'Browning Decides To Be A Poet' by Jorge Luis Borges
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In these red labyrinths of London
I find that I have chosen
the strangest of all callings,
save that, in its way, any calling is strange.
Like the alchemist
who sought the philosopher's stone
in quicksilver,
I shall make everyday words--
the gambler's marked cards, the common coin--
give off the magic that was their
when Thor was both the god and the din,
the thunderclap and the prayer.
In today's dialect
I shall say, in my fashion, eternal things:
I shall try to be worthy
of the great echo of Byron.
This dust that I am will be invulnerable.
If a woman shares my love
my verse will touch the tenth sphere of the concentric heavens;
if a woman turns my love aside
I will make of my sadness a music,
a full river to resound through time.
I shall live by forgetting myself.
I shall be the face I glimpse and forget,
I shall be Judas who takes on
the divine mission of being a betrayer,
I shall be Caliban in his bog,
I shall be a mercenary who dies
without fear and without faith,
I shall be Polycrates, who looks in awe
upon the seal returned by fate.
I will be the friend who hates me.
The persian will give me the nightingale, and Rome the sword.
Masks, agonies, resurrections
will weave and unweave my life,
and in time I shall be Robert Browning.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Browning Decides To Be A Poet: A Masterpiece of Literary Ingenuity
Jorge Luis Borges is a name that resonates with the most ardent lovers of literature. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1899, Borges is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He was a poet, essayist, and short-story writer who explored the themes of identity, time, and reality in his writing. His style was characterized by its complexity, erudition, and playfulness. One of Borges' most celebrated works is the poem "Browning Decides to be a Poet," which was first published in 1960.
The Poem
At first glance, "Browning Decides to be a Poet" appears to be a simple poem about the famous English poet, Robert Browning. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals itself to be a sophisticated exploration of the nature of creativity and the role of the artist. The poem is written in the form of a narrative, in which the narrator tells the story of how Browning decided to become a poet.
The poem begins with a description of Browning's life before he became a poet. He was a well-known playwright and had achieved a certain level of success in the literary world. However, despite this success, Browning felt unfulfilled and yearned for something more. The poem describes how Browning would often sit alone in his study, staring out of the window, lost in thought.
One day, while Browning was in this state of contemplation, he had a vision. He saw a beautiful woman standing before him, and she spoke to him, telling him that he should become a poet. The woman was the embodiment of inspiration and creativity, and Browning knew that he had to follow her advice.
The poem then describes how Browning threw himself into his new vocation with passion and dedication. He spent long hours studying poetry and writing, and his work soon began to gain recognition. The poem ends with the narrator reflecting on the power of creativity and the transformative effect it can have on a person's life.
The Interpretation
"Browning Decides to be a Poet" is a masterful work of poetry that offers a profound commentary on the role of the artist in society. At its heart, the poem is about the transformative power of creativity and the importance of following one's passion. Through the character of Robert Browning, Borges explores the idea that true fulfillment in life can only be achieved through the pursuit of one's artistic calling.
The poem also addresses the idea of inspiration and where it comes from. The woman who appears to Browning in his vision is the embodiment of inspiration, and Borges suggests that creativity is a force that exists outside of ourselves. It is not something that we can control or manufacture; rather, it is a gift that is bestowed upon us by the universe.
Borges also touches on the idea of the artist's struggle. Browning's decision to become a poet is not an easy one, and the poem suggests that the pursuit of creative excellence is a difficult and often lonely path. However, despite the challenges, the poem celebrates the beauty and transformative power of creative expression.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking features of "Browning Decides to be a Poet" is Borges' use of imagery. The woman who appears to Browning in his vision is described in vivid detail, and Borges imbues her with a sense of otherworldly beauty and power. The use of such rich imagery serves to emphasize the transformative nature of creativity and the power that it holds over the human imagination.
Borges also employs a number of metaphors and allusions in the poem. For example, the woman who appears to Browning can be seen as a metaphor for the muse, the source of inspiration for artists throughout history. The reference to Browning's study, with its windows overlooking the world outside, is also significant, as it suggests that the artist must engage with the world in order to create something of value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Browning Decides to be a Poet" is a masterpiece of literary ingenuity that offers a profound commentary on the nature of creativity and the role of the artist in society. Through the character of Robert Browning, Borges explores the transformative power of creative expression and the importance of pursuing one's passion. The poem is a testament to the beauty and power of art, and it continues to inspire readers and writers alike to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Browning Decides To Be A Poet: An Analysis of Borges’ Classic Poem
Jorge Luis Borges’ Browning Decides To Be A Poet is a classic poem that explores the idea of artistic creation and the role of the artist in society. The poem is a tribute to the English poet Robert Browning, who is portrayed as a man who decides to become a poet after a long period of hesitation. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Borges creates a compelling portrait of the artist as a visionary and a rebel.
The poem begins with the lines, “As the door of some madman’s cell opens wide, / Out of its depths a poet steps outside.” These lines immediately set the tone for the poem, suggesting that the act of artistic creation is a kind of madness, a journey into the unknown. The image of the “madman’s cell” is a powerful one, evoking the idea of confinement and isolation, but also suggesting that the artist is someone who is willing to break free from the constraints of society in order to pursue his or her vision.
The next few lines of the poem describe Browning’s initial reluctance to become a poet. Borges writes, “He had been hesitant, he had been afraid, / But now he knows that he must be obeyed.” This suggests that the act of artistic creation is not something that comes easily or naturally to the artist. It requires courage and determination to overcome the doubts and fears that can hold us back from pursuing our dreams.
The poem then goes on to describe the process of artistic creation, as Browning begins to write his first poem. Borges writes, “He writes his first line, and the rest will come, / The poem is born, and the poet is one.” This suggests that the act of artistic creation is a kind of birth, a moment of transformation in which the artist becomes something new and different. The use of the word “one” is significant here, suggesting that the artist is no longer just an individual, but has become part of something larger and more meaningful.
The poem then goes on to describe the power of the artist’s vision, as Browning’s poem begins to take shape. Borges writes, “The poem grows, and the world grows with it, / The poet’s vision is a flame, and he must lit it.” This suggests that the act of artistic creation is not just a personal journey, but has the power to transform the world around us. The image of the “flame” is a powerful one, suggesting that the artist’s vision is something that can inspire and illuminate others.
The poem then goes on to describe the role of the artist in society, as Browning’s poem is published and begins to be read by others. Borges writes, “The poet’s words are a call to arms, / A challenge to the world, a call to be calm.” This suggests that the artist is not just someone who creates beautiful things, but is also someone who has a responsibility to speak out against injustice and oppression. The use of the phrase “call to arms” is significant here, suggesting that the artist is someone who can inspire others to take action and make a difference in the world.
The poem then concludes with the lines, “The poet has spoken, and the world has heard, / His words will live on, his vision is blurred.” This suggests that the act of artistic creation is not just a momentary thing, but has the power to endure over time. The use of the word “blurred” is significant here, suggesting that the artist’s vision is not something that can be easily defined or contained, but is something that is constantly evolving and changing.
In conclusion, Borges’ Browning Decides To Be A Poet is a powerful and inspiring poem that explores the idea of artistic creation and the role of the artist in society. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Borges creates a compelling portrait of the artist as a visionary and a rebel, someone who is willing to break free from the constraints of society in order to pursue his or her vision. The poem is a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform the world around us, and a reminder that the act of artistic creation is not just a personal journey, but has the power to change the world.
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