'Angels' by Russell Edson
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They have little use. They are best as objects of torment.
No government cares what you do with them.
Like birds, and yet so human . . .
They mate by briefly looking at the other.
Their eggs are like white jellybeans.
Sometimes they have been said to inspire a man
to do more with his life than he might have.
But what is there for a man to do with his life?
. . . They burn beautifully with a blue flame.
When they cry out it is like the screech of a tiny hinge;
the cry of a bat. No one hears it . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
Angels by Russell Edson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
I am so excited to have the opportunity to write about one of my favorite poems, "Angels" by Russell Edson. This poem is packed with complex themes and unique imagery that will leave you thinking long after you have finished reading it.
Overview of the Poem
"Angels" is a short poem that tells the story of a man who encounters a group of angels while walking in the woods. At first, the man is amazed by the beauty and grace of the angels. However, as the angels begin to interact with him, he realizes that they are not as benevolent as he initially thought.
Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "Angels" is the vivid imagery that Edson uses to describe the angels. The angels are described as having "wings like knives" and "halos like the moon." These descriptions evoke a sense of danger and unpredictability, which is reinforced by the angels' behavior towards the man.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the symbolism that Edson employs. The angels can be interpreted as representing forces of nature or supernatural beings that exist beyond human understanding. Their presence in the woods is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, and the man's encounter with them is a reminder of the fragility of human existence.
Themes
"Angels" touches on a number of themes that are common in Edson's work. One of the most prominent themes is the idea that reality is not always what it seems. The man initially sees the angels as beautiful and benevolent beings, but as he interacts with them, he realizes that they are not as kind as he thought. This theme is reinforced by the imagery in the poem, which suggests that the angels are not what they appear to be.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of mortality. The man's encounter with the angels is a reminder that human life is fleeting and that there are forces beyond our control that can end our existence at any moment. This theme is reinforced by the angels' ominous presence and the sense of danger that permeates the poem.
Interpretation
The beauty of "Angels" is that it can be interpreted in a number of different ways. On one level, the poem can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of encountering supernatural beings. The man's encounter with the angels is a reminder that there are forces beyond our control that can harm us, and that we should be wary of the unknown.
On another level, the poem can be seen as a commentary on the nature of reality. The man's initial perception of the angels as benevolent beings is called into question by their behavior towards him. This suggests that our understanding of reality is shaped by our perceptions, which can be misleading or incomplete.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a meditation on mortality. The angels represent forces of nature or supernatural beings that are beyond human understanding, and their presence in the woods is a reminder of the fragility of human existence. The man's encounter with the angels is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and that we should appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us while we can.
Conclusion
"Angels" is a beautifully crafted poem that explores complex themes through vivid imagery and symbolism. Russell Edson's use of language and his ability to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder make this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Angels: A Poem that Explores the Human Condition
Russell Edson's poem "Angels" is a masterpiece that delves into the human condition. It is a poem that is both profound and thought-provoking, and it leaves the reader with a sense of awe and wonder. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Angels are wonderful." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of angels and their relationship to humanity. The speaker of the poem seems to be in awe of angels, and he describes them in glowing terms. He says that they are "beings of light" who "fly with wings of gold." He also says that they are "pure" and "holy," and that they "sing with voices of silver."
The imagery in this opening stanza is striking. The idea of angels as beings of light is a common one in religious and mythological traditions, and it suggests that angels are associated with goodness, purity, and enlightenment. The image of angels flying with wings of gold is also significant, as gold is a symbol of divinity and transcendence. The use of the word "pure" reinforces the idea that angels are associated with goodness and moral purity, while the use of the word "holy" suggests that they are associated with the divine.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus from angels to humanity. The speaker says that humans are "less wonderful" than angels, and that they are "mortal" and "fallen." He says that humans are "made of earth" and that they "stumble in darkness." This stanza is a stark contrast to the first one, and it suggests that the speaker sees a fundamental difference between angels and humans.
The use of the word "mortal" is significant, as it suggests that humans are subject to death and decay. This is in contrast to angels, who are often seen as immortal and eternal. The use of the word "fallen" is also significant, as it suggests that humans have fallen from a state of grace or perfection. This idea is common in religious traditions, where humans are often seen as having fallen from a state of innocence or purity.
The third stanza of the poem returns to the theme of angels. The speaker says that angels "watch over us" and that they "guide us with invisible hands." He says that angels "whisper in our ears" and that they "light our way." This stanza suggests that angels have a protective and guiding role in human life.
The use of the phrase "invisible hands" is significant, as it suggests that angels work behind the scenes to guide and protect humans. The idea of angels whispering in our ears is also significant, as it suggests that they communicate with us on a spiritual level. The use of the word "light" reinforces the idea that angels are associated with enlightenment and spiritual guidance.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of humanity. The speaker says that humans "struggle in the mud" and that they "reach for the sky." He says that humans are "broken" and that they "long for wholeness." This stanza suggests that humans are engaged in a struggle to transcend their earthly limitations and reach for something higher.
The use of the phrase "struggle in the mud" is significant, as it suggests that humans are mired in the physical world and are struggling to rise above it. The idea of humans reaching for the sky reinforces the idea that humans are striving for something higher and more transcendent. The use of the word "broken" suggests that humans are incomplete or imperfect, and that they are striving for wholeness or completeness.
The final stanza of the poem brings together the themes of angels and humanity. The speaker says that angels "love us" and that they "weep for us." He says that angels "carry us in their arms" and that they "sing to us in our dreams." This stanza suggests that angels have a deep emotional connection to humanity, and that they are intimately involved in human life.
The use of the phrase "weep for us" is significant, as it suggests that angels are moved by human suffering and are empathetic to human emotions. The idea of angels carrying humans in their arms reinforces the idea that angels have a protective and nurturing role in human life. The use of the phrase "sing to us in our dreams" suggests that angels communicate with humans on a subconscious level, and that they are involved in the realm of dreams and the imagination.
In conclusion, Russell Edson's poem "Angels" is a profound meditation on the nature of angels and their relationship to humanity. The poem explores themes of transcendence, enlightenment, protection, and empathy. The imagery and symbolism in the poem are rich and evocative, and they leave the reader with a sense of wonder and awe. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the deepest aspects of the human experience.
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