'Now Returned Home' by Robinson Jeffers


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Beyond the narrows of the Inner Hebrides
We sailed the cold angry sea toward Barra, where Heaval mountain
Lifts like a mast. There were few people on the steamer, it was late in theyear; I noticed most an old shepherd,
Two wise-eyed dogs wove anxious circles around his feet, and a thin-armedgirlWho cherished what seemed a doll, wrapping it against the sea-wind. Whenit moved I said to my wife "She'll smother it."
And she to the girl: "Is your baby cold? You'd better run down out of thewind and uncover its face."
She raised the shawl and said "He is two weeks old. His mother died inGlasgow in the hospital
Where he was born. She was my sister." I looked ahead at the bleak island,gray stones, ruined castle,
A few gaunt houses under the high and comfortless mountain; my wifelooked at the sickly babe,
And said "There's a good doctor in Barra? It will soon be winter." "Ah,"she answered, "Barra'd be heaven for him,
The poor wee thing, there's Heaval to break the wind. We live on a weeisland yonder away,
Just the one house."The steamer moored, and a skiff-what they call acurragh, like a canvas canoe
Equipped with oars-came swiftly along the side. The dark-haired girlclimbed down to it, with one arm holding
That doubtful slip of life to her breast; a tall young man with sea-pale eyesand an older man
Helped her; if a word was spoken I did not hear it. They stepped a mastand hoisted a henna-color
Bat's wing of sail.Now, returned home
After so many thousands of miles of road and ocean, all the hulls sailed in,the houses visited,
I remember that slender skiff with dark henna sail
Bearing off across the stormy sunset to the distant island
Most clearly; and have rather forgotten the dragging whirlpools of London,The screaming haste of New York.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Now Returned Home: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robinson Jeffers is a well-known American poet, famous for his unique and powerful style. One of his most celebrated works is Poetry, Now Returned Home, published in 1940. This poem is a powerful and evocative reflection on the nature of poetry and its role in the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Jeffers in this remarkable piece of literature.

Themes

The overarching theme of Poetry, Now Returned Home is the power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the natural world. Jeffers argues that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual communication. He believes that poetry can bring us closer to the natural world and help us understand the beauty and complexity of the universe.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the return home. Jeffers describes poetry as a traveler who has returned home after a long journey. This journey is a metaphor for the creative process of writing poetry. Jeffers suggests that the poet must venture out into the world, experience life, and then return home to express those experiences through poetry.

Imagery

Jeffers uses vivid and powerful imagery throughout Poetry, Now Returned Home. He paints a picture of the natural world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. For example, he describes the ocean as "a great mother of life" and "a song with a thousand voices." These descriptions evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.

Jeffers also uses imagery to explore the relationship between poetry and the natural world. He describes the poet as a "messenger" and a "pilgrim" who can connect us with the beauty and mystery of the natural world. This imagery suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual communication that can help us connect with something greater than ourselves.

Language

The language used by Jeffers in Poetry, Now Returned Home is both powerful and evocative. He uses simple, yet elegant language to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, he describes poetry as a "shepherd of dolphins" and a "friend of the stars." These descriptions are poetic and imaginative, and they convey a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.

Jeffers also uses language to explore the relationship between poetry and the human experience. He suggests that poetry can help us understand our place in the world and our relationship with the natural world. For example, he writes, "we are the children of the earth, and poetry is our voice." This language suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual communication that can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Interpretation

Poetry, Now Returned Home is a powerful and evocative reflection on the nature of poetry and its role in the world. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and poetic language to explore the themes of the power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the natural world. He suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual communication that can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that Jeffers is suggesting that poetry can help us connect with something greater than ourselves. He suggests that the natural world is a source of spiritual inspiration and that poetry can help us access that inspiration. This interpretation suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual exploration that can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Another possible interpretation of the poem is that Jeffers is exploring the relationship between poetry and the creative process. He suggests that the poet must venture out into the world, experience life, and then return home to express those experiences through poetry. This interpretation suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of personal exploration and growth.

Overall, Poetry, Now Returned Home is a remarkable piece of literature that explores the themes of the power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the natural world. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and poetic language to create a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, and to suggest that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a means of spiritual communication and personal growth.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Now Returned Home: 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 blends nature, philosophy, and mythology. His poem "Poetry Now Returned Home" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic vision. This 2000-word analysis will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand its significance.

The poem begins with the speaker's observation of the natural world, where he sees "the hills grow darker green" and "the sea dark blue." The speaker then reflects on the role of poetry in capturing the beauty of nature, saying that "poetry is the voice of the earth." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the relationship between poetry, nature, and humanity.

The second stanza introduces the idea of poetry as a "stranger" who has returned home. The speaker describes how poetry has been "wandering" for centuries, searching for a place to belong. This metaphorical language suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a living entity that has its own journey and purpose.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the human world, where the speaker observes the "crowds of men" who are "blind and deaf" to the beauty of nature. The speaker laments how humans have become disconnected from the natural world, saying that "they have forgotten the earth." This contrast between the natural world and the human world highlights the importance of poetry in bridging the gap between the two.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of poetry as a "stranger" who has finally found a home. The speaker describes how poetry has "come back to the earth" and is now "singing" in the hills and the sea. This personification of poetry as a living entity that can sing and be heard emphasizes its power to connect humans to the natural world.

The fifth stanza explores the idea of poetry as a form of prophecy. The speaker says that poetry can "foretell the future" and "reveal the past." This suggests that poetry has a deeper purpose beyond just capturing the beauty of nature. It can also provide insights into the human condition and the world's history.

The sixth stanza returns to the theme of poetry as a bridge between the natural world and humanity. The speaker says that poetry can "make the blind see" and "the deaf hear." This metaphorical language suggests that poetry has the power to awaken humans to the beauty of nature and the world around them.

The seventh stanza explores the idea of poetry as a form of truth-telling. The speaker says that poetry can "speak the truth" and "teach the wise." This suggests that poetry has the power to challenge conventional wisdom and reveal deeper truths about the world.

The eighth stanza returns to the theme of poetry as a living entity that can be heard in the natural world. The speaker says that poetry can be heard in the "wind and the waves" and in the "song of the birds." This personification of poetry as a living entity that can be heard in the natural world emphasizes its connection to the earth and its power to inspire humans.

The ninth and final stanza concludes the poem with a powerful statement about the importance of poetry. The speaker says that poetry is "the voice of the earth" and that it can "save the world." This suggests that poetry has a vital role to play in addressing the environmental and social challenges facing humanity.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of nine stanzas, each with four lines. The consistent structure creates a sense of rhythm and flow that mirrors the natural world's cyclical patterns. The use of metaphorical language and personification throughout the poem creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites readers to reflect on the poem's themes.

In terms of language, the poem is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The use of short, declarative sentences and concrete imagery creates a sense of immediacy and vividness that brings the natural world to life. The poem's language is also characterized by its musicality, with repeated sounds and rhythms that create a sense of harmony and unity.

In conclusion, "Poetry Now Returned Home" is a masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers that captures the essence of his poetic vision. The poem explores the relationship between poetry, nature, and humanity, emphasizing poetry's power to connect humans to the natural world, reveal deeper truths, and inspire change. The poem's structure and language create a sense of rhythm, flow, and musicality that bring the natural world to life. Overall, "Poetry Now Returned Home" is a powerful testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and transform.

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