'Four Quartets 3: The Dry Salvages' by T.S. Eliot
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
(The Dry Salvages—presumably les trois sauvages—is a small
group of rocks, with a beacon, off the N.E. coast of Cape Ann,
Massachusetts. Salvages is pronounced to rhyme with assuages.
Groaner: a whistling buoy.)
I
I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river
Is a strong brown god—sullen, untamed and intractable,
Patient to some degree, at first recognised as a frontier;
Useful, untrustworthy, as a conveyor of commerce;
Then only a problem confronting the builder of bridges.
The problem once solved, the brown god is almost forgotten
By the dwellers in cities—ever, however, implacable.
Keeping his seasons and rages, destroyer, reminder
Of what men choose to forget. Unhonoured, unpropitiated
By worshippers of the machine, but waiting, watching and waiting.
His rhythm was present in the nursery bedroom,
In the rank ailanthus of the April dooryard,
In the smell of grapes on the autumn table,
And the evening circle in the winter gaslight.
The river is within us, the sea is all about us;
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:
The starfish, the horseshoe crab, the whale's backbone;
The pools where it offers to our curiosity
The more delicate algae and the sea anemone.
It tosses up our losses, the torn seine,
The shattered lobsterpot, the broken oar
And the gear of foreign dead men. The sea has many voices,
Many gods and many voices.
The salt is on the briar rose,
The fog is in the fir trees.
The sea howl
And the sea yelp, are different voices
Often together heard: the whine in the rigging,
The menace and caress of wave that breaks on water,
The distant rote in the granite teeth,
And the wailing warning from the approaching headland
Are all sea voices, and the heaving groaner
Rounded homewards, and the seagull:
And under the oppression of the silent fog
The tolling bell
Measures time not our time, rung by the unhurried
Ground swell, a time
Older than the time of chronometers, older
Than time counted by anxious worried women
Lying awake, calculating the future,
Trying to unweave, unwind, unravel
And piece together the past and the future,
Between midnight and dawn, when the past is all deception,
The future futureless, before the morning watch
When time stops and time is never ending;
And the ground swell, that is and was from the beginning,
Clangs
The bell.
II
Where is there an end of it, the soundless wailing,
The silent withering of autumn flowers
Dropping their petals and remaining motionless;
Where is there and end to the drifting wreckage,
The prayer of the bone on the beach, the unprayable
Prayer at the calamitous annunciation?
There is no end, but addition: the trailing
Consequence of further days and hours,
While emotion takes to itself the emotionless
Years of living among the breakage
Of what was believed in as the most reliable—
And therefore the fittest for renunciation.
There is the final addition, the failing
Pride or resentment at failing powers,
The unattached devotion which might pass for devotionless,
In a drifting boat with a slow leakage,
The silent listening to the undeniable
Clamour of the bell of the last annunciation.
Where is the end of them, the fishermen sailing
Into the wind's tail, where the fog cowers?
We cannot think of a time that is oceanless
Or of an ocean not littered with wastage
Or of a future that is not liable
Like the past, to have no destination.
We have to think of them as forever bailing,
Setting and hauling, while the North East lowers
Over shallow banks unchanging and erosionless
Or drawing their money, drying sails at dockage;
Not as making a trip that will be unpayable
For a haul that will not bear examination.
There is no end of it, the voiceless wailing,
No end to the withering of withered flowers,
To the movement of pain that is painless and motionless,
To the drift of the sea and the drifting wreckage,
The bone's prayer to Death its God. Only the hardly, barely prayable
Prayer of the one Annunciation.
It seems, as one becomes older,
That the past has another pattern, and ceases to be a mere sequence—
Or even development: the latter a partial fallacy
Encouraged by superficial notions of evolution,
Which becomes, in the popular mind, a means of disowning the past.
