'July Fourth By The Ocean' by Robinson Jeffers

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The continent's a tamed ox, with all its mountains,
Powerful and servile; here is for plowland, here isfor park and playground, this helpless
Cataract for power; it lies behind us at heel
All docile between this ocean and the other. Ifflood troubles the lowlands, or earthquake
Cracks walls, it is only a slave's blunder or thenatural
Shudder of a new made slave. Therefore we happymasters about the solstice
Light bonfires on the shore and celebrate our power.
The bay's necklaced with fire, the bombs make crystalfountains in the air, the rockets
Shower swan's-neck over the night water.... Iimagined
The stars drew apart a little as if from troublesomechildren, coldly compassionate;
But the ocean neither seemed astonished nor in awe:
If this had been the little sea that Xerxes whipped,how it would have feared us.

Editor 1 Interpretation

July Fourth By The Ocean: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions, stir up thoughts, and challenge societal norms. Robinson Jeffers’ poem, July Fourth By The Ocean, is no exception. The poem, published in 1951, captures the essence of American patriotism, juxtaposed with the brutal reality of war, and the destruction of the environment. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of the poem.

The Setting

The poem takes place on July Fourth, a day of celebration for the Americans, and a day that symbolizes the country's independence. The setting is by the ocean, and the speaker describes the beach as "a great fire before us, the deep wet salt roar behind". The imagery creates a sense of grandeur and awe. The beach, with its vastness, represents the country, while the ocean symbolizes the unknown, the untamed, and the uncontrollable. The juxtaposition of the two creates a tension that runs throughout the poem.

The Theme of Patriotism

The poem opens with a description of the fireworks, an essential element of the July Fourth celebration. The speaker describes them as "pretty rockets and bombs bursting in air". The use of the word "pretty" suggests a sense of awe and wonder, as if the speaker is caught up in the moment. However, as the poem progresses, the tone changes, and the speaker's perspective shifts.

The theme of patriotism runs throughout the poem. The speaker talks about the "great Republic" and the "heroes of the past". The celebration of America's independence is a recurring motif. However, the speaker's tone is not celebratory. Instead, it is critical and reflective. The speaker questions the idea of patriotism, asking, "What is freedom? Is it the bare possibility of avoiding the worst?" The question challenges the notion of freedom and raises the question of what it truly means to be free.

The Brutality of War

The theme of war is also prevalent in the poem. The speaker talks about "the soldier's death for his country," a reference to the sacrifices made by soldiers in times of war. The speaker acknowledges the bravery and the sacrifice of the soldiers, but also questions the justification of war.

The lines "The noise and smoke make us blind and deaf, the thirst and the hunger destroy us" illustrate the brutal reality of war. The use of sensory imagery creates a vivid picture of the horrors of war. The speaker seems to suggest that war is not a noble endeavor but a destructive one.

The Destruction of the Environment

Another significant theme in the poem is the destruction of the environment. The speaker talks about "the long erosion of the shore" and the "solid continent wasted." These lines suggest that human activity is causing irreversible damage to the environment. The use of the word "solid" to describe the continent suggests that it is something that was once strong and stable but is now weakened and fragile. The environmental theme raises the question of whether human progress is worth the cost of destroying the planet.

The Use of Literary Devices

Robinson Jeffers employs various literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and create a sense of tension. One of the most prominent devices is the use of juxtaposition. The contrast between the celebration of July Fourth and the brutal reality of war creates a sense of tension. The juxtaposition between the vastness of the beach and the uncontrollable ocean creates a sense of awe and wonder.

Another device used in the poem is imagery. The use of sensory imagery, such as "the noise and smoke make us blind and deaf," creates a vivid picture of the horrors of war. The imagery of the beach and the ocean creates a sense of grandeur and beauty.

The use of rhetorical questions is also prevalent in the poem. The question, "What is freedom? Is it the bare possibility of avoiding the worst?" challenges the notion of freedom and raises the question of what it truly means to be free. The use of rhetorical questions creates a sense of introspection and encourages the reader to think deeply about the themes presented in the poem.

