'Age In Prospect' by Robinson Jeffers
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Roan Stallion, Tamar and Other Poems1925Praise youth's hot blood if you will, I think that happiness
Rather consists in having lived clear through
Youth and hot blood, on to the wintrier hemisphere
Where one has time to wait and remember.Youth and hot blood are beautiful, so is peacefulness.
Youth had some islands in it but age is indeed
An island and a peak; age has infirmities,
Not few, but youth is all one fever.To look around and to love in his appearances,
Though a little calmly, the universal God's
Beauty is better I think than to lip eagerly
The mother's breast or another woman's.And there is no possession more sure than memory's;
But if I reach that gray island, that peak,
My hope is still to possess with eyes the homeliness
Of ancient loves, ocean and mountains,And meditate the sea-mouth of mortality
And the fountain six feet down with a quieter thirst
Than now I feel for old age; a creature progressively
Thirsty for life will be for death too.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Age In Prospect: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, a prominent American poet, wrote one of his greatest works in 1937, Age in Prospect. The poem is an epic and philosophical work that explores the relationship between humans and nature, with a particular focus on the destructive tendencies of human behavior. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in Age in Prospect to uncover its deeper meanings and messages.
Background and Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Age in Prospect was written during the Great Depression, a time of extreme economic hardship and social upheaval in the United States. Jeffers was known for his environmentalism and his belief in the importance of preserving nature, which is reflected in this poem.
Jeffers was also influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman poets, particularly the Epicureans and the Stoics. These philosophies emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature and accepting the transience of life. These ideas are evident throughout Age in Prospect.
Themes
Age in Prospect has several themes that are interwoven throughout the poem. Perhaps the most prominent theme is the relationship between humans and nature. Jeffers portrays nature as a force to be respected and revered, but also as one that demands sacrifice and humility from humans. He argues that humans have become too arrogant and self-centered, and that this has led to their destruction of the natural world.
Another theme is the concept of time and the cyclical nature of life. Jeffers emphasizes that nothing in the natural world is permanent, and that all things must eventually come to an end. He also suggests that there is a certain beauty in this impermanence, as it allows for the cycle of life to continue.
Finally, Age in Prospect explores the concept of human progress and the idea that progress is not always a positive force. Jeffers argues that the pursuit of progress has led to the destruction of the natural world and that humans must learn to live in harmony with nature in order to survive.
Symbols
Jeffers uses several symbols throughout Age in Prospect to convey his themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols is the sea. The sea represents nature and the power it holds over humans. Jeffers describes the sea as "the great mother of life" and as a force that "takes what it will, and gives / What it will give." The sea is both a source of life and a source of destruction, and it demands respect and reverence from humans.
Another symbol is the eagle. The eagle represents the natural world and the beauty and power that can be found within it. Jeffers describes the eagle as "the free wild spirit / That carries our dreams up to the light." The eagle is a symbol of freedom and independence, and it reminds humans of the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Finally, Jeffers uses the symbol of the ancient Greeks to represent the ideal of living in harmony with nature. The ancient Greeks valued nature and saw it as a source of wisdom and inspiration. Jeffers suggests that humans can learn from the ancient Greeks and can find a way to live in harmony with nature if they are willing to let go of their arrogance and embrace humility.
Literary Devices
Jeffers uses several literary devices in Age in Prospect to convey his themes and ideas. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. Jeffers repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and to emphasize his ideas. For example, he repeats the phrase "We are too self-centered" several times throughout the poem to drive home the idea that human arrogance is a major problem.
Jeffers also uses imagery to convey his ideas. He describes nature in vivid detail, using images of the sea, the mountains, and the sky to create a sense of awe and wonder. He also uses imagery to describe the destructive tendencies of humans, such as when he describes "the screaming whistle of the factory" and "the golden smoke of cities."
Finally, Jeffers uses metaphor to convey his ideas. He compares humans to "wild boars" and "apes" to emphasize their lack of respect for nature. He also compares the pursuit of progress to a "shark" that is "grinding its teeth in hunger."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Age in Prospect is a masterpiece of American poetry that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Jeffers uses themes, symbols, and literary devices to convey his ideas and to create a sense of awe and wonder. The poem is a call to action, urging humans to respect and revere nature and to live in harmony with it. While the poem was written in the 1930s, its message is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the consequences of our destructive behavior. Age in Prospect is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and respect in the face of the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Age In Prospect: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece called "The Poetry Age In Prospect." This poem is a reflection of Jeffers' vision of the future of poetry and its role in society. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand its significance and relevance today.
The poem begins with a description of the current state of poetry, which Jeffers sees as a "sickly art." He laments the fact that poetry has become a commodity, a means of entertainment, rather than a tool for exploring the depths of human experience. He writes, "The poets are dead, or fled to the cities, / And left their verse to sing in the wind." Jeffers sees the current state of poetry as a reflection of the larger cultural decay of modern society.
However, Jeffers is not content to simply bemoan the state of poetry. He sees a glimmer of hope in the future, a time when poetry will once again be a vital force in society. He writes, "But there will come a time when the poets / Will return to the mountains and the sea." Jeffers envisions a new age of poetry, one that is rooted in the natural world and in the human experience of that world.
The structure of the poem reflects this vision of a new age of poetry. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of this new age. The first section describes the natural world, the second section explores the human experience, and the third section brings these two elements together.
In the first section, Jeffers describes the natural world in all its glory. He writes, "The mountains will be their cathedrals, / The sea their holy water." Jeffers sees the natural world as a source of inspiration for poets, a place where they can connect with something larger than themselves. He sees the mountains and the sea as symbols of this larger reality, and he believes that poets will find their voice in these natural cathedrals.
In the second section, Jeffers explores the human experience. He writes, "They will sing of love and death, / Of joy and sorrow, of hope and despair." Jeffers sees poetry as a means of exploring the full range of human emotions, of delving into the depths of the human experience. He believes that poetry has the power to connect us to our own humanity, to help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.
In the third section, Jeffers brings these two elements together. He writes, "And in their verse the mountains and the sea / Will speak of the human heart." Jeffers sees poetry as a bridge between the natural world and the human experience, a means of connecting the two and helping us understand our place in the larger scheme of things.
The language of the poem is both beautiful and powerful. Jeffers uses vivid imagery to bring his vision to life. He writes of "the wind that blows through the pines," "the waves that crash on the shore," and "the stars that shine in the night sky." His language is both lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into his vision of a new age of poetry.
In conclusion, "The Poetry Age In Prospect" is a masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers. It is a reflection of his vision of the future of poetry and its role in society. Jeffers sees poetry as a means of exploring the depths of human experience, of connecting us to the natural world, and of helping us understand our place in the larger scheme of things. His language is both beautiful and powerful, drawing the reader into his vision of a new age of poetry. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire and transform us.
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