'Corona' by Paul Celan

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Autunm eats its leaf out of my hand: we are friends.
From the nuts we shell time and we teach it to walk:
then time returns to the shell.In the mirror it's Sunday,
in dream there is room for sleeping,
our mouths speak the truth.My eye moves down to the sex of my loved one:
we look at each other,
we exchange dark words,
we love each other like poppy and recollection,
we sleep like wine in the conches,
like the sea in the moon's blood ray.We stand by the window embracing, and people look up from
the street:
it is time they knew!
It is time the stone made an effort to flower,
time unrest had a beating heart.
It is time it were time.It is time.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Corona" by Paul Celan: A Poetic Journey of Loss and Hope

Are you ready to embark on a journey of poetic introspection and exploration? If so, then join me in delving into the world of "Corona" by Paul Celan, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. This hauntingly beautiful and powerful poem, written in 1968, speaks of the complexities of human experience, the struggle for survival, and the longing for connection amidst the chaos of the world.

Context and Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let us first take a look at the historical and personal context in which Celan wrote "Corona". Born in 1920 in Cernăuți, Bukovina, then part of Romania, Celan lived through some of the most tumultuous events of the 20th century, including World War II and the Holocaust. He lost both of his parents to the Nazis and was himself interned in a labor camp before he managed to escape and flee to Paris in 1948. It is no wonder, then, that his poetry is deeply marked by these experiences of trauma, loss, and displacement.

"Corona" was written twenty years after the end of the war, but its themes and images are still haunted by the past. Celan himself described the poem as a "love poem" to his wife, Gisèle de Lestrange, but it is also a meditation on the fragile state of humanity and the struggle to find meaning and hope in a broken world.

The Poem

Let us now turn to the poem itself, and see how Celan weaves together images, metaphors, and language to create a deeply moving and evocative work of art.

Corona

Autumn eats its leaf out of my hand: we are friends.

From the nuts we shell time and we teach it to walk:

then time returns to the shell.

In the mirror it's Sunday,

in dream there is room for sleeping,

our mouths speak the truth.

My eye moves down to the sex of my loved one:

we look at each other,

we exchange dark words,

we love each other like poppy and recollection,

we sleep like wine in the conches,

like the sea in the moon's blood ray.

We stand by the window embracing, and people look up from

the street:

it is time they knew!

It is time the stone made an effort to flower,

time unrest had a beating heart.

It is time it were time.

It is time.

Structure and Form

One of the first things that strikes the reader about "Corona" is its structure and form. The poem consists of a single stanza of 15 lines, each of which is relatively short and concise. The lines are not divided into stanzas, but Celan uses punctuation and enjambment to create pauses and shifts in the flow of the poem. This creates a sense of momentum and energy that propels the reader forward through the poem, even as it circles back on itself and revisits certain themes and images.

The poem is also notable for its use of repetition and variation. The first and last lines are almost identical, except for the addition of the word "time" in the final line. This creates a sense of closure and completion, as if the poem has come full circle. Meanwhile, certain phrases and images, such as the idea of "shelling time" or the comparison of the lovers to poppy and recollection, are repeated with slight variations throughout the poem. This creates a sense of depth and complexity, as the reader is invited to explore the many facets of these images and ideas.

Themes and Imagery

Now let us turn to the themes and imagery of "Corona", and see how Celan uses language to evoke the complex emotions and experiences of the poem.

The opening lines of the poem are deceptively simple. "Autumn eats its leaf out of my hand: we are friends. / From the nuts we shell time and we teach it to walk: / then time returns to the shell." Here, Celan creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity by using the first person voice and the image of the speaker and autumn as friends. The idea of "shelling time" is intriguing and enigmatic, suggesting that time is both fragile and malleable, something that can be shaped and molded by human hands.