The moments of happiness—not the sense of well-being,
Fruition, fulfilment, security or affection,
Or even a very good dinner, but the sudden illumination—
We had the experience but missed the meaning,
And approach to the meaning restores the experience
In a different form, beyond any meaning
We can assign to happiness. I have said before
That the past experience revived in the meaning
Is not the experience of one life only
But of many generations—not forgetting
Something that is probably quite ineffable:
The backward look behind the assurance
Of recorded history, the backward half-look
Over the shoulder, towards the primitive terror.
Now, we come to discover that the moments of agony
(Whether, or not, due to misunderstanding,
Having hoped for the wrong things or dreaded the wrong things,
Is not in question) are likewise permanent
With such permanence as time has. We appreciate this better
In the agony of others, nearly experienced,
Involving ourselves, than in our own.
For our own past is covered by the currents of action,
But the torment of others remains an experience
Unqualified, unworn by subsequent attrition.
People change, and smile: but the agony abides.
Time the destroyer is time the preserver,
Like the river with its cargo of dead negroes, cows and chicken coops,
The bitter apple, and the bite in the apple.
And the ragged rock in the restless waters,
Waves wash over it, fogs conceal it;
On a halcyon day it is merely a monument,
In navigable weather it is always a seamark
To lay a course by: but in the sombre season
Or the sudden fury, is what it always was.
III
I sometimes wonder if that is what Krishna meant—
Among other things—or one way of putting the same thing:
That the future is a faded song, a Royal Rose or a lavender spray
Of wistful regret for those who are not yet here to regret,
Pressed between yellow leaves of a book that has never been opened.
And the way up is the way down, the way forward is the way back.
You cannot face it steadily, but this thing is sure,
That time is no healer: the patient is no longer here.
When the train starts, and the passengers are settled
To fruit, periodicals and business letters
(And those who saw them off have left the platform)
Their faces relax from grief into relief,
To the sleepy rhythm of a hundred hours.
Fare forward, travellers! not escaping from the past
Into different lives, or into any future;
You are not the same people who left that station
Or who will arrive at any terminus,
While the narrowing rails slide together behind you;
And on the deck of the drumming liner
Watching the furrow that widens behind you,
You shall not think 'the past is finished'
Or 'the future is before us'.
At nightfall, in the rigging and the aerial,
Is a voice descanting (though not to the ear,
The murmuring shell of time, and not in any language)
'Fare forward, you who think that you are voyaging;
You are not those who saw the harbour
Receding, or those who will disembark.
Here between the hither and the farther shore
While time is withdrawn, consider the future
And the past with an equal mind.
At the moment which is not of action or inaction
You can receive this: "on whatever sphere of being
The mind of a man may be intent
At the time of death"—that is the one action
(And the time of death is every moment)
Which shall fructify in the lives of others:
And do not think of the fruit of action.
Fare forward.
O voyagers, O seamen,
You who came to port, and you whose bodies
Will suffer the trial and judgement of the sea,
Or whatever event, this is your real destination.'
So Krishna, as when he admonished Arjuna
On the field of battle.
Not fare well,
But fare forward, voyagers.
IV
Lady, whose shrine stands on the promontory,
Pray for all those who are in ships, those
Whose business has to do with fish, and
Those concerned with every lawful traffic
And those who conduct them.
Repeat a prayer also on behalf of
Women who have seen their sons or husbands
Setting forth, and not returning:
Figlia del tuo figlio,
Queen of Heaven.
Also pray for those who were in ships, and
Ended their voyage on the sand, in the sea's lips
Or in the dark throat which will not reject them
Or wherever cannot reach them the sound of the sea bell's
Perpetual angelus.
V
To communicate with Mars, converse with spirits,
To report the behaviour of the sea monster,
Describe the horoscope, haruspicate or scry,
Observe disease in signatures, evoke
Biography from the wrinkles of the palm
And tragedy from fingers; release omens
By sortilege, or tea leaves, riddle the inevitable
With playing cards, fiddle with pentagrams
Or barbituric acids, or dissect
The recurrent image into pre-conscious terrors—
To explore the womb, or tomb, or dreams; all these are usual
Pastimes and drugs, and features of the press:
And always will be, some of them especially
When there is distress of nations and perplexity
Whether on the shores of Asia, or in the Edgware Road.
