'You Begin' by Margaret Atwood
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You begin this way:
this is your hand,
this is your eye,
this is a fish, blue and flat
on the paper, almost
the shape of an eye
This is your mouth, this is an O
or a moon, whichever
you like.This is yellow.Outside the window
is the rain, green
because it is summer, and beyond that
the trees and then the world,
which is round and has only
the colors of these nine crayons.This is the world, which is fuller
and more difficult to learn than I have said.
You are right to smudge it that way
with the red and then
the orange: the world burns.Once you have learned these words
you will learn that there are more
words than you can ever learn.
The word
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Power of Margaret Atwood's "You Begin"
Margaret Atwood is a literary giant, and her 1978 poem "You Begin" is a stunning example of her talent. At just 22 lines, this poem packs an emotional punch that lingers long after the last word has been read. In this essay, I will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in "You Begin" to show why it is such a powerful piece of poetry.
Themes
At its core, "You Begin" is about the power of new beginnings. It is a poem about how we can start fresh, even when we feel stuck or lost. This theme is evident from the very first line: "This is the place/ you would rather not know about". Atwood is acknowledging that the beginning is often difficult, and that we may not want to face the challenges that come with starting over. However, she also suggests that this is exactly what we need: "this is the place/ that will in hab it you" (emphasis mine).
Throughout the poem, Atwood emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience. She writes, "you have to/ go by the way of dispossession/ of everything you ever had/ to find the secret/ that will tell you who you are". This is a powerful statement about the value of struggle, and how it can lead to self-discovery. Atwood is saying that we need to let go of everything we think we know in order to find ourselves. This is a difficult process, but ultimately rewarding.
Symbolism
Atwood uses several symbols throughout the poem to reinforce its themes. One of the most powerful symbols is water. She writes, "This is the place/ where water is held/ prisoner by the land". This image suggests confinement and restriction, which is a metaphor for our own limitations. But Atwood also writes, "This is the place/ where a river hides/ blood of its source/ inside its flow". This is a beautiful image of the hidden depths within ourselves, and how they can be revealed through the process of self-discovery.
Another important symbol in the poem is the "skeletons you shall inherit". This is a reference to our ancestors and the legacy they leave behind. Atwood is suggesting that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we can draw strength from those who came before us. She writes, "this is the place/ where you will disentangle/ the valley of soul and marrow/ of your own bones". This image suggests that our ancestors are a part of us, and that we can tap into their wisdom and strength in order to find our own way.
Literary Devices
Atwood's use of language is masterful in "You Begin". One of the most striking literary devices she uses is repetition. She repeats the phrase "this is the place" several times throughout the poem. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, but also emphasizes the importance of the place she is describing. Atwood is saying that this place is where we need to be in order to find ourselves.
Another powerful device Atwood uses is imagery. Her descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative. For example, she writes, "This is the place/ where you will have to make/ a choice between the two". This image of a crossroads is a powerful metaphor for the choices we must make in life. Atwood is saying that every choice we make is a step on the path to self-discovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "You Begin" is a stunning example of Margaret Atwood's talent. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience of struggle and self-discovery. Atwood's use of themes, symbolism, and literary devices creates a powerful emotional impact that stays with the reader long after the poem has been read. This is a poem that speaks to the power of new beginnings, and the resilience it takes to find ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry You Begin: A Masterpiece by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood, the Canadian poet, novelist, and literary critic, is known for her insightful and thought-provoking works. Her poem, Poetry You Begin, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the creative process and the power of language. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices, and explore its significance in the world of poetry.
The poem begins with the line, "You begin this way," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing the reader, or perhaps herself, and is instructing them on how to begin writing poetry. The use of the second person point of view creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
The first stanza of the poem describes the process of starting a poem. The speaker tells us to "start the poem with a sigh" and to let our breath guide us. This creates a sense of vulnerability and openness, as if the speaker is encouraging us to let our emotions guide us in our writing. The use of the word "sigh" also suggests a sense of longing or desire, which is a common theme in poetry.
The second stanza of the poem describes the importance of language in poetry. The speaker tells us to "let the words carry you" and to "let them bear you into the unknown." This suggests that language has the power to transport us to new places and to help us explore the unknown. The use of the word "unknown" also suggests a sense of mystery and wonder, which is another common theme in poetry.
The third stanza of the poem describes the importance of honesty in poetry. The speaker tells us to "let your honesty be a gift" and to "let it be the lens through which you see the world." This suggests that honesty is essential in poetry, as it allows us to see the world in a new and authentic way. The use of the word "gift" also suggests that honesty is something to be cherished and valued.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the importance of imagination in poetry. The speaker tells us to "let your imagination be the fire" and to "let it burn bright and hot." This suggests that imagination is essential in poetry, as it allows us to create new worlds and to explore new ideas. The use of the word "fire" also suggests a sense of passion and intensity, which is another common theme in poetry.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the importance of revision in poetry. The speaker tells us to "let your revisions be your fuel" and to "let them be the engine of your poem." This suggests that revision is essential in poetry, as it allows us to refine our ideas and to improve our writing. The use of the word "fuel" also suggests that revision is something that can drive us forward and help us to achieve our goals.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together. The speaker tells us to "let your poem be the prayer" and to "let it be the song." This suggests that poetry has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves, whether it be a higher power or simply the human experience. The use of the words "prayer" and "song" also suggest a sense of spirituality and transcendence, which is a common theme in poetry.
The structure of the poem is also significant. Each stanza begins with the phrase "you begin this way," which creates a sense of repetition and rhythm. This repetition emphasizes the importance of each theme and creates a sense of unity throughout the poem. The use of short, simple sentences also creates a sense of clarity and directness, which is appropriate for a poem about the creative process.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices. The use of imagery, such as the "fire" in the fourth stanza, creates a sense of vividness and intensity. The use of metaphor, such as the "lens" in the third stanza, creates a sense of depth and complexity. The use of alliteration, such as the repetition of the "l" sound in "let your revisions be your fuel," creates a sense of musicality and rhythm.
In conclusion, Poetry You Begin is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the creative process and the power of language. Through its themes of vulnerability, honesty, imagination, revision, and spirituality, the poem encourages us to explore our own creativity and to connect with something greater than ourselves. Its structure and literary devices create a sense of unity and musicality that make it a joy to read and to analyze. Margaret Atwood has truly created a work of art that will inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.
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