'End Of The World' by Robinson Jeffers
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The Beginning and the End & Other PoemsWhen I was young in school in Switzerland, about the time of the Boer War,
We used to take it for known that the human race
Would last the earth out, not dying till the planet died. I wrote a schoolboy poem
About the last man walking in stoic dignity along the dead shore
Of the last sea, alone, alone, alone, remembering all
His racial past. But now I don't think so. They'll die faceless in flocks,
And the earth flourish long after mankind is out.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Robinson Jeffers' End of the World
If you're into poetry that's both beautiful and apocalyptic, you might want to check out Robinson Jeffers' "End of the World." This masterpiece captures the essence of what it means to face the end of all things, to witness the destruction of everything we once held dear, and to come to terms with our own mortality.
But what makes "End of the World" so powerful? How does Jeffers' writing manage to tap into such primal fears and emotions? In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at the poem's themes, symbolism, and stylistic choices to answer these questions and more.
Summary
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the poem, let's first get a sense of its overall structure and narrative. "End of the World" is a long poem consisting of several stanzas, each one describing a different aspect of an apocalyptic event. The poem opens with a description of a "great storm" that is "raging" and "wreaking havoc" on the natural world. From there, the poem moves on to describe the destruction of cities, the death of humans and animals, and the ultimate extinction of all life on Earth.
But this is not just a poem about the end of the world in a literal sense. Jeffers also uses the apocalyptic imagery to comment on the nature of humanity, civilization, and the human condition. The poem suggests that humanity's arrogance and hubris have led to its downfall, and that the end of the world is a necessary reckoning for our collective sins.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "End of the World" is that of nature's dominance over humanity. The poem emphasizes the power and ferocity of natural disasters, depicting them as forces that humans are ultimately powerless to stop or control. This theme is evident from the opening stanza, in which the "great storm" is described as a "wild beast breaking the world," tearing down trees and causing "the mountains tremble." This sense of awe and dread continues throughout the poem, with later stanzas describing earthquakes, volcanoes, and other natural disasters that reduce human cities to rubble.
Another key theme in "End of the World" is that of humanity's arrogance and hubris. Jeffers suggests that humans have become too powerful for their own good, and that their attempts to conquer and dominate the natural world have ultimately led to their downfall. This theme is evident in lines like "we had thought ourselves / Master of all things, but there were / Things that mastered us," which suggest that humanity's technological and cultural advancements have ultimately made us vulnerable to the forces of nature.
At the same time, the poem also suggests that the end of the world is a necessary wake-up call for humanity. Jeffers argues that the destruction of civilization is a kind of purging, a way for the Earth to rid itself of the "cancer" of humanity's destructive tendencies. This idea is expressed in lines like "The cities heaped / Their marble and rubbed themselves with oils," which suggest that humanity has become too obsessed with material wealth and luxury. By destroying these trappings of civilization, the Earth is able to reclaim its natural beauty and balance.
Symbolism
"End of the World" is also rich with symbolism, much of which reinforces the poem's themes and narrative. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is that of the "great storm." This storm is depicted as a kind of primal force, a manifestation of the Earth's fury and power. This symbolism is reinforced throughout the poem, with later stanzas describing earthquakes, volcanoes, and other natural disasters that similarly emphasize the power and unpredictability of nature.
Another important symbol in the poem is that of the "tower." This symbol can be read in a few different ways, but one interpretation is that it represents humanity's aspirations and ambitions. The tower is a symbol of human progress and achievement, but it is also a symbol of human arrogance and overreach. When the tower is destroyed in the poem, it can be read as a symbol of humanity's downfall, a sign that our reach has exceeded our grasp.
Finally, the poem's imagery of death and decay can also be read as symbolic of the broader themes of the poem. As humans and animals alike are reduced to dust and bones, the poem suggests that everything we once held dear is ultimately fleeting and temporary. The symbolism of death and decay also reinforces the idea that the end of the world is a necessary purging, a way for the Earth to reclaim its natural balance and beauty.