Men's curiosity searches past and future
And clings to that dimension. But to apprehend
The point of intersection of the timeless
With time, is an occupation for the saint—
No occupation either, but something given
And taken, in a lifetime's death in love,
Ardour and selflessness and self-surrender.
For most of us, there is only the unattended
Moment, the moment in and out of time,
The distraction fit, lost in a shaft of sunlight,
The wild thyme unseen, or the winter lightning
Or the waterfall, or music heard so deeply
That it is not heard at all, but you are the music
While the music lasts. These are only hints and guesses,
Hints followed by guesses; and the rest
Is prayer, observance, discipline, thought and action.
The hint half guessed, the gift half understood, is Incarnation.
Here the impossible union
Of spheres of existence is actual,
Here the past and future
Are conquered, and reconciled,
Where action were otherwise movement
Of that which is only moved
And has in it no source of movement—
Driven by dæmonic, chthonic
Powers. And right action is freedom
From past and future also.
For most of us, this is the aim
Never here to be realised;
Who are only undefeated
Because we have gone on trying;
We, content at the last
If our temporal reversion nourish
(Not too far from the yew-tree)
The life of significant soil.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Four Quartets 3: The Dry Salvages by T.S. Eliot
Introduction
T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets" is a renowned series of four poems, each of which reflects on a different aspect of time, spirituality, and the human experience. "The Dry Salvages," the third poem in the series, is a profound and complex work that explores the nature of water, the sea, and the human struggle to find meaning and transcendence in the face of mortality.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, imagery, and structure of "The Dry Salvages," and explore the ways in which Eliot uses language and symbolism to convey his ideas about the human condition and the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Themes
At its core, "The Dry Salvages" is a meditation on the power and mystery of water, and the ways in which it both reflects and shapes our innermost selves. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of water: the sea, the river, and the rain.
Throughout the poem, Eliot uses water as a metaphor for the human experience, emphasizing its fluidity, unpredictability, and transformative power. He suggests that, like water, our lives are in a constant state of flux, and that we must learn to navigate the turbulent waters of existence in order to find meaning and purpose.
Another key theme of "The Dry Salvages" is the idea of transcendence, or the search for spiritual enlightenment. Eliot suggests that, in order to transcend the limitations of our mortal selves, we must first confront the reality of our own mortality, and embrace the impermanence and transience of life.
Imagery
"The Dry Salvages" is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that helps to convey its complex themes and ideas. Perhaps the most striking image in the poem is that of the sea, which Eliot uses as a symbol of the vast and unknowable forces that shape our lives.
The sea is presented as both beautiful and terrifying, with its waves representing the ebb and flow of human emotion and experience. Eliot suggests that, like the sea, we are all constantly in motion, struggling to find our way in the world and make sense of our place within it.
Other key images in the poem include the river, which represents the passage of time and the inevitability of change, and the rain, which symbolizes the cleansing and rejuvenating power of nature. Throughout the poem, Eliot uses these and other images to create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning and symbolism, inviting the reader to explore the deeper themes and ideas that underlie the work.
Structure
One of the most notable features of "The Dry Salvages" is its structure, which is both highly structured and highly fluid. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of water, and each of which is further divided into smaller subsections.
Throughout the poem, Eliot uses repetition and variation to create a sense of musicality and rhythm, as well as to reinforce the themes and motifs that run throughout the work. He also employs a range of poetic devices, including alliteration, assonance, and rhyme, to create a sense of unity and coherence.
At the same time, however, "The Dry Salvages" is highly fluid and open-ended, with its free-flowing structure suggesting the fluidity and unpredictability of water itself. Eliot invites the reader to explore the poem's themes and ideas in their own way, encouraging them to embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of the human experience.
Conclusion
In "The Dry Salvages," T.S. Eliot offers a profound and complex meditation on the nature of water, the sea, and the human experience. Through its vivid imagery, evocative language, and fluid structure, the poem invites the reader to explore the deeper themes and ideas that underlie the work, and to confront the reality of their own mortality in the process.
