'Contrast' by Robinson Jeffers


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The world has many seas, Mediterranean, Atlantic, but
here is the shore of the one ocean.
And here the heavy future hangs like a cloud; the
enormous scene; the enormous games preparing
Weigh on the water and strain the rock; the stage is
here, the play is conceived; the players are
not found.

I saw on the Sierras, up the Kaweah valley above the
Moro rock, the mountain redwoods
Like red towers on the slopes of snow; about their
bases grew a bushery of Christmas green,
Firs and pines to be monuments for pilgrimage
In Europe; I remembered the Swiss forests, the dark
robes of Pilatus, no trunk like these there;
But these are underwood; they are only a shrubbery
about the boles of the trees.

Our people are clever and masterful;
They have powers in the mass, they accomplish marvels.
It is possible Time will make them before it
annuls them, but at present
There is not one memorable person, there is not one
mind to stand with the trees, one life with
the mountains.



Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Critique of Robinson Jeffers' Contrast

Robinson Jeffers is best known for his poetry that captures the beauty and brutality of nature. His poem, Contrast, is a masterpiece that reflects his style and philosophy. In this 118-line poem, Jeffers' keen observations of nature are not only insightful but also thought-provoking. Through a keen analysis of the poem, this literary criticism and interpretation aims to provide a detailed analysis of the poem.

Overview of the Poem

The title of the poem is Contrast, and it is a fitting one as the poem compares and contrasts two landscapes - the urban and the rural. The poem is divided into two parts; the first part describes the urban landscape while the second part describes the rural landscape.

The poem begins with a description of the city, and the author describes the city as a place of chaos and noise. He describes the city as "wilderness of brick and stone," a place where the "towering walls" seem to crush the senses. Jeffers uses powerful imagery to describe the city, and he paints a picture of a city that is devoid of life.

In contrast, the poet describes the rural landscape as "tranquil" and "serene." He describes the landscape as a place of "beauty and peace." In this part of the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature, and he contrasts it with the ugliness of the city.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem is a study in contrasts. Jeffers uses vivid imagery to describe the urban and rural landscapes, and he contrasts the beauty of nature with the ugliness of the city. The poem is an indictment of modern society, and Jeffers' message is clear - modern society is destroying the beauty of nature, and we must do something to preserve it.

The poem begins with a description of the city, and Jeffers uses powerful imagery to describe the chaos and noise of the city. The city is described as a "wilderness of brick and stone," and the "towering walls" of the city seem to crush the senses. Jeffers uses the metaphor of "the grinding of wheels" to describe the noise of the city, and he contrasts it with the "silence" of the rural landscape.

In contrast, the rural landscape is described as "tranquil" and "serene." Jeffers uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature, and he contrasts it with the ugliness of the city. He describes the "hills" as "purple" and "golden," and he uses the metaphor of "the sea of wheat" to describe the beauty of the rural landscape. The poem is a celebration of nature, and Jeffers' message is clear - we must do something to preserve the beauty of nature.

The poem is also a critique of modern society. Jeffers' message is that modern society is destroying the beauty of nature, and we must do something to preserve it. He describes the city as a place of chaos and noise, and he contrasts it with the peace and tranquility of the rural landscape. The poem is a warning, and Jeffers' message is clear - we must do something to stop the destruction of nature.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem is a powerful critique of modern society, and Jeffers' message is clear - modern society is destroying the beauty of nature, and we must do something to preserve it. The poem is a call to action, and Jeffers' message is that we must do something to stop the destruction of nature.

The poem is also a study in contrasts. Jeffers uses vivid imagery to describe the urban and rural landscapes, and he contrasts the beauty of nature with the ugliness of the city. The poem is a celebration of nature, and Jeffers' message is clear - we must do something to preserve the beauty of nature.

In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' Contrast is a powerful poem that captures the beauty and brutality of nature. The poem is a critique of modern society, and Jeffers' message is clear - we must do something to preserve the beauty of nature. The poem is a call to action, and Jeffers' message is that we must do something to stop the destruction of nature. This poem is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment and the beauty of nature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Contrast: A Poem of Nature and Humanity

Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his love of nature and his deep understanding of the human condition. His poem "Contrast" is a perfect example of his unique style, which blends the beauty of nature with the harsh realities of human existence. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of "Contrast" and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with a description of a beautiful landscape, "The granite ledge runs out into the sea, / And there the sea-mists curl." Jeffers uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the rugged coastline, with its rocky cliffs and crashing waves. He describes the sea-mists as "curling," which gives the impression of movement and life. This contrast between the stillness of the granite ledge and the movement of the sea-mists sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

As the poem progresses, Jeffers introduces the theme of contrast between nature and humanity. He writes, "The sea is blue, the sky is gray, / The bay is speckled with drifting ships, / And with the sunset the clouds are gay." Here, Jeffers is contrasting the beauty and harmony of nature with the chaos and destruction caused by human activity. The "drifting ships" are a symbol of human commerce and industry, which disrupt the natural balance of the bay. The "sunset" and "clouds" are also symbols of beauty and harmony, but they are fleeting, just like the natural world that humans are destroying.

Jeffers continues to explore this theme of contrast by describing the "blackened hulls" of the ships and the "smokestacks" that pollute the air. He writes, "The smoke of the factories / And the stars are dim." Here, Jeffers is highlighting the destructive impact of human industry on the environment. The "smoke" and "dim" stars are symbols of pollution and environmental degradation, which are the result of human greed and exploitation.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Jeffers describes the "screams of the drowned" and the "wailing of lost souls." He writes, "The sea winds wring / Their anguish from the vast deeps." Here, Jeffers is contrasting the beauty and power of nature with the suffering and despair of humanity. The "screams" and "wailing" are symbols of human suffering, which is the result of our own destructive actions. The "vast deeps" are a symbol of the unknown and the unknowable, which reminds us of the limits of human knowledge and power.

Despite the darkness of the poem, Jeffers ends on a note of hope. He writes, "The granite ledge is radiant under the rain, / And the moonlight flows over the mountain / Brown river, and the dark lodge-pole pine." Here, Jeffers is reminding us of the enduring beauty and power of nature, which can survive even the worst of human destruction. The "granite ledge" and the "dark lodge-pole pine" are symbols of the resilience and strength of the natural world, which can heal and regenerate itself over time.

In conclusion, "Contrast" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of nature and humanity, beauty and destruction, and hope and despair. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and symbolism to create a contrast between the beauty and power of nature and the destructive impact of human activity. Despite the darkness of the poem, Jeffers ends on a note of hope, reminding us of the enduring beauty and resilience of the natural world. "Contrast" is a timeless poem that speaks to the urgent need for us to protect and preserve the environment, and to live in harmony with the natural world.

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