'Age In Prospect' by Robinson Jeffers
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Praise youth's hot blood if you will, I think that happiness
Rather consists in having lived clear through
Youth and hot blood, on to the wintrier hemisphere
Where one has time to wait and remember.
Youth and hot blood are beautiful, so is peacefulness.
Youth had some islands in it but age is indeed
An island and a peak; age has infirmities,
Not few, but youth is all one fever.
To look around and to love in his appearances,
Though a little calmly, the universal God's
Beauty is better I think than to lip eagerly
The mother's breast or another woman's.
And there is no possession more sure than memory's;
But if I reach that gray island, that peak,
My hope is still to possess with eyes the homeliness
Of ancient loves, ocean and mountains,
And meditate the sea-mouth of mortality
And the fountain six feet down with a quieter thirst
Than now I feel for old age; a creature progressively
Thirsty for life will be for death too.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Age In Prospect: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you fascinated by poems that take you on a journey through time and space? Then, you must read Age In Prospect by Robinson Jeffers. This classic poem is a masterpiece that offers a deep insight into the human condition and the essence of life. With its intricate metaphors and poetic language, Age In Prospect is an ode to the beauty of life and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will take you on a journey through the poem, exploring its themes, metaphors, and symbolism, and help you understand the deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface.
Overview of the Poem
At its core, Age In Prospect is a contemplation on the inevitable march of time and our mortality. The poem takes us on a journey through the ages, from the birth of the first humans to the present day, and finally to the end of the world. The poem is divided into four sections, each representing a different age in human history. The first section takes us back to the age of the cavemen, the second to the time of the Greeks, the third to the age of exploration and conquest, and the last to the present day. Through each section, the poem offers a glimpse into the human experience and how it has evolved through time.
Themes
One of the central themes of Age In Prospect is the inevitability of death. The poem reminds us that life is fleeting and that no matter how much we achieve, we will all die one day. The poem also explores the theme of human progress and evolution. Through the ages, humans have evolved and developed new technologies, but at the same time, they have also caused destruction and devastation. The poem also touches upon the theme of human mortality and the meaning of life. What is the point of our existence if we are all going to die one day?
Metaphors
Jeffers uses a variety of metaphors in the poem to convey his message. One of the most striking metaphors is that of the "wheel of time." Jeffers compares time to a wheel that is constantly turning, and no matter how much we try to resist it, we are all caught up in its flow. Another metaphor is that of the "pale dawn of history." Jeffers uses this metaphor to describe the earliest days of human history, when humans were just starting to discover their place in the world.
Symbolism
The poem is rich in symbolism, with each section representing a different age in human history. The first section, for example, is full of symbols of the natural world, with references to the sun, moon, and stars. The second section, on the other hand, is full of references to Greek mythology, with symbols of the gods and heroes of ancient Greece. The third section is full of symbols of exploration and conquest, with references to ships and the sea.
Interpretation
At its core, Age In Prospect is a poem about the human condition and the inevitability of death. Jeffers reminds us that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have. The poem also explores the theme of human progress and evolution, reminding us that while we have achieved much, we have also caused much destruction and devastation. The poem ultimately asks us to reflect on the meaning of life and what it means to be alive.
In conclusion, Age In Prospect is a masterpiece of poetry that takes us on a journey through time and space. With its intricate metaphors and poetic language, the poem offers a deep insight into the human condition and the essence of life. Through its exploration of the themes of mortality, progress, and the meaning of life, the poem challenges us to reflect on our own existence and how we can make the most of the time we have. If you have not yet read Age In Prospect, then you are missing out on one of the greatest poems of all time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Age In Prospect: A Poem of Timeless Wisdom
Robinson Jeffers, the American poet, was known for his deep appreciation of nature and his philosophical musings on the human condition. In his poem "Age In Prospect," Jeffers contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Through his vivid imagery and poignant language, Jeffers reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The poem begins with a description of a "gray head" that is "bowed" and "wrinkled." This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests the wear and tear of time on the human body. Jeffers then goes on to describe the "gray head" as "full of wisdom" and "rich with memories." This juxtaposition of the physical decay of the body with the richness of experience and knowledge is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
Jeffers then shifts his focus to the natural world, describing the "ocean's roar" and the "wind's song." He contrasts the eternal nature of the natural world with the transience of human life, noting that "the sea and the wind endure." This contrast serves to highlight the fleeting nature of human existence and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the face of mortality.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as Jeffers contemplates the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. He asks, "What is the use of life?" and notes that "death is the end of all things." This existential questioning is a hallmark of Jeffers' poetry, as he often grapples with the big questions of life and death.
Despite the bleakness of these thoughts, Jeffers ultimately finds hope in the idea that "the soul endures." He suggests that while the physical body may decay and die, the essence of who we are lives on. This idea is further reinforced by the final lines of the poem, which describe the "gray head" as "a beacon shining through the night." This image suggests that even in death, our wisdom and experience can serve as a guiding light for future generations.
Overall, "Age In Prospect" is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. Through his vivid imagery and poignant language, Jeffers reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment and finding meaning and purpose in the face of mortality. While the poem may be somber in tone, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
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