'September, The First Day Of School' by Howard Nemerov

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The Collected Poems of Howard NemerovIMy child and I hold hands on the way to school,
And when I leave him at the first-grade door
He cries a little but is brave; he does
Let go. My selfish tears remind me how
I cried before that door a life ago.
I may have had a hard time letting go.Each fall the children must endure together
What every child also endures alone:
Learning the alphabet, the integers,
Three dozen bits and pieces of a stuff
So arbitrary, so peremptory,
That worlds invisible and visibleBow down before it, as in Joseph's dream
The sheaves bowed down and then the stars bowed down
Before the dreaming of a little boy.
That dream got him such hatred of his brothers
As cost the greater part of life to mend,
And yet great kindness came of it in the end.IIA school is where they grind the grain of thought,
And grind the children who must mind the thought.
It may be those two grindings are but one,
As from the alphabet come Shakespeare's Plays,
As from the integers comes Euler's Law,
As from the whole, inseperably, the lives,The shrunken lives that have not been set free
By law or by poetic phantasy.
But may they be. My child has disappeared
Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live
To see his coming forth, a life away,
I know my hope, but do not know its formNor hope to know it. May the fathers he finds
Among his teachers have a care of him
More than his father could. How that will look
I do not know, I do not need to know.
Even our tears belong to ritual.
But may great kindness come of it in the end.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "September, The First Day Of School" by Howard Nemerov

Are you ready to take a walk down memory lane? To relive the excitement and anxiety of a new school year? Howard Nemerov's poem "September, The First Day Of School" does just that. As a literary critic, I am excited to delve into the layers of meaning in this classic poem.

Background Information

Howard Nemerov, an American poet and novelist, was born in New York City in 1920. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and later went on to teach at several universities, including Washington University and Bennington College. Nemerov's poetry often deals with everyday life and the human experience.

"September, The First Day Of School" was first published in 1977 as part of Nemerov's book "Sentences." The poem is a reflection on the first day of school and the emotions that come with it. Nemerov's use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid picture of the first day of school experience.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is the use of metaphor. Nemerov compares the school to a "great bronze age urn," which is a metaphor for the history and tradition of the school. The metaphor creates a sense of nostalgia for the past and a respect for the institutions that have endured over time.

Nemerov also uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the first day of school. He describes the "blackboards cleaned" and "windows wide," which creates a sense of freshness and newness. The image of the "windharp" in the playground creates a sense of playfulness and whimsy.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Nemerov repeats the phrase "What is possible" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the future. The repetition also emphasizes the idea that the first day of school is a time of new beginnings.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. Nemerov's use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of the history and tradition of the school. The poem reflects on the past and the present, and the idea that time moves on. The poem also emphasizes the idea that the first day of school is a time of new beginnings, which creates a sense of hope for the future.

Another theme of the poem is the human experience. Nemerov captures the emotions and feelings that come with the first day of school. The poem reflects on the anxiety and excitement that students feel, as well as the sense of nostalgia that adults feel when they remember their own first day of school. The poem also emphasizes the role that institutions play in shaping the human experience.

Interpretation

As I interpret the poem, I am struck by the contrast between the past and the future. The metaphor of the "great bronze age urn" creates a sense of the history and tradition of the school, while the repetition of the phrase "What is possible" emphasizes the idea of new beginnings and the potential for the future.

The poem also emphasizes the role that institutions play in shaping the human experience. The school is a symbol of the larger institutions that shape our lives, such as family, culture, and society. The poem reflects on the importance of these institutions in creating a sense of community and identity.

Overall, "September, The First Day Of School" is a powerful reflection on the human experience. Nemerov's use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of the first day of school experience, while the repetition of the phrase "What is possible" emphasizes the idea of new beginnings and the potential for the future. The poem is a timeless reflection on the passage of time and the role that institutions play in shaping our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

September, The First Day Of School: A Poetic Journey Through Time

As the summer sun sets and the leaves start to change, a new season begins. For many, this means the start of a new school year. Howard Nemerov's classic poem, "September, The First Day Of School," captures the essence of this transition from carefree summer days to the structured routine of the academic year. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this timeless piece of poetry.

Themes

The poem's central theme is the contrast between the freedom of summer and the rigidity of the school year. Nemerov portrays the excitement and anticipation of the first day of school, but also the anxiety and apprehension that comes with it. The poem highlights the idea that the start of a new school year is a time of change and growth, but also a time of uncertainty and fear.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the passage of time. Nemerov uses vivid imagery to describe the changing seasons, from the "green world" of summer to the "yellow world" of autumn. The poem also touches on the idea of nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on their own experiences of starting a new school year and the memories that come with it.

Literary Devices

Nemerov employs a variety of literary devices to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the "green world" of summer to the "yellow world" of autumn. These images not only create a sense of atmosphere but also serve to reinforce the theme of the passage of time.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "I remember" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's nostalgia and the importance of memory in shaping our experiences. The repetition of the phrase "the first day of school" also serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem.

The poem also features a number of metaphors and similes. For example, the speaker compares the sound of the school bell to "a fire bell in the night," creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The metaphor of the "yellow world" of autumn also serves to convey the idea of change and transition.

Historical Context

"September, The First Day Of School" was written in 1977, a time of great social and political change in the United States. The poem reflects the cultural shift towards a more individualistic and self-expressive society, as well as the growing importance of education in American life.

The poem also reflects the changing role of women in society. The speaker is a mother, and her reflections on her own experiences of starting a new school year highlight the challenges faced by women in balancing their roles as caregivers and professionals.

Conclusion

In "September, The First Day Of School," Howard Nemerov captures the excitement and anxiety of starting a new school year. Through vivid imagery and literary devices, he conveys the themes of change, growth, and the passage of time. The poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of education and the role it plays in shaping our lives. As we embark on a new school year, let us remember the lessons of Nemerov's poem and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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