'Cremation' by Robinson Jeffers
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The Beginning and the End and Other Poems1963It nearly cancels my fear of death, my dearest said,
When I think of cremation. To rot in the earth
Is a loathsome end, but to roar up in flame-besides, I am used to it,
I have flamed with love or fury so often in my life,
No wonder my body is tired, no wonder it is dying.
We had a great joy of my body. Scatter the ashes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Cremation by Robinson Jeffers: An In-Depth Analysis
Robinson Jeffers, an American poet, is celebrated for his works that often revolve around the idea of nature and the environment. In his poem, "Cremation," Jeffers presents the reader with a unique perspective on the finality of death and the significance of cremation. The poem is a remarkable example of Jeffers' mastery of language and his ability to convey complex themes through simple yet powerful imagery.
The poem is divided into two parts, each containing six stanzas. In the first part, Jeffers explores the idea of death and the inevitability of its arrival. The second part of the poem deals with cremation as a powerful way of dealing with death. Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message.
The first part of the poem sets the tone and establishes the themes that will be explored in detail in the second part. Jeffers begins by describing death as a "gnarled and ancient tree" that casts a shadow over everything. The use of the metaphor of the tree is interesting as it symbolizes the idea of life and growth. However, in this instance, the tree is portrayed as old and gnarled, suggesting that death is a natural part of the life cycle.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers delves deeper into the complexities of death, describing it as a "strange and terrible flower" that blooms in the darkness. This metaphor is particularly powerful as it portrays death as something beautiful and mysterious, yet terrifying. The image of a flower blooming in the darkness is also significant as it suggests that death is not the end but a transition to a different state of being.
The second part of the poem deals with cremation, which Jeffers presents as a powerful way to deal with death. He describes the act of cremation as a "flame that shrivels the flowers" and "burns away the germs of disease." The use of fire as a metaphor for cremation is particularly powerful as it symbolizes renewal and purification.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn as Jeffers questions the significance of burial and the idea of preserving the body after death. He argues that the body is merely a vessel that houses the soul and that preserving it after death is futile. Jeffers suggests that cremation is a way of freeing the soul from the body and allowing it to transition to a new state of being.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is when Jeffers writes, "the earth that nourished it will claim / their substance that is changed into its own." This line is particularly significant as it suggests that everything is connected and that life and death are part of a larger cycle. The idea that the earth will claim the substance of the body and use it to nourish new life is both beautiful and comforting.
Overall, "Cremation" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of death and the significance of cremation. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and metaphors is particularly effective in conveying his message. The poem is a testament to Jeffers' mastery of language and his ability to explore complex themes in a simple yet powerful way.
In conclusion, "Cremation" is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today. It is a testament to Jeffers' skill as a poet and his ability to explore complex themes in a simple yet powerful way. The poem is a powerful reminder that death is a natural part of the life cycle and that cremation is a powerful way of dealing with it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Cremation: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects his love for nature and his philosophical beliefs. His poem "Poetry Cremation" is a masterpiece that showcases his ability to weave together complex themes and ideas into a single work of art. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem and how it reflects Jeffers' worldview.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene of a "great fire" that is consuming everything in its path. The fire is so intense that it is melting the rocks and turning them into "molten glass." The speaker then goes on to describe how the fire is consuming all of the world's poetry, burning it to ashes. The speaker laments the loss of all the great works of poetry, saying that they are now "gone forever."
At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple lament for the loss of great works of poetry. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. The poem is actually a commentary on the nature of art and its relationship to the world around us.
Jeffers believed that art should reflect the natural world and that it should be a celebration of the beauty and power of nature. He believed that art should not be divorced from the world but should be intimately connected to it. In "Poetry Cremation," Jeffers is expressing his belief that poetry, like all art, is a product of the natural world and that it is subject to the same forces that govern the rest of the world.
The fire in the poem represents the destructive forces of nature that are constantly at work in the world. Jeffers is suggesting that even the greatest works of poetry are not immune to these forces and that they too will eventually be consumed by them. This is a sobering thought, but it is also a reminder that everything in the world is subject to change and that nothing lasts forever.
However, the poem is not entirely pessimistic. Jeffers is also suggesting that there is a kind of beauty in the destruction of art. The fire that is consuming the poetry is described as a "great fire," and the rocks that are melting are turned into "molten glass." These descriptions suggest that there is a kind of transformative power in the destruction of art. The destruction of the old allows for the creation of the new, and this is a natural and necessary process.
In this sense, Jeffers is suggesting that the destruction of art is not something to be feared but something to be embraced. It is a reminder that everything in the world is subject to change and that this change is often necessary for growth and renewal. The destruction of art is not an end in itself but a means to an end, a way of making room for new works of art to emerge.
The poem also has a political dimension. Jeffers was a staunch environmentalist and believed that the destruction of the natural world was a grave threat to humanity. In "Poetry Cremation," he is suggesting that the destruction of art is a reflection of the destruction of the natural world. The two are intimately connected, and the destruction of one is a harbinger of the destruction of the other.
Jeffers is also suggesting that the destruction of art is a symptom of a larger cultural malaise. He believed that modern society had lost touch with the natural world and that this had led to a kind of spiritual emptiness. The destruction of art is a reflection of this emptiness, a sign that we have lost touch with the things that truly matter.
In conclusion, "Poetry Cremation" is a masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers that reflects his deep love for nature and his philosophical beliefs. The poem is a commentary on the nature of art and its relationship to the world around us. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry, like all art, is a product of the natural world and that it is subject to the same forces that govern the rest of the world. The destruction of art is not something to be feared but something to be embraced, a reminder that everything in the world is subject to change and that this change is often necessary for growth and renewal. The poem is also a political statement, a reflection of Jeffers' belief that the destruction of the natural world is a grave threat to humanity. Overall, "Poetry Cremation" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
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