'Fletcher McGee' by Edgar Lee Masters

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She took my strength by the minutes,
She took my life by hours,
She drained me like a fevered moon
That saps the spinning world.
The days went by like shadows,
The minutes wheeled like stars.
She took the pity from my heart,
And made it into smiles.
She was a hunk of sculptor's clay,
My secret thoughts were fingers:
They flew behind her pensive brow
And lined it deep with pain.
They set the lips, and sagged the cheeks,
And drooped the eyes with sorrow.
My soul had entered in the clay,
Fighting like seven devils.
It was not mine, it was not hers;
She held it, but its struggles
Modeled a face she hated,
And a face I feared to see.
I beat the windows, shook the bolts,
And hid me in a corner-
And then she died and haunted me,
And hunted me for life.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Fletcher McGee" by Edgar Lee Masters: A Study of Human Nature

Have you ever read a poem that made you question the very essence of human nature? A poem that delves deep into the dark corners of the human heart and exposes the ugly truths that we often try to hide? If not, then you haven't read "Fletcher McGee" by Edgar Lee Masters.

This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. It tells the story of a man named Fletcher McGee, a successful businessman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in his community. But as the poem unfolds, we see the true cost of his success – the destruction of his family, his friends, and ultimately, himself.

At its core, "Fletcher McGee" is a critique of the American Dream – the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. Masters shows us that this dream is not without its pitfalls, and that success often comes at a great cost. In Fletcher's case, his pursuit of wealth and power has left him alone and despised, with nothing to show for his life except an empty mansion and a broken spirit.

So let's dive deeper into this poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The Themes of Greed and Ambition

From the very first stanza of the poem, we see that Fletcher McGee is a man consumed by his own ambition. He is described as a man "who took great pains to ornament his wife, / Building for her a wardrobe rich and rare, / And yet she'd have, preferred to go threadbare." This line tells us that Fletcher is not content with just providing for his wife's basic needs – he wants to impress her with his wealth and status.

As the poem progresses, we see that Fletcher's ambition is not limited to his personal life. He is also a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. We see this in the lines, "And often he swore that, let come what might, / He'd never give up, he'd never lose sight / Of the glittering, golden goal he sought." These lines show us that Fletcher is willing to sacrifice anything – including his own integrity – in order to achieve success.

But what is the cost of this ambition? As the poem makes clear, Fletcher's success comes at the expense of his relationships with his family and friends. His wife and daughter are left alone and neglected, while his former friends and business associates despise him. In the end, Fletcher is left with nothing but his own ambition, and even that is a hollow victory.

The Imagery of the Mansion

One of the most striking images in the poem is that of Fletcher's mansion. It is described as a "palace with porches and towers and rooms / As grand as those in the Louvre." This image is meant to convey the idea of wealth and luxury, but it also has a deeper meaning.

The mansion represents Fletcher's ultimate goal – the "glittering, golden goal" that he has been chasing his entire life. But as we see throughout the poem, this goal is ultimately empty and unsatisfying. The mansion is a symbol of Fletcher's success, but it is also a symbol of his loneliness and isolation.

We see this in the lines, "And he who had married a woman to please / His vanity, and not for love or ease, / And who, despite her pleading, had driven / Her to a lonely grave, as he had striven / To drive his business on." These lines show us that Fletcher's pursuit of wealth and power has left him alone and unhappy, with nothing to show for his life except an empty mansion.

The Symbolism of Fletcher's Name

Finally, let's talk about the symbolism of Fletcher's name. In many ways, Fletcher is a symbol of the American Dream – a man who has worked hard and achieved success through his own efforts. But his name also has a deeper meaning.

The name "Fletcher" comes from the Old English word "flet," which means "floor" or "dwelling." This is significant because it suggests that Fletcher is defined by his possessions – his mansion, his business, his wealth. He has built his life around these things, and they are the only things that really matter to him.

But the name "Fletcher" also has another meaning. In medieval times, a "fletcher" was a person who made arrows. This is significant because it suggests that Fletcher is a man who has used his skills to harm others. He has built his success on the backs of his employees and business partners, and he has left a trail of broken relationships behind him.

In conclusion, "Fletcher McGee" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. It is a warning about the dangers of the American Dream, and a critique of a society that values wealth and success above all else. But it is also a deeply human poem that reminds us of the importance of love, family, and friendship. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do so – it's a masterpiece of modern poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas for centuries. It is a medium that allows individuals to convey their deepest feelings and connect with others on a profound level. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Fletcher McGee" by Edgar Lee Masters. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of relationships. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

"Fletcher McGee" is a poem that tells the story of a man who is a jack of all trades but a master of none. He is a man who is always on the move, never settling down in one place for too long. He is a man who is always looking for the next big thing, the next adventure, the next opportunity. He is a man who is always chasing after his dreams, but never quite catching them.

The poem begins with the speaker introducing Fletcher McGee, describing him as a man who is always on the go. The speaker notes that Fletcher is a man who has tried his hand at many things, but has never quite succeeded at any of them. The speaker then goes on to describe Fletcher's various endeavors, such as farming, selling insurance, and running a hotel. However, despite his many attempts, Fletcher is never able to make a success of any of these ventures.

The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker begins to describe Fletcher's relationships with women. The speaker notes that Fletcher is a man who is always on the lookout for a new woman to charm and seduce. He is a man who is always looking for the next conquest, the next woman to add to his list. The speaker describes Fletcher's relationships with women as shallow and fleeting, with Fletcher never truly connecting with any of them.

The poem then takes an even darker turn as the speaker describes Fletcher's treatment of his wives. The speaker notes that Fletcher has been married multiple times, but has never been able to make any of his marriages work. He is a man who is always looking for something better, always looking for the next woman to replace his current wife. The speaker notes that Fletcher is a man who is abusive to his wives, both physically and emotionally. He is a man who is cruel and heartless, using his wives for his own pleasure and discarding them when he is done.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on Fletcher's life and the legacy he has left behind. The speaker notes that Fletcher is a man who has lived a life of selfishness and greed, a man who has never truly connected with anyone or anything. The speaker notes that Fletcher's legacy is one of emptiness and despair, a legacy that will be forgotten as soon as he is gone.

So, what is the significance of "Fletcher McGee"? Why has this poem stood the test of time? The answer lies in the universal themes that it explores. "Fletcher McGee" is a poem that explores the human condition, the complexities of relationships, and the consequences of our actions. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of connection, of love, and of treating others with kindness and respect.

At its core, "Fletcher McGee" is a cautionary tale. It is a warning against the dangers of selfishness and greed, of putting our own desires above the needs of others. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that the legacy we leave behind is determined by the way we treat others.

In conclusion, "Fletcher McGee" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complexities of the human condition. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of connection, of love, and of treating others with kindness and respect. It is a cautionary tale that warns us against the dangers of selfishness and greed, and reminds us that our actions have consequences. As we navigate our own lives, let us remember the lessons of "Fletcher McGee" and strive to live our lives with kindness, compassion, and love.

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