'The Bed By The Window' by Robinson Jeffers

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I chose the bed downstairs by the sea-window for a good death-bed
When we built the house, it is ready waiting,
Unused unless by some guest in a twelvemonth, who hardly suspects
Its latter purpose. I often regard it,
With neither dislike nor desire; rather with both, so equalled
That they kill each other and a crystalline interest
Remains alone. We are safe to finish what we have to finish;
And then it will sound rather like music
When the patient daemon behind the screen of sea-rock and sky
Thumps with his staff, and calls thrice: "Come, Jeffers."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robinson Jeffers' "The Bed by the Window"

Robinson Jeffers, one of America's greatest poets, is known for his deep and powerful words that explore the relationship between humankind and nature. One of his most notable works is "The Bed by the Window," a poem that captures the essence of life through the eyes of a dying man. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Jeffers in this remarkable poem.

Overview of the Poem

"The Bed by the Window" is a poem that tells the story of a dying man who lies in a bed by a window. Through his eyes, we see the beauty of the natural world and the inevitability of death. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the man's observations of nature and the second part on his thoughts about his own mortality.

Themes

One of the main themes of "The Bed by the Window" is the relationship between humankind and nature. Jeffers uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to show how humans are connected to nature and dependent on it for their survival. He writes, "The grasses thrust up their sleepy heads and the earth sends forth its fragrance" (line 5-6). This imagery shows how nature is always present, even in the midst of human suffering and death.

Another theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. The dying man in the poem is aware of his own mortality and reflects on his life as he watches the natural world outside his window. He says, "I have had my chances, I have lived and loved and striven" (line 10), showing that he has come to terms with his own mortality.

Symbols

Jeffers uses several symbols in "The Bed by the Window" to convey deeper meanings. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the window itself. The window represents the border between the natural world and human civilization. The dying man is able to see the beauty of the natural world through the window, but he is also aware of the human world and its limitations.

Another symbol in the poem is the grass. Jeffers uses the grass to represent the persistence of life. Even in the face of death, the grass continues to grow and thrive. The grass is a reminder that life goes on, even after we are gone.

Literary Devices

Jeffers uses several literary devices in "The Bed by the Window" to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most notable literary devices is imagery. Jeffers uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of beauty and wonder. He writes, "The sea drowsed in its blue bed, the clouds were white sheep" (line 3-4). This imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind and helps to convey the themes of the poem.

Another literary device Jeffers uses is repetition. He repeats the phrase "the bed by the window" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the window and the man's view of the natural world. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and adds to the poem's overall structure.

Interpretation

"The Bed by the Window" is a deeply moving and powerful poem that explores the relationship between humankind and nature. Through vivid descriptions of the natural world and a dying man's reflections on his own mortality, Jeffers creates a sense of beauty and wonder in the face of death.

The poem can be interpreted as a call to appreciate the natural world and to recognize our own mortality. Jeffers shows us that even in the midst of suffering and death, there is still beauty and hope in the world. By connecting us to the natural world, he reminds us of our place in the universe and encourages us to live our lives to the fullest.

Conclusion

"The Bed by the Window" is a masterpiece of American poetry. Through its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and rich literary devices, it captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both moving and inspiring. This literary criticism and interpretation has explored the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Jeffers in this remarkable poem. It is a testament to his talent as a poet and his ability to capture the human experience in words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Bed by the Window is a classic poem written by Robinson Jeffers, an American poet who is known for his unique style and themes. This poem is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand its significance.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing a man lying in a bed by the window. The second stanza introduces the man's thoughts as he contemplates his life and the world around him. The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a powerful image of the man's death.

The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. Jeffers uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the man lying in his bed, looking out the window. He describes the man's thoughts as he contemplates the world around him, using metaphors and similes to convey his emotions. For example, he compares the man's thoughts to "a bird that flies through the light of a room and out again into the darkness." This metaphor captures the fleeting nature of the man's thoughts as he reflects on his life.

The poem's meaning is complex and multi-layered. On the surface, it is a meditation on life and death. The man lying in the bed represents all of us, as we all must face our mortality at some point. The window represents the world outside, which the man can see but cannot reach. This symbolizes the limitations of human existence and the inevitability of death.

However, the poem also has a deeper meaning. It is a commentary on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in life. The man lying in the bed is a metaphor for the human experience, as we all must confront the reality of our existence. The poem suggests that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. It describes the man's death as a release from the limitations of his body and the constraints of the world around him. The image of the man's soul rising up and flying out the window is a metaphor for the transcendence of the human spirit. It suggests that death is not an end but a new beginning, a release from the physical world and a return to the spiritual realm.

In conclusion, The Bed by the Window is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the fleeting nature of life and the struggle to find meaning in the face of mortality. The poem's final stanza is particularly powerful, suggesting that death is not an end but a new beginning, a release from the limitations of the physical world and a return to the spiritual realm. Overall, this poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

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