This theme of time is further developed later in the poem, when Celan says "It is time it were time." Here, the repetition of the word "time" creates a sense of urgency and longing, as if the speaker is searching for something that they cannot quite articulate. Meanwhile, the image of the stone making an effort to flower suggests a sense of hope and transformation, as if even the most inert and unyielding parts of the world can be coaxed into life and growth.

Another key theme of "Corona" is love and connection. The image of the lovers looking at each other and exchanging "dark words" is both intimate and mysterious, suggesting that their relationship is complicated and deep. The comparison to poppy and recollection is also striking, as it suggests that their love is both beautiful and transitory, something that will fade with time but leave an indelible impression on their memories.

Finally, the image of the lovers sleeping "like wine in the conches, / like the sea in the moon's blood ray" is both sensual and dreamlike, suggesting that their love is a source of comfort and shelter in a chaotic and uncertain world. The idea of the moon's blood ray is particularly striking, as it suggests that even the most mysterious and powerful forces of nature can be tamed and subdued by the power of love.

Interpretation

So what can we make of all these themes and images? What is Celan trying to say with "Corona"?

One possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the human condition, and the struggle to find meaning and hope in a chaotic and uncertain world. The image of "shelling time" suggests that time is both fragile and resilient, something that can be shaped and molded by human hands but also something that is ultimately beyond our control. Meanwhile, the image of the stone making an effort to flower suggests that even the most unyielding and immutable parts of the world can be transformed and made beautiful.

At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of love and connection, and the power of these things to sustain us through even the darkest of times. The image of the lovers looking at each other and exchanging "dark words" suggests that their relationship is both intimate and complex, something that is not easily understood or explained. Meanwhile, the comparison to poppy and recollection suggests that their love is both beautiful and fleeting, something that will leave an indelible impression on their memories even as it fades with time.

Ultimately, it is the combination of these themes and images that makes "Corona" such a powerful and evocative poem. Celan's language is both precise and enigmatic, creating a sense of mystery and depth that invites the reader to explore the many layers of meaning in the poem. Whether read as a love poem, a meditation on the human condition, or something else entirely, "Corona" is a work of art that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Corona" by Paul Celan is a work of art that speaks to the deepest and most complex aspects of the human experience. Through its haunting imagery and powerful language, the poem explores themes of time, love, and hope in a way that is both intimate and universal. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for a new way to explore the world around you, "Corona" is a journey that is not to be missed. So take a deep breath, and let Celan's words carry you away on a journey of discovery and introspection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Corona: A Masterpiece of Paul Celan

Paul Celan, the Romanian-born German poet, is known for his deep and complex poetry that explores themes of identity, language, and memory. One of his most famous works is the Poetry Corona, a collection of 24 poems that were written between 1965 and 1967. This masterpiece is a reflection of Celan's personal experiences and his struggle to come to terms with the horrors of the Holocaust. In this article, we will analyze and explain the Poetry Corona in detail.

The Poetry Corona is a collection of 24 poems that are interconnected by a common theme and structure. Each poem is made up of seven lines, and the last word of each line is repeated as the first word of the next line. This creates a circular structure that is reminiscent of a crown or a corona. The repetition of words creates a sense of continuity and unity, and it also emphasizes the importance of language and the power of words.

The first poem of the Poetry Corona sets the tone for the rest of the collection. It begins with the line "No one kneads us again out of earth and clay," which suggests that the speaker feels disconnected from the world and is searching for a sense of belonging. The repetition of the word "earth" in the second line emphasizes this feeling of isolation and detachment. The third line, "No one incants our dust," suggests that the speaker is looking for someone to give meaning to their existence. The repetition of the word "dust" in the fourth line reinforces this idea of insignificance and mortality. The fifth line, "No one," is repeated twice, which creates a sense of hopelessness and despair. The final line, "We have no roots," emphasizes the speaker's lack of identity and connection to the world.

