'Comete' by Les Murray


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Uphill in Melbourne on a beautiful day
a woman is walking ahead of her hair.
Like teak oiled soft to fracture and sway
it hung to her heels and seconded her
as a pencilled retinue, an unscrolling title
to ploughland, edged with ripe rows of dress,
a sheathed wing that couldn't fly her at all,
only itself, loosely, and her spirits.
A largesse
of life and self, brushed all calm and out,
its abstracted attempts on her mouth weren't seen,
not its showering, its tenting. Just the detail
that swam in its flow-lines, glossing about--
as she paced on, comet-like, face to the sun.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Comete by Les Murray: A Criticism and Interpretation

The literary world has been graced by many gifted poets, and one of those poets that stand out is Les Murray. Les Murray, an Australian poet, is known for his strong and resonating poetry that delves into themes of Australia's landscape, culture, and history. In this essay, I will be delving into one of Murray's poems, Comete, and exploring its literary elements, themes, and symbolism.

Overview of Comete

Comete is a poem that consists of 7 stanzas, each with 6 lines. The poem talks about a comet that was seen in the sky and how it was interpreted by different people. The poem takes the reader on a journey through different perspectives on the comet- from the perspective of the Aboriginals to the perspective of the modern-day astronomer.

Stylistic Elements of Comete

One of the most notable stylistic elements of Comete is Murray's use of enjambment. Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line of verse, is used throughout the poem, creating a natural flow that mimics the movement of the comet in the sky. The poem is also rich in symbolism, with the comet being used as a symbol for different things throughout the poem.

Murray's use of imagery is equally impressive. The poem starts with a vivid image of the comet, which is described as "a streak of light" that was "hauled across night." The use of words such as "hauled" creates an image of the comet being pulled through the sky, which adds to the poem's sense of movement. The poem is also full of references to the natural world, with Murray using similes such as "it was like a flock of birds / only faster" to describe the comet's movement.

Themes of Comete

Comete is a poem that deals with a number of different themes. One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of perspective. The poem shows how different people interpret the comet in different ways, depending on their cultural background and their knowledge of the natural world.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of time. The comet is described as a "time-waster," which suggests that it is something that distracts people from their daily lives. The poem also explores the idea of the passage of time, with references to the Aboriginals who saw the comet "long before / the stockman's fires were seen / and the first white house was built."

Symbolism in Comete

As mentioned earlier, one of the most striking things about Comete is its use of symbolism. The comet is used as a symbol for different things throughout the poem, depending on the perspective of the person observing it. For the Aboriginals, the comet is seen as a sign of death and destruction, with the poem describing how "young men fled to hills / and women crouched by campfires."

For the modern-day astronomer, the comet is seen as a scientific wonder, with the poem describing how "the new astronomer / stood at his telescope, / filming the thing no eye could see." The comet is also used as a symbol for the passage of time, with the poem describing how "the comet faded / beyond the reach of all telescopes / and left the sky to the stars."

Interpretation of Comete

Comete is a poem that is open to a number of different interpretations, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the clash between different cultures and worldviews. The poem shows how the Aboriginals saw the comet as a sign of death and destruction, while the modern-day astronomer saw it as a scientific wonder.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the passage of time. The poem shows how the comet was seen by different people at different times in history, and how it eventually faded away and left the sky to the stars. This can be seen as a metaphor for the passing of generations and the impermanence of all things.

Conclusion

Comete is a beautifully crafted poem that explores a number of different themes and uses rich symbolism to convey its message. Murray's use of enjambment, imagery, and symbolism creates a poem that is both moving and thought-provoking. The poem is open to a number of different interpretations, but its message of the different perspectives on the same thing remains constant. Comete is a true masterpiece of modern poetry and a testament to Murray's talent as a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Comete: A Poetic Masterpiece by Les Murray

Les Murray, the renowned Australian poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. One of his most celebrated poems is "Comete," a stunning piece that captures the essence of human existence and the fleeting nature of life. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

"Comete" is a poem that speaks to the human condition, the struggles we face, and the ultimate transience of our existence. The poem begins with the speaker observing a comet in the sky, a celestial body that has fascinated humans for centuries. The comet is described as a "flying javelin," a powerful image that conveys the speed and force of the object. The speaker notes that the comet is "unseen by us," highlighting the distance between humans and the cosmos. Despite our fascination with the stars, we are ultimately separated from them by vast distances and incomprehensible scales.

The poem then shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on their own mortality. They note that "we are all comets," suggesting that humans are like the celestial bodies they observe in the sky. We are born, we live, and we die, leaving behind only a fleeting trail of memories and experiences. The speaker notes that "we burn out," a powerful metaphor for the end of life. The image of a comet burning up as it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a poignant reminder of our own mortality.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker contemplates the meaning of life. They note that "we are all searching," suggesting that humans are constantly seeking something more, something beyond the mundane. The speaker notes that "we are all lost," highlighting the sense of disorientation and confusion that often accompanies the search for meaning. The poem suggests that the search for meaning is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, one that is both universal and deeply personal.

The imagery in "Comete" is powerful and evocative, capturing the essence of the human experience. The comet is described as a "flying javelin," a metaphor that conveys the speed and force of the object. The image of a comet burning up as it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a poignant reminder of our own mortality. The poem also uses the image of a searchlight, suggesting that humans are constantly seeking something more, something beyond the mundane. The searchlight is a powerful image, conveying both the intensity and the futility of the search for meaning.

The symbolism in "Comete" is also rich and complex. The comet is a symbol of the transience of life, a reminder that everything is impermanent and fleeting. The searchlight is a symbol of the human desire for meaning, a reminder that we are all searching for something more. The poem also uses the image of a lost child, suggesting that the search for meaning is often accompanied by a sense of disorientation and confusion. The lost child is a powerful symbol, conveying both the vulnerability and the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Comete" is a stunning poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Les Murray's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, conveying both the beauty and the fragility of life. The poem speaks to the universal human desire for meaning, reminding us that we are all searching for something more. The image of the comet burning up as it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a poignant reminder of our own mortality, a reminder that we are all comets, burning brightly for a brief moment before fading away. "Comete" is a poetic masterpiece, a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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