds' song has been heard "since the world began," and that it will continue to be heard "when the world is old." He suggests that poetry is a way of preserving the memories and experiences of the past, and that it allows us to connect with the future by imagining what is yet to come. This idea is particularly relevant in the context of McCrae's own time, as he was writing during the early years of the 20th century, a time of great change and uncertainty.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of nature as drama, but this time the focus is on the darker aspects of the natural world. The speaker notes that there are "storms" and "wars" in nature, and that these events are also part of the drama. He suggests that poetry is a way of acknowledging and confronting these darker aspects of life, and that it allows us to find meaning and beauty even in the midst of chaos and destruction.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of nature, poetry, and drama together in a powerful conclusion. The speaker notes that the birds' song is a "message" that is "written in the sky," and that it is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. He suggests that poetry is a way of capturing this message and sharing it with others, and that it allows us to connect with each other and with the world around us in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Overall, "The Oldest Drama" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of nature, poetry, and drama in a way that is both timeless and relevant. McCrae's use of poetic language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe, while his exploration of the darker aspects of life adds depth and complexity to the poem. Ultimately, this poem reminds us of the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience and to connect us with the world around us.
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