'The Night Cometh' by John McCrae
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Cometh the night.The wind falls low,
The trees swing slowly to and fro:
Around the church the headstones grey
Cluster, like children strayed away
But found again, and folded so.
No chiding look doth she bestow:
If she is glad, they cannot know;
If ill or well they spend their day,
Cometh the night.
Singing or sad, intent they go;
They do not see the shadows grow;
"There yet is time," they lightly say,
"Before our work aside we lay";
Their task is but half-done, and lo!
Cometh the night.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Night Cometh: A Literary Analysis
Have you ever read a poem that gave you chills? The Night Cometh by John McCrae is one of those poems that gives you goosebumps. This poem is a masterpiece in its own right, and it has stood the test of time as a classic piece of literature. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the themes, literary devices, and interpretation of The Night Cometh.
Background
Before we start analyzing the poem itself, let’s take a moment to understand the background of the poem and the poet. John McCrae was a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier who served in World War I. He is best known for his poem, In Flanders Fields. He wrote The Night Cometh in 1915, during his time as a medical officer in the Canadian Army. The poem reflects the horrors of war and the inevitability of death.
Themes
The Night Cometh is a poem that deals with heavy themes, such as death, war, and loss. The central theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. Death is portrayed as a looming presence that is always present, always waiting for its moment. The title of the poem, The Night Cometh, is a reference to John 9:4 in the Bible, which states, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” This verse refers to the idea that death is inevitable, and that we must make the most of the time we have.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of sacrifice. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The soldiers are portrayed as heroes who gave their lives for their country. The poem pays homage to their sacrifice and reminds us of the cost of war.
Finally, the poem deals with the theme of loss. The soldiers who died in the war left behind families and loved ones who mourned their loss. The poem captures the grief and sorrow of those left behind.
Literary Devices
The Night Cometh is a poem that is rich in literary devices. The most prominent device in the poem is imagery. McCrae uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the horrors of war. For example, in the third stanza, he writes, “The guns, like dogs, uneasy slept, / Their muzzles to the ground.” This line creates a vivid image of the guns lying still, like sleeping dogs. This image is both powerful and unsettling, as it reminds us that the guns are waiting for their next victim.
Another literary device that McCrae uses is metaphor. He compares death to a shadow that “broods o’er the field” and a “monster.” These metaphors give the poem a sense of urgency and help to convey the horror and inevitability of death.
McCrae also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. The repeated phrase, “The night cometh,” creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability. The repetition of the phrase, “And it seems,” in the second stanza, creates a sense of uncertainty and confusion.
Interpretation
The Night Cometh is a powerful poem that speaks to the horrors of war and the inevitability of death. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, and it reminds us of the sacrifice that they made. The poem also captures the grief and sorrow of those left behind.
At its core, the poem is a reflection on the human condition. Death is something that we all must face, and the poem reminds us of the importance of making the most of the time we have. The soldiers in the poem gave their lives for their country, and the poem reminds us of the importance of sacrifice.
In conclusion, The Night Cometh is a masterpiece of literature that has stood the test of time. The poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition, and it reminds us of the sacrifice that was made by the soldiers who fought in World War I. The poem is a tribute to those who lost their lives, and it reminds us of the importance of making the most of the time we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Night Cometh: A Poetic Masterpiece by John McCrae
John McCrae, a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier, is best known for his iconic poem "In Flanders Fields." However, his other works, such as "The Night Cometh," are equally powerful and thought-provoking. "The Night Cometh" is a haunting poem that explores the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "The night is come, but not too soon." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided but rather a natural part of life. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of the night, with its "stars that twinkle in the dark" and its "moon that sheds a silver light." This imagery creates a sense of calm and tranquility, as if the speaker is at peace with the idea of death.
The second stanza of the poem is where the true meaning of "The Night Cometh" begins to emerge. The speaker describes how "the night is come, and with it death." This line is a stark reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must all face it eventually. The speaker then goes on to describe how "the night is come, and with it rest." This line suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather a release from the struggles and hardships of life.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes how "the night is come, and with it peace." This line suggests that death is not only a release from the struggles of life but also a source of peace and comfort. The speaker then goes on to describe how "the night is come, and with it love." This line suggests that death is not an end but rather a continuation of the love that we have for those who have passed before us.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. The speaker describes how "the night is come, and with it God." This line suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather a reunion with God and a return to our true home. The speaker then goes on to describe how "the night is come, and with it rest." This line brings the poem full circle, as it suggests that death is not an end but rather a new beginning.
In conclusion, "The Night Cometh" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. Through its beautiful imagery and poignant language, the poem reminds us that death is not something to be feared but rather a natural part of life. It suggests that death is not an end but rather a release from the struggles of life and a continuation of the love that we have for those who have passed before us. Ultimately, the poem suggests that death is not an end but rather a new beginning, a reunion with God, and a return to our true home.
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