'Let Them Alone' by Robinson Jeffers
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If God has been good enough to give you a poet
Then listen to him. But for God's sake let him alone until he is dead;
no prizes, no ceremony,
They kill the man. A poet is one who listens
To nature and his own heart; and if the noise of the world grows up
around him, and if he is tough enough,
He can shake off his enemies, but not his friends.
That is what withered Wordsworth and muffled Tennyson, and would have
killed Keats; that is what makes
Hemingway play the fool and Faulkner forget his art.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Let Them Alone" by Robinson Jeffers: A Dissection of Human Arrogance and Inevitable Consequences
Every time I read the poem "Let Them Alone" by Robinson Jeffers, my mind explodes with questions and emotions. This is a poem that demands attention, and with each re-read, it reveals new layers of meaning and significance. In this literary criticism, I will attempt to dissect this poem and offer an interpretation that sheds light on its relevance to our human existence.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's first read the poem in its entirety:
Let Them Alone
If God has been good enough to give you a poet
Then listen to him. But for God's sake let him alone until he is dead;
no prizes, no ceremony,
They kill the man.
A poet is one who listens
To nature and his own heart; and if the noise of the world grows up
around him, and if he is tough enough,
he can shake off his enemies, but not his friends.
That is what withered Wordsworth and maddened Tennyson,
and would have killed Keats; that is what makes
Hemingway play the fool and Faulkner forget his art.
A Brief Overview of Robinson Jeffers
Before we delve into the poem itself, it's worth taking a moment to learn a bit about Robinson Jeffers, the man behind the words. Jeffers was an American poet and playwright who lived from 1887 to 1962. Born in Pennsylvania, he spent most of his life on the West Coast of the United States, where he became known for his poetry that explored themes of nature, isolation, and the human condition.
Jeffers was a controversial figure in his time, known for his fierce individualism and rejection of mainstream society. He lived in a self-built stone tower in Carmel, California, with his wife and family, where he wrote his most famous works, including "Tamar" and "The Tower Beyond Tragedy."
An Analysis of "Let Them Alone"
Now, let's turn our attention to the poem itself. "Let Them Alone" is a short, powerful piece that explores the relationship between a poet and his audience. The poem begins with an assertion: "If God has been good enough to give you a poet / Then listen to him." Here, Jeffers is suggesting that poetry is a gift from God, and that those who are lucky enough to have a poet in their midst should cherish and respect that gift.
But then comes the warning: "But for God's sake let him alone until he is dead; / no prizes, no ceremony, / They kill the man." Jeffers is cautioning against the tendency of society to "kill" its poets by overwhelming them with attention, adulation, and expectation. He is warning that too much attention can destroy a poet's creativity and authenticity, ultimately robbing the world of their unique voice.
The second stanza dives deeper into the nature of a poet. Jeffers describes a poet as someone who "listens / To nature and his own heart," someone who is in tune with the world around them and their own inner self. But he also suggests that a poet must be "tough enough" to withstand the noise and distractions of the world, and to shake off their enemies.
Here, Jeffers is highlighting the importance of resilience in the creative process. A poet must be able to stay true to themselves and their message, even in the face of criticism and opposition. But perhaps even more importantly, they must also be able to avoid the siren call of fame and fortune, which can distract from their true purpose and ultimately lead to their downfall.
The final lines of the poem serve as a warning and a litany of cautionary tales: "That is what withered Wordsworth and maddened Tennyson, / and would have killed Keats; that is what makes / Hemingway play the fool and Faulkner forget his art." Jeffers is reminding us that even the most talented and celebrated poets are not immune to the dangers of fame and expectation. In fact, he suggests that these poets are often the most vulnerable, as their success can lead to a loss of authenticity and creative drive.
Interpretation of "Let Them Alone"
So, what can we take away from this poem? At its core, "Let Them Alone" is a warning against the dangers of human arrogance and the corrosive effects of fame and expectation. Jeffers is cautioning against the tendency of society to elevate its artists to the point of worship, and to expect them to conform to certain standards or expectations.
But more than that, Jeffers is reminding us of the importance of authenticity and resilience in the creative process. He is suggesting that a poet must be true to themselves and their message, even in the face of criticism and opposition. And he is reminding us that the most talented and celebrated poets are not immune to the dangers of success, and that the pursuit of fame and fortune can ultimately lead to their downfall.
In a larger sense, "Let Them Alone" can be seen as a commentary on the human condition, and the ways in which we often let our own egos and desires get in the way of our true purpose. Jeffers is suggesting that we must be mindful of our own arrogance and the ways in which we allow ourselves to be distracted from what truly matters.
Conclusion
"Let Them Alone" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that demands attention and contemplation. Through his exploration of the relationship between a poet and his audience, Jeffers offers a warning against the dangers of human arrogance and the corrosive effects of fame and expectation. But more than that, he reminds us of the importance of authenticity and resilience in the creative process, and suggests that these qualities are essential for anyone who wishes to make a lasting impact on the world.
As we navigate our own lives and pursue our own creative endeavors, we would do well to remember the lessons of "Let Them Alone" and to stay true to ourselves and our message, even in the face of criticism and opposition. For it is only by remaining authentic and resilient that we can hope to make a lasting impact on the world and leave a meaningful legacy behind.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Let Them Alone: A Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, an American poet, was known for his unique style of writing that often explored the relationship between humans and nature. His poem, Let Them Alone, is a classic example of his work, and it is a masterpiece that deserves to be analyzed and appreciated.
The poem is a commentary on the destructive nature of humans and their impact on the environment. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey his message, and the result is a thought-provoking and impactful piece of literature.
The poem begins with the lines, "If God has been good enough to give you a poet / Then listen to him. But for God's sake let him alone until he is dead." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem and establish the idea that the poet has a message to share, but it may not be well-received by those who are not ready to hear it.
Jeffers then goes on to describe the beauty of nature and the destructive nature of humans. He writes, "The world is a beautiful place / To be born into / If you don't mind some people dying / All the time / Or maybe only starving / Some of the time / Which isn't half so bad / If it isn't you." These lines highlight the harsh reality of life and the fact that not everyone is privileged enough to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Jeffers describes the impact of humans on the environment. He writes, "The world is not a beautiful place / To be born into / If you care about something / Besides yourself." These lines are a powerful indictment of human selfishness and the fact that we often prioritize our own needs over the needs of the environment.
Jeffers then goes on to describe the destruction caused by humans, writing, "The world is not a place of your own / But a mass grave of the dead / Where you are privileged to squat / Amid the nightmare of animals / Who disapear into their holes / When you approach / Blinking with bloodied eyes / The walls close." These lines are a stark reminder of the impact of human activity on the environment and the fact that we are responsible for the destruction of countless species.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Jeffers questions the purpose of human existence. He writes, "What did I come for, did you ask? / To admire the world and to despise it / To adhere to the laws of men / And to exceed them / To succeed and to fail / To make what end / Of the beginning that remains / When the impulse is spent?" These lines are a reflection on the human condition and the fact that we often struggle to find meaning in our lives.
The poem ends with the lines, "The world is not a playground / But a schoolroom. / Life is not a holiday / But an education. / And the one eternal lesson for us all / Is how better we can love." These lines are a powerful reminder of the importance of love and compassion in a world that often seems cruel and unforgiving.
In conclusion, Let Them Alone is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Jeffers uses powerful language and vivid imagery to convey his message, and the result is a thought-provoking and impactful piece of literature. The poem is a reminder of the destructive nature of humans and the importance of love and compassion in a world that often seems harsh and unforgiving. It is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all who care about the environment and the future of our planet.
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