'Bixby's Landing' by Robinson Jeffers
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They burned lime on the hill and dropped it down
here in an iron car
On a long cable; here the ships warped in
And took their loads from the engine, the water
is deep to the cliff. The car
Hangs half way over in the gape of the gorge,
Stationed like a north star above the peaks of
the redwoods, iron perch
For the little red hawks when they cease from
hovering
When they've struck prey; the spider's fling of a
cable rust-glued to the pulleys.
The laborers are gone, but what a good multitude
Is here in return: the rich-lichened rock, the
rose-tipped stone-crop, the constant
Ocean's voices, the cloud-lighted space.
The kilns are cold on the hill but here in the
rust of the broken boiler
Quick lizards lighten, and a rattle-snake flows
Down the cracked masonry, over the crumbled
fire-brick. In the rotting timbers
And roofless platforms all the free companies
Of windy grasses have root and make seed; wild
buckwheat blooms in the fat
Weather-slacked lime from the bursted barrels.
Two duckhawks darting in the sky of their cliff-hung
nest are the voice of the headland.
Wine-hearted solitude, our mother the wilderness,
Men's failures are often as beautiful as men's
triumphs, but your returnings
Are even more precious than your first presence.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Bixby's Landing" by Robinson Jeffers: A Poetic Masterpiece
As I sit down to write about "Bixby's Landing," a classic poem by Robinson Jeffers, I can't help but feel excited. This poem is a true masterpiece of American literature, and it has stood the test of time since its publication in the early twentieth century. With its vivid imagery, poignant themes, and masterful use of language, "Bixby's Landing" has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the many facets of this remarkable poem, from its historical context to its deep emotions and powerful meanings.
Historical Context
"Bixby's Landing" was written by Robinson Jeffers in 1916, during a time of great change in American history. The United States was on the brink of entering World War I, and tensions were high as the country grappled with issues of isolationism, nationalism, and imperialism. Against this backdrop, Jeffers crafted a poem that speaks directly to the heart of American identity and the role of the individual in society.
The poem takes place on the coast of California, near the mouth of the Santa Lucia River. At the time of its writing, this area was sparsely populated and largely untouched by development. Jeffers himself lived in this area for much of his life, and his love for the natural beauty and ruggedness of the landscape shines through in his writing.
Poetic Technique
One of the most striking aspects of "Bixby's Landing" is Jeffers' use of language and imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the rugged coastline, the crashing waves, and the towering cliffs that rise up from the sea. His descriptions are both beautiful and haunting, capturing both the majesty and the danger of the natural world.
Jeffers also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. The repeated phrase "the grip of the cliff" is particularly effective, as it underscores the sense of danger and confinement that pervades the poem.
Another notable aspect of Jeffers' technique is his use of contrast. He contrasts the natural world with the built environment, the individual with society, and the present with the past. This creates a tension that drives the poem forward and adds depth and complexity to its themes.
Themes and Meanings
At its heart, "Bixby's Landing" is a meditation on the human condition and the struggle for identity and meaning in a chaotic and unpredictable world. The poem explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for purpose in life.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers contrasts the individual with society, highlighting the tension between the desire for freedom and the need for community. The protagonist of the poem, a lone sailor, is both drawn to and repelled by the isolation of the coast. He longs for the freedom of the open sea, but he is also keenly aware of the dangers and risks of venturing too far from shore.
Jeffers also explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of human life. The sailor's encounter with the tombstone of a long-dead sailor serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Ultimately, "Bixby's Landing" is a poem about the search for meaning and identity in a world that is often confusing and overwhelming. It speaks to our deepest fears and desires, and it offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Bixby's Landing" is a true masterpiece of American literature. It is a poem that speaks directly to the human heart, exploring the deepest themes and emotions that define the human experience. With its vivid imagery, poignant themes, and masterful use of language, "Bixby's Landing" has earned its place as one of the greatest poems of the twentieth century.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bixby's Landing: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, was known for his unique style of poetry that often explored the themes of nature, humanity, and the relationship between the two. His poem, Bixby's Landing, is a classic example of his work, and it is considered one of his most famous and powerful pieces. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
Bixby's Landing is a long poem, consisting of 12 stanzas, each with 10 lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter scheme. Instead, Jeffers uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery, to create a powerful and evocative piece of poetry.
The poem is set in a coastal town, where the speaker is observing the arrival of a ship at Bixby's Landing. The ship is described as a "great black hulk," and the speaker notes that it is carrying "the world's goods and the world's ills." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the themes of human greed, destruction, and the impact of civilization on nature.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey his message. For example, in the second stanza, he describes the ship as "a beast of prey," and in the third stanza, he compares it to a "giant insect." These comparisons highlight the destructive nature of humanity and the impact that our actions have on the natural world.
The poem also explores the theme of time and the cyclical nature of life. In the fourth stanza, Jeffers writes, "The sea is the land's edge also, the granite / Into which it reaches, the beaches where it tosses / Its hints of earlier and other creation." This stanza suggests that the sea and the land are interconnected and that they have existed long before humans arrived on the scene. The poem also suggests that the sea will continue to exist long after humans are gone, as it has done for millions of years.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of isolation and loneliness. The speaker notes that the ship is "alone" and that it is "a stranger here." This sense of isolation is further emphasized in the seventh stanza, where the speaker notes that "the town is no help / If the ship has two hundred and fifty people / And several tons of oil, it will be lost." This stanza suggests that even though the ship is carrying hundreds of people, it is ultimately alone and vulnerable in the face of the natural world.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. In the ninth stanza, Jeffers writes, "The world ends / When it has ended a man's dream in him." This line suggests that our dreams and aspirations are what give our lives meaning, and that when they are gone, our lives are over. The poem also suggests that death is a natural part of life, and that we should accept it as such.
One of the most powerful aspects of Bixby's Landing is its use of symbolism. Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses a variety of symbols to convey his message. For example, the ship is a symbol of human civilization and the destructive impact that it has on the natural world. The sea is a symbol of the natural world, and the cyclical nature of life. The town is a symbol of human society, and the limitations that it places on us.
In conclusion, Bixby's Landing is a masterpiece of American poetry, and it is a testament to Robinson Jeffers' skill as a poet. The poem explores a variety of themes, including human greed, destruction, the impact of civilization on nature, time, isolation, loneliness, mortality, and the inevitability of death. Jeffers uses vivid and powerful imagery, as well as symbolism, to convey his message, and the result is a powerful and evocative piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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