Style and Tone
One of the defining characteristics of "End of the World" is its stark, apocalyptic tone. Jeffers uses language that is both beautiful and haunting, creating a sense of impending doom that permeates the entire poem. This tone is established from the very first lines, where the "great storm" is described as a "wild beast" that is "raging" and "breaking the world." From there, the poem only becomes more intense, with each stanza depicting more destruction and death.
At the same time, Jeffers' writing is also marked by a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. His descriptions of natural disasters are often lyrical and beautiful, even as they depict scenes of chaos and destruction. This juxtaposition creates a sense of both horror and wonder, emphasizing the raw power and beauty of the natural world.
Conclusion
Overall, "End of the World" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores some of the most fundamental themes of human existence. Through its depictions of natural disasters, death, and destruction, the poem suggests that humanity's arrogance and hubris have led to our downfall. At the same time, the poem also suggests that the end of the world is a necessary purging, a way for the Earth to rid itself of the cancer of humanity's destructive tendencies.
Jeffers' writing is marked by a stark, apocalyptic tone that creates a sense of impending doom, even as his descriptions of the natural world are often lyrical and beautiful. This juxtaposition creates a sense of both horror and wonder, emphasizing the raw power and beauty of the natural world.
In short, "End of the World" is a masterpiece of poetic writing that deserves to be read and studied for generations to come. Whether you're interested in exploring the themes of human mortality and natural disaster or simply appreciate beautiful, evocative writing, this poem is not to be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry End Of The World: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, the renowned American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects his love for nature and his pessimistic view of human civilization. His poem, "End of the World," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his philosophy and his vision of the future. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the natural world, with the speaker observing the "mountains and sea" and the "great whales" that swim in the ocean. The speaker marvels at the beauty and power of nature, but also notes its indifference to human existence. He notes that "the world does not care" about human beings, and that our existence is insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
This theme of human insignificance is a recurring motif in Jeffers' poetry, and it reflects his belief that human civilization is a blight on the natural world. He sees humans as a destructive force that is destroying the planet, and he believes that the end of the world is inevitable. This bleak outlook is reflected in the poem's title, which suggests that the end of the world is not a catastrophic event, but rather a natural and inevitable process.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy, as it is divided into three distinct sections. The first section, which we have already discussed, sets the scene and establishes the poem's themes. The second section shifts the focus to human civilization, with the speaker describing the "cities" and "factories" that have sprung up across the land. He notes that these human creations are "ugly" and "vile," and that they are destroying the natural world.
This section of the poem is particularly powerful, as it contrasts the beauty and power of nature with the ugliness and destructiveness of human civilization. The speaker's condemnation of human society is uncompromising, and he suggests that the only way to save the planet is to abandon our cities and return to a more primitive way of life. This message is particularly relevant today, as we grapple with the environmental consequences of our modern way of life.
The final section of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes the end of the world in vivid and apocalyptic terms. The speaker imagines a time when the "last man" will stand alone on the earth, surrounded by the ruins of human civilization. He describes the "blackened hills" and the "poisoned sea," and suggests that the end of the world will be a time of great suffering and despair.
Despite the bleakness of this vision, the poem ends on a note of hope. The speaker suggests that the end of the world will also be a time of renewal, as nature reclaims the earth and begins anew. He notes that "the world will be beautiful again," and suggests that this beauty will be all the more precious because of the destruction that preceded it.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. Jeffers uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to contrast with the ugliness of human civilization, and he employs powerful metaphors to convey his message. For example, he describes the "blackened hills" as "the bones of a dead giant," suggesting that human civilization is a monstrous and unnatural creation that will eventually crumble and decay.
Overall, "End of the World" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reflects Robinson Jeffers' unique vision of the future. It is a warning about the dangers of human civilization and a call to action to protect the natural world. Despite its bleak outlook, the poem also offers a message of hope, suggesting that the end of the world will be a time of renewal and rebirth. It is a masterpiece of American poetry, and a testament to Jeffers' enduring legacy as one of the great poets of the 20th century.
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