'Climbing' by Lucille Clifton

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1993a woman precedes me up the long rope,
her dangling braids the color of rain.
maybe i should have had braids.
maybe i should have kept the body i started,
slim and possible as a boy's bone.
maybe i should have wanted less.
maybe i should have ignored the bowl in me
burning to be filled.
maybe i should have wanted less.
the woman passes the notch in the rope
marked Sixty. i rise toward it, struggling,
hand over hungry hand.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Climbing: A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery

I recently had the pleasure of reading "Climbing" by Lucille Clifton, and I must say, it was a remarkable experience. This poem is an outstanding example of how a writer can use language to create vivid imagery and convey complex emotions. In this literary analysis, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Climbing," and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Summary of Climbing

"Climbing" is a poem about the speaker's journey of self-discovery as she climbs a tree. Throughout the poem, the speaker describes her physical ascent up the tree, but also her metaphorical ascent towards a deeper understanding of herself. The poem is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the speaker's journey - the climb, the view from the top, and the descent.

In the first part of the poem, the speaker describes the physical act of climbing the tree, using vivid imagery to create a sense of movement and tension. She describes the rough bark of the tree, the feel of the branches as she moves upwards, and the fear she experiences as she climbs higher. Despite her fear, the speaker continues to climb, driven by a desire to reach the top.

In the second part of the poem, the speaker reaches the top of the tree and describes the view from above. She sees the world from a new perspective, and this new perspective allows her to reflect on her life and herself. She realizes that the climb was not just about reaching the top, but also about the journey she took to get there. She contemplates her past, her present, and her future, and comes to the realization that she is capable of more than she had previously thought.

In the final part of the poem, the speaker begins to descend from the tree. As she descends, she reflects on the journey she has taken and how it has changed her. She realizes that the climb was not just about reaching the top, but also about the person she became along the way. The poem ends with the speaker back on the ground, but forever changed by her experience.

Themes in Climbing

One of the central themes in "Climbing" is the journey of self-discovery. The speaker's climb up the tree represents her journey towards a deeper understanding of herself. Throughout the poem, she confronts her fears, reflects on her past, and contemplates her future. By the end of the poem, she has a renewed sense of self and a greater understanding of her own capabilities.

Another theme in the poem is the importance of perspective. From the top of the tree, the speaker sees the world in a new way. This new perspective allows her to reconsider her own life and her place in the world. The view from above also represents a moment of clarity for the speaker, as she reflects on her own journey and comes to a deeper understanding of herself.

The theme of overcoming fear is also present in the poem. The speaker describes her fear as she climbs the tree, but despite this fear, she continues to climb. This resilience and determination to overcome her fear is a powerful message in the poem.

Symbols in Climbing

The tree in "Climbing" is a powerful symbol that represents growth, strength, and resilience. The speaker's physical ascent up the tree represents her own personal growth and the strength she possesses to overcome her fears. The tree is also a symbol of nature, and the speaker's climb can be seen as a metaphor for our own relationship with the natural world.

The view from the top of the tree is another important symbol in the poem. From this vantage point, the speaker sees the world in a new way, and this new perspective represents a moment of clarity and understanding. The view is also a symbol of the speaker's own inner growth and transformation.

Literary Devices in Climbing

One of the most striking literary devices in "Climbing" is the use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid images that create a sense of movement and tension. The rough bark of the tree, the feel of the branches as the speaker climbs, and the fear she experiences all come to life through the use of imagery.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The line "i am climbing" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's physical and metaphorical ascent up the tree. This repetition also creates a sense of momentum and tension, as the reader follows the speaker's progress up the tree.

The use of metaphor is also present in the poem. The speaker's climb up the tree is a metaphor for her journey of self-discovery. The tree itself can be seen as a metaphor for life, and the climb represents the challenges and obstacles we face as we journey through life.

Conclusion

"Climbing" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, perspective, and overcoming fear. Lucille Clifton's use of imagery, symbolism, and literary devices create a vivid and emotional journey that will resonate with readers long after they finish the poem. This is a work of art that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves poetry or wants to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Climbing: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Lucille Clifton's "Poetry Climbing" is a powerful and evocative poem that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Clifton explores the themes of identity, growth, and the power of words.

The poem begins with the speaker describing herself as a "black girl" who is "climbing" a "white mountain." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the theme of identity and the struggle for self-discovery. The mountain represents the challenges and obstacles that the speaker must overcome in order to find her true self.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various stages of her journey. She talks about the "rocks" and "thorns" that she encounters along the way, as well as the "wind" and "rain" that threaten to knock her off course. These natural elements represent the external forces that can hinder our personal growth and development.

However, the speaker is undeterred by these challenges. She continues to climb, using her "words" as a tool to help her navigate the difficult terrain. This is where Clifton's use of language becomes particularly powerful. The speaker's words are described as "sharp" and "bright," suggesting that they have the power to cut through the obstacles in her path. Furthermore, the speaker's words are described as "climbing" alongside her, suggesting that they are an integral part of her journey.

As the speaker reaches the summit of the mountain, she experiences a moment of clarity. She realizes that the journey was not just about reaching the top, but about the process of self-discovery along the way. She says, "I am not the mountain, I am not the mountain / I am I." This realization is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker has finally found her true identity.

The poem ends with the speaker looking out at the world from the top of the mountain. She sees the "sun" and the "moon" and realizes that she is a part of something much larger than herself. This final image is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker has not only found her true self, but has also found her place in the world.

Overall, "Poetry Climbing" is a masterful work of poetry that explores the themes of identity, growth, and the power of words. Through vivid imagery and a powerful use of language, Lucille Clifton takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, "Poetry Climbing" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.

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