'History of the Night' by Jorge Luis Borges
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Throughout the course of th generations
men constructed the night.
At first she was blindness;
thorns raking bare feet,
fear of wolves.
We shall never know who forged the word
for the interval of shadow
dividing the two twilights;
we shall never know in what age it came to mean
the starry hours.
Others created the myth.
They made her the mother of the unruffled Fates
that spin our destiny,
thev sacrificed black ewes to her, and the cock
who crows his own death.
The Chaldeans assigned to her twelve houses;
to Zeno, infinite words.
She took shape from Latin hexameters
and the terror of Pascal.
Luis de Leon saw in her the homeland
of his stricken soul.
Now we feel her to be inexhuastible
like an ancient wine
and no one can gaze on her without vertigo
and time has charged her with eternity.
And to think that she wouldn't exist
except for those fragile instruments, the eyes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, History of the Night: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Jorge Luis Borges' "Poetry, History of the Night" is a captivating piece of poetry that takes the reader on a journey into the depths of the night. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Borges to convey a message about the power and beauty of the night.
The Theme of the Night
The theme of the night is central to Borges' poetry. The night is not just a period of darkness; it is a time of mystery, magic, and wonder. The night is full of secrets and hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered by those who are brave enough to venture into its darkness.
Borges uses the night to symbolize the unknown and the mysterious. He writes, "The night, the night is always there / while we sleep, we wake / and it is there" (lines 1-3). The repetition of "the night" emphasizes its importance and highlights the fact that it is always present, even when we are not aware of it.
The night also represents the idea of death and the afterlife. Borges writes, "The night is an ocean / where the dead are remembered" (lines 7-8). The ocean is a symbol of the vastness and depth of the night, while the dead represent those who have passed away, but are still remembered.
Imagery of the Night
Borges' use of imagery is powerful and evocative. He creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind, using words that are simple yet effective.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "trees in the night" (line 14). The trees are personified as "dreamers" and "prophets" (line 16), and the image of them standing in the darkness is both eerie and beautiful.
Borges also uses the image of the moon to convey the magical quality of the night. He describes it as a "golden hook" (line 21) that draws us into the darkness. The moon is a symbol of mysticism and spirituality, and Borges' use of it in his poetry is masterful.
The Language of the Night
Borges' use of language is simple, yet poetic. He uses short, simple sentences that have a powerful impact on the reader. His use of repetition creates a sense of rhythm and flow, making the poem easy to read and understand.
There are also moments of alliteration and assonance that add to the musicality of the poem. For example, in the line "the night is a river / that flows through my dreams" (lines 26-27), the repetition of the "r" sound creates a calming and soothing effect.
Borges' use of metaphors and symbols is also noteworthy. He uses the image of the night to symbolize the unknown and the mysterious, while the moon represents spirituality and mysticism. These metaphors and symbols add depth and meaning to the poem, making it more than just a description of the night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, History of the Night" by Jorge Luis Borges is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power and beauty of the night. His use of imagery, language, and themes creates a sense of mystery and wonder, drawing the reader into the darkness.
Through his poetry, Borges reminds us that the night is not just a period of darkness, but a time of magic and mysticism. It is a reminder that we should embrace the unknown and explore the mysteries of life, just as we explore the mysteries of the night.
In short, "Poetry, History of the Night" is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the power and beauty of poetry at its finest.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry History of the Night: A Masterpiece by Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Luis Borges, the Argentine writer, poet, and essayist, is known for his unique style of writing that blends elements of fantasy, philosophy, and literature. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired generations of writers and readers alike. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry History of the Night," which is a masterpiece of modernist poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail.
The poem "Poetry History of the Night" was first published in 1925 in Borges' collection of poems, "Fervor de Buenos Aires." The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and its relationship with the night. It is a short poem, consisting of only nine lines, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism.
The poem begins with the line, "The river of the night advances." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the night as a powerful force that is constantly moving forward. The river is a metaphor for time, and the night is a metaphor for the unknown and the mysterious.
The next line, "Night-time birds open their eyes," introduces the idea of the night as a time of awakening and awareness. The birds are a symbol of freedom and flight, and their opening eyes suggest a new perspective on the world.
The third line, "The moon, in its flight, watches over all things," brings in the image of the moon, which is a symbol of light and illumination. The moon is also a symbol of change and transformation, as it goes through phases and cycles.
The fourth line, "From the dark depths of some distant lake," introduces the idea of depth and mystery. The lake is a symbol of the unconscious, and the darkness suggests the unknown and the hidden.
The fifth line, "Fragrances of the night rise up," brings in the sense of smell, which is often associated with memory and emotion. The fragrances of the night suggest a connection to the past and to the senses.
The sixth line, "And tremulous stars reflect," introduces the idea of reflection and contemplation. The stars are a symbol of guidance and direction, and their tremulousness suggests a sense of uncertainty and instability.
The seventh line, "Destiny unfolds its plans," brings in the idea of fate and destiny. The night is often associated with the unknown and the unpredictable, and the idea of destiny suggests a sense of inevitability and purpose.
The eighth line, "And in this magic world, we encounter," introduces the idea of magic and enchantment. The night is often associated with the supernatural and the mystical, and the idea of encountering suggests a sense of discovery and adventure.
The final line, "The purest essence of things," brings the poem to a close with a sense of clarity and purity. The essence of things suggests a sense of truth and authenticity, and the purity suggests a sense of simplicity and beauty.
Overall, "Poetry History of the Night" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship with the night. The poem is full of rich imagery and symbolism, and it invites the reader to reflect on the mysteries and wonders of the world around us. Borges' unique style of writing is on full display in this poem, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet and a writer.
In conclusion, "Poetry History of the Night" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. Its themes of mystery, magic, and destiny are timeless, and its imagery and symbolism are unforgettable. Borges' legacy as a writer and a poet is secure, and this poem is a shining example of his talent and his vision.
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