Whether read as a meditation on the power of nature, a reflection on the human search for meaning and transcendence, or simply a beautiful piece of poetic writing, "The Dry Salvages" is a work of enduring significance and beauty, and one that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Four Quartets 3: The Dry Salvages - A Masterpiece by T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his work Four Quartets is considered a masterpiece of modernist poetry. The third poem in the series, The Dry Salvages, is a profound exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. In this article, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of The Dry Salvages to understand its significance and impact.
The poem is named after a group of rocks off the coast of Massachusetts, which have been the site of many shipwrecks over the years. Eliot uses this image as a metaphor for the dangers and uncertainties of life, and the need for spiritual guidance and redemption. The poem is divided into five sections, each exploring a different aspect of the human experience.
The first section begins with a description of the sea and the rocks, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. Eliot uses vivid imagery to create a sense of danger and foreboding, as he describes the waves crashing against the rocks and the sound of the wind. He also introduces the idea of time, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem. Eliot suggests that time is both a blessing and a curse, as it brings both joy and sorrow.
The second section is a meditation on the nature of prayer and the role of religion in our lives. Eliot suggests that prayer is a way of connecting with the divine, and that it can provide comfort and guidance in times of trouble. He also acknowledges the limitations of religion, and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable.
The third section is perhaps the most complex and challenging of the poem. It is a meditation on the nature of language and the limitations of human communication. Eliot suggests that language is a flawed and imperfect tool, and that it can never fully capture the complexity and depth of human experience. He also explores the idea of silence, and the possibility that it may be a more profound form of communication than words.
The fourth section is a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Eliot suggests that our lives are like ships passing through the sea, and that we are all destined to reach the same destination. He also explores the idea of memory, and the way in which our past experiences shape our present and future.
The final section is a meditation on the nature of love and the possibility of redemption. Eliot suggests that love is a powerful force that can transcend time and space, and that it has the power to transform our lives. He also explores the idea of grace, and the possibility that we can be saved from our own limitations and flaws.
Throughout the poem, Eliot uses a variety of literary techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity. He employs vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and a range of poetic devices to explore the themes and ideas of the poem. He also uses a range of different voices and perspectives, shifting between the personal and the universal, the concrete and the abstract.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition and variation. Eliot repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, but each time they appear they are slightly different, creating a sense of development and progression. This technique is particularly effective in the final section of the poem, where Eliot repeats the phrase "the hint half guessed, the gift half understood" to suggest the possibility of redemption and grace.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of allusion and intertextuality. Eliot draws on a wide range of literary and cultural references, from the Bible to Shakespeare to Dante. These references serve to enrich the poem and deepen its meaning, while also creating a sense of continuity and connection with the broader literary tradition.
In conclusion, Four Quartets 3: The Dry Salvages is a profound and complex poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and range of literary techniques, Eliot creates a powerful meditation on the nature of time, language, religion, and love. The poem is a testament to Eliot's mastery of the poetic form, and its enduring relevance and significance make it a true masterpiece of modernist poetry.
Editor Recommended Sites
Declarative: Declaratively manage your infrastructure as codeAnime Fan Page - Anime Reviews & Anime raings and information: Track the latest about your favorite animes. Collaborate with other Anime fans & Join the anime fan community
Coding Interview Tips - LLM and AI & Language Model interview questions: Learn the latest interview tips for the new LLM / GPT AI generative world
New Today App: Top tech news from around the internet
Dev Asset Catalog - Enterprise Asset Management & Content Management Systems : Manager all the pdfs, images and documents. Unstructured data catalog & Searchable data management systems
Recommended Similar Analysis
Jim by Hilaire Belloc analysisTO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME by Robert Herrick analysis
Enough by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Need of Being Versed in Country Things, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
A Hillside Thaw by Robert Lee Frost analysis
After the Quarrel by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysis
The Flower Boat by Robert Frost analysis
Fear , The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Of Modern Poetry by Wallace Stevens analysis
Jerusalem by William Blake analysis