The Overall Meaning

July Fourth By The Ocean is a poem that challenges the traditional notions of patriotism and war. The speaker acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers but questions the justification of war. The poem also highlights the destructive impact of human activity on the environment, raising the question of whether human progress is worth the cost of destroying the planet.

The poem's overall meaning seems to suggest that true freedom and progress can only be achieved by acknowledging our collective responsibility towards each other and the planet. The poem encourages the reader to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to strive towards a more just and sustainable world.

Conclusion

Robinson Jeffers' poem, July Fourth By The Ocean, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that challenges traditional notions of patriotism, war, and progress. The poem's use of literary devices, such as imagery and juxtaposition, creates a sense of tension and encourages introspection. The overall meaning of the poem seems to suggest that true freedom and progress can only be achieved by acknowledging our collective responsibility towards each other and the planet. July Fourth By The Ocean is a poem that remains relevant, and its message is one that we should all reflect on.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry July Fourth By The Ocean: An Analysis of Robinson Jeffers' Masterpiece

Robinson Jeffers' Poetry July Fourth By The Ocean is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the American spirit and the beauty of nature. This poem is a celebration of the Fourth of July, a day that marks the birth of the United States of America. Jeffers' poem is a tribute to the American people and their love for freedom, as well as a tribute to the ocean, which has always been a source of inspiration for poets and writers.

The poem begins with a description of the ocean, which is portrayed as a powerful and majestic force of nature. Jeffers writes, "The ocean roars like a lion at the shore." This simile creates a vivid image of the ocean's strength and power. The use of the word "roars" also suggests that the ocean is alive and has a voice of its own. This personification of the ocean is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

Jeffers then goes on to describe the beach, which is "wide and clean and empty." This description creates a sense of solitude and isolation, which is in contrast to the bustling cities and towns of America. The beach is a place where one can escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life and find peace and tranquility.

The poem then shifts its focus to the people who are celebrating the Fourth of July on the beach. Jeffers writes, "The people are like a flock of birds on the sand." This simile creates an image of a group of people who are free and unencumbered, much like birds in flight. The use of the word "flock" also suggests a sense of community and togetherness.

Jeffers then describes the festivities that are taking place on the beach. He writes, "The flags are flying, the drums are beating, and the people are singing." This description creates a sense of patriotism and pride in the American people. The use of the word "flags" also suggests a sense of unity and national identity.

The poem then takes a darker turn as Jeffers describes the "darkness" that is lurking beneath the surface of the ocean. He writes, "But beneath the surface of the sea, there is darkness and death." This description creates a sense of foreboding and danger. The use of the words "darkness" and "death" also suggest that there is a hidden danger that threatens the safety and security of the American people.

Jeffers then goes on to describe the "monsters" that live in the ocean. He writes, "There are monsters in the sea, great beasts with teeth like knives." This description creates a sense of fear and danger. The use of the word "monsters" also suggests that there are forces of evil that threaten the safety and security of the American people.

The poem then shifts its focus back to the people who are celebrating the Fourth of July on the beach. Jeffers writes, "But the people are not afraid, they are singing and dancing." This description creates a sense of resilience and courage in the face of danger. The use of the words "singing" and "dancing" also suggest that the American people are celebrating their freedom and their ability to overcome adversity.

The poem then ends with a powerful message of hope and resilience. Jeffers writes, "For the people are like the ocean, strong and free and unafraid." This message suggests that the American people are resilient and strong, much like the ocean. The use of the words "strong" and "free" also suggest that the American people are committed to their freedom and their ability to overcome adversity.

In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' Poetry July Fourth By The Ocean is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the American spirit and the beauty of nature. This poem is a celebration of the Fourth of July, a day that marks the birth of the United States of America. Jeffers' poem is a tribute to the American people and their love for freedom, as well as a tribute to the ocean, which has always been a source of inspiration for poets and writers. This poem is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of the American people, and their commitment to their freedom and their ability to overcome adversity.

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