'Cassandra' by Robinson Jeffers

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The mad girl with the staring eyes and long white fingers
Hooked in the stones of the wall,
The storm-wrack hair and screeching mouth: does it matter, Cassandra,
Whether the people believe
Your bitter fountain? Truly men hate the truth, they'd liefer
Meet a tiger on the road.
Therefore the poets honey their truth with lying; but religion-
Vendors and political men
Pour from the barrel, new lies on the old, and are praised for kind
Wisdom. Poor bitch be wise.
No: you'll still mumble in a corner a crust of truth, to men
And gods disgusting-you and I, Cassandra.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Cassandra: A Critical Analysis

Robinson Jeffers' "Cassandra" is a complex and powerful poem that delves into the themes of prophetic knowledge, power, and fate. With its intricate use of language and vivid imagery, it presents a thought-provoking and multi-layered interpretation of the Greek mythological figure, Cassandra. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of the poem, exploring its various themes, symbols, and motifs, and analyzing the ways in which Jeffers' poetic style enhances its meaning and impact.

Background

Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to provide some background information about the mythological figure of Cassandra, who serves as the central metaphor and inspiration for Jeffers' poem. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan princess who was gifted with the power of prophecy by the god Apollo. However, when she refused to become his lover, he cursed her so that no one would believe her prophecies, even though they were true. As a result, Cassandra was tragically unable to prevent the fall of Troy and the deaths of her family and loved ones.

Jeffers' poem is not a retelling of the myth, but rather a reimagining of Cassandra as a symbolic figure representing the human struggle against fate and power. In this sense, Cassandra becomes a universal character whose story speaks to themes and issues that are relevant to all of humanity.

Themes

One of the central themes of "Cassandra" is the nature of prophetic knowledge and its relationship to power. Throughout the poem, Jeffers portrays Cassandra's prophetic gift as a double-edged sword that both empowers and isolates her. On the one hand, Cassandra's ability to foretell the future gives her a kind of knowledge and insight that is denied to others. She is able to see the hidden machinations of power and the tragic consequences that they will bring. This knowledge is a form of power in itself, as it allows her to resist the forces that seek to control her.

However, Cassandra's prophetic gift also isolates her from society. Because no one believes her prophecies, she is seen as a madwoman and an outcast. This isolation is compounded by the fact that her gift is tied to her sexuality. In the myth, Cassandra's refusal of Apollo's advances is what leads to her curse. In Jeffers' poem, her gift is described as "the blossom / Of her virginity" (lines 7-8), suggesting that her prophetic power is intimately tied to her sexual purity. This connection between sex and power is a recurring theme in Jeffers' poetry, and it serves to underscore the ways in which women are often subjected to the whims of male power.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of fate and the inevitability of tragedy. Jeffers portrays Cassandra as a tragic figure who is doomed to witness the destruction of her world, despite her best efforts to prevent it. In this sense, the poem can be read as a meditation on the human struggle against fate, and the ways in which we are often powerless in the face of larger forces that are beyond our control.

Finally, "Cassandra" can be read as a commentary on the nature of power and the corrupting influence of those who wield it. Jeffers portrays the rulers of Troy as corrupt and self-serving, willing to sacrifice the lives of their people in order to maintain their own power and wealth. This critique of power is made even more pointed by the fact that it comes from Cassandra, who is herself powerless to stop the destruction that she foresees.

Literary Techniques

One of the most striking aspects of "Cassandra" is its use of language and imagery. Jeffers' poetry is known for its vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world, and "Cassandra" is no exception. Throughout the poem, he describes the landscape of Troy in vivid detail, using language that is both beautiful and haunting. For example, he describes the "ravines that lead down the hill / Are red with tormented elder" (lines 19-20), creating an image that is both vivid and unsettling.

In addition to its use of imagery, "Cassandra" is also notable for its use of repetition and alliteration. Jeffers repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the narrative forward. For example, the refrain "But still the red / Storm whirling, still the unbroken / Crest of the serpent" (lines 4-6) is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the unrelenting nature of the destruction that Cassandra foresees.

Interpretation

Overall, "Cassandra" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of power, knowledge, and fate. Through its vivid imagery and complex language, it presents a nuanced interpretation of the mythological figure of Cassandra, and uses her story as a lens through which to examine larger issues that are relevant to all of humanity. As a reader, I was struck by the ways in which Jeffers' poetry is able to convey both the beauty and the tragedy of the world, and to explore the complex interplay between power and knowledge. In short, "Cassandra" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of myth and literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Robinson Jeffers' "Poetry Cassandra" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of prophecy, power, and the human condition. Written in 1937, the poem is a retelling of the Greek myth of Cassandra, the prophetess who was cursed to never be believed. Jeffers' version of the story is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to truth and power.

The poem begins with a description of Cassandra as a "wild-eyed girl" who "sang the truth out" but was "mocked and cursed." Jeffers portrays her as a figure of great power and insight, but also as a victim of the society that refuses to listen to her. He writes, "She saw the future, but no one believed her. / She saw the truth, but no one would listen." This sense of frustration and isolation is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

As the poem progresses, Jeffers shifts his focus to the role of poetry in society. He writes, "Poetry is the voice of the gods, / But the gods are silent now." This line suggests that poetry has lost its power and influence in the modern world. Jeffers goes on to describe how poetry has been co-opted by those in power, who use it to manipulate and control the masses. He writes, "The rulers use it to deceive the people, / The priests to keep them in awe."

Despite this bleak assessment of the state of poetry, Jeffers does not give up on its potential for truth-telling and transformation. He writes, "But there are still poets who sing the truth, / Who see the future and make it real." These poets, he suggests, are the true prophets of our time, who have the power to challenge the status quo and inspire change.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Cassandra" is its use of language and imagery. Jeffers' writing is dense and complex, filled with allusions to mythology and history. He uses vivid, often violent imagery to convey the intensity of Cassandra's vision and the power of poetry. For example, he writes, "The truth is a sword that cuts both ways, / And the poet is the blade that wields it." This line suggests that poetry can be both a force for good and for evil, depending on who wields it.

Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. Jeffers uses a series of short, fragmented lines to create a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which builds on the themes and imagery of the previous one. This structure gives the poem a sense of momentum and progression, as if it is building towards a climactic moment.

In conclusion, "Poetry Cassandra" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the role of poetry in society and the nature of prophecy and power. Jeffers' use of language and imagery is striking and evocative, and his message is both challenging and inspiring. The poem reminds us of the potential of poetry to speak truth to power and to inspire change, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. As Jeffers writes, "The poet is the voice of the future, / And the future is always uncertain."

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