The second poem of the Poetry Corona continues the theme of isolation and disconnection. It begins with the line "What is, encircles us," which suggests that the speaker is surrounded by the world but is unable to connect with it. The repetition of the word "encircles" in the second line reinforces this idea of being trapped or confined. The third line, "What is, lets us slip away," suggests that the speaker is trying to escape from the world but is unable to do so. The repetition of the word "away" in the fourth line emphasizes this feeling of being trapped. The fifth line, "What is, is the measure of our loss," suggests that the speaker has lost something important but is unable to identify what it is. The repetition of the word "loss" in the sixth line reinforces this idea of something missing. The final line, "What is, is the measure of our hope," suggests that the speaker is still searching for something to give meaning to their existence.

The third poem of the Poetry Corona introduces the theme of language and the power of words. It begins with the line "The truth of poetry lies in the possibility of being able to say the unsayable," which suggests that poetry has the power to express things that cannot be expressed in ordinary language. The repetition of the word "truth" in the second line emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in poetry. The third line, "The truth of poetry lies in the possibility of being able to touch the untouchable," suggests that poetry has the power to evoke emotions and feelings that cannot be expressed in words. The repetition of the word "truth" in the fourth line reinforces this idea of authenticity. The fifth line, "The truth of poetry lies in the possibility of being able to see the invisible," suggests that poetry has the power to reveal things that are hidden or obscured. The repetition of the word "truth" in the sixth line emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in poetry. The final line, "The truth of poetry lies in the possibility of being able to hear the inaudible," suggests that poetry has the power to express things that cannot be heard or spoken.

The fourth poem of the Poetry Corona continues the theme of language and the power of words. It begins with the line "The poem is lonely," which suggests that poetry is a solitary and isolated activity. The repetition of the word "lonely" in the second line reinforces this idea of isolation. The third line, "The poem is a cry," suggests that poetry is a form of expression that is emotional and intense. The repetition of the word "cry" in the fourth line emphasizes this idea of emotional expression. The fifth line, "The poem is a shard," suggests that poetry is a fragment of something larger and more complex. The repetition of the word "shard" in the sixth line reinforces this idea of fragmentation. The final line, "The poem is a message," suggests that poetry has the power to communicate something important and meaningful.

The fifth poem of the Poetry Corona introduces the theme of memory and the Holocaust. It begins with the line "The memory of the Holocaust is a stone in the mouth," which suggests that the speaker is unable to speak about the Holocaust because it is too painful and traumatic. The repetition of the word "memory" in the second line emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust. The third line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a hole in the heart," suggests that the Holocaust has left a permanent scar on the speaker's psyche. The repetition of the word "memory" in the fourth line reinforces this idea of trauma. The fifth line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a wound in the soul," suggests that the Holocaust has caused a deep and lasting spiritual injury. The repetition of the word "memory" in the sixth line emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust. The final line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a light in the darkness," suggests that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is still hope and the possibility of redemption.

The sixth poem of the Poetry Corona continues the theme of memory and the Holocaust. It begins with the line "The memory of the Holocaust is a mirror," which suggests that the Holocaust is a reflection of humanity's darkest impulses. The repetition of the word "memory" in the second line emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust. The third line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a wound," suggests that the Holocaust has caused a deep and lasting injury to humanity. The repetition of the word "memory" in the fourth line reinforces this idea of trauma. The fifth line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a warning," suggests that the Holocaust serves as a cautionary tale for future generations. The repetition of the word "memory" in the sixth line emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust. The final line, "The memory of the Holocaust is a call to action," suggests that the Holocaust should inspire us to work towards a better future.

In conclusion, the Poetry Corona is a masterpiece of Paul Celan that explores themes of identity, language, memory, and the Holocaust. The circular structure of the poems creates a sense of continuity and unity, and the repetition of words emphasizes the importance of language and the power of words. The Poetry Corona is a deeply personal and emotional work that reflects Celan's own experiences and struggles. It is a testament to the power of poetry to express the unsayable, touch the untouchable, see the invisible, and hear the inaudible. The Poetry Corona is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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