'Maya' by Edwin Arlington Robinson


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Through an ascending emptiness of night,
Leaving the flesh and complacent mind
Together in their suffciency behind,
The soul of man went up to a far height;
And where those others would have had no sight
Or sense of else than terror for the blind,
Soul met the Will, and was again consigned
To the surpreme illusion which is right.

"And what goes on up there," the Mind inquired,
"That I know not already to be true?"—
"More than enough, but not enough for you,"
Said the descending Soul: "Here in the dark,
Where you are least revealed when most admired,
You may still be the bellows and the spark."


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Maya: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of an abyss, peering into the unknown? A poem that leaves you feeling like you've just been sucker-punched in the gut, and you're not quite sure why? That's the kind of poem that Edwin Arlington Robinson's "Maya" is.

"Maya" is a short, but hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the nature of reality and illusion. It is a poem that delves into the complexities of existence and the fragility of our perception of the world around us. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and literary devices used in "Maya" and attempt to understand the meaning behind Robinson's words.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis of "Maya," let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety.

We have no dreams at all, or else we dream In ways that we can neither read nor tell; But, sometimes, when a moon is on the wane, We feel the wakeful anguish of the soul Wrench fiercely at the peace wherein we lie, And we are troubled, and we are afraid, With only stillness and the night between us And the wide world that, like a blackened wall, Withholds the vague, but measurable, vastness Of the dark hours that have no name or number.

At first glance, "Maya" appears to be a simple poem about the experience of insomnia. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to realize that Robinson is exploring much deeper themes than just sleeplessness.

The Theme of Reality vs. Illusion

One of the central themes of "Maya" is the nature of reality and illusion. The word "Maya" itself is a Sanskrit term that translates to "illusion" or "magic." In the poem, Robinson plays with the idea that reality is not always what it seems.

The poem begins by saying that "We have no dreams at all, or else we dream / In ways that we can neither read nor tell." This line suggests that our perception of reality is flawed and that we may not even be aware of it. Robinson is suggesting that we may be living in an illusion, a world that is not quite real.

Later in the poem, Robinson writes, "And the wide world that, like a blackened wall, / Withholds the vague, but measurable, vastness / Of the dark hours that have no name or number." Here, Robinson is suggesting that there is a vastness to the world that we cannot see or understand. This darkness represents the unknown, the things that we cannot comprehend.

Robinson is suggesting that reality is not always what it seems, and that there may be more to the world than we can see or understand. This theme of reality vs. illusion is a common one in literature, but Robinson handles it deftly, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and uncertainty.

The Literary Devices Used in "Maya"

In addition to the themes explored in "Maya," Robinson uses a variety of literary devices to create a mood of darkness and uncertainty. Let's take a closer look at some of the most significant literary devices used in the poem.

Imagery

Robinson uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of unease and darkness. The moon is described as being "on the wane," which suggests that it is disappearing or fading away. This image creates a sense of loss and foreboding.

Later in the poem, Robinson writes, "And the wide world that, like a blackened wall, / Withholds the vague, but measurable, vastness." Here, the world is compared to a blackened wall, which suggests that it is impenetrable and unknowable. This image creates a sense of darkness and mystery.

Personification

Robinson personifies the soul in the poem, suggesting that it can experience anguish and wrenching pain. This personification creates a sense of empathy with the soul and helps to emphasize the emotional impact of the poem.

Metaphor

The darkness in the poem is often used as a metaphor for the unknown and the unknowable. Robinson writes, "And we are troubled, and we are afraid, / With only stillness and the night between us / And the wide world that, like a blackened wall." This metaphor creates a sense of unease and suggests that there is something lurking in the darkness that we cannot see or understand.

The Meaning of "Maya"

So what is the meaning of "Maya"? At its core, the poem is about the fragility of our perception of reality. Robinson is suggesting that we may be living in an illusion, a world that is not quite real. He is exploring the idea that there is more to the world than we can see or understand, and that this unknown can create a sense of unease and uncertainty.

The use of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor help to create a mood of darkness and mystery that emphasizes the emotional impact of the poem. When we read "Maya," we feel like we are standing on the edge of an abyss, peering into the unknown. We feel the wakeful anguish of the soul wrenching fiercely at the peace in which we lie.

Conclusion

"Maya" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the complexities of existence and the fragility of our perception of the world around us. Robinson's use of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor creates a mood of darkness and uncertainty that emphasizes the emotional impact of the poem.

At its core, "Maya" is about the nature of reality and illusion, and the idea that there may be more to the world than we can see or understand. Robinson is suggesting that reality is not always what it seems, and that there may be an unknown lurking in the darkness that can create a sense of unease and uncertainty.

"Maya" is a poem that will leave you feeling like you've just been sucker-punched in the gut, and you're not quite sure why. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Maya: A Masterpiece of Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson, the three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, is known for his profound and insightful poetry that delves deep into the human psyche. His poem "Maya" is a classic example of his poetic genius. The poem is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of illusion, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "Maya" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man named Maya, who is searching for the meaning of life. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Maya's journey. The first part of the poem introduces us to Maya and his quest for meaning. Maya is described as a man who is "weary of himself and of everything else." He is disillusioned with life and is searching for something that will give him a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

The second part of the poem takes us on Maya's journey as he travels through the desert in search of enlightenment. The desert is a metaphor for the emptiness and desolation that Maya feels inside. As he travels through the desert, Maya encounters various illusions and temptations that distract him from his quest. He sees mirages of water and oases that turn out to be nothing but illusions. He is tempted by the pleasures of the flesh and the lure of material possessions. But Maya remains steadfast in his quest, refusing to be swayed by these illusions and temptations.

The third and final part of the poem sees Maya finally reaching his destination. He comes across a wise old man who teaches him the true meaning of life. The old man tells Maya that the search for meaning is not an external journey but an internal one. He tells Maya that the answers he seeks are within himself and that he must look inward to find them. Maya realizes that the true meaning of life is not in the external world but in the internal world of the self.

The poem "Maya" is a powerful exploration of the human condition. It speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in life. The poem is a reminder that the answers we seek are not outside of ourselves but within us. It is a call to look inward and to find the truth that lies within.

The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. The poem is written in free verse, which gives it a natural and organic feel. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter allows the poem to flow freely, mirroring the journey of Maya as he travels through the desert. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line, also adds to the natural flow of the poem.

Robinson's use of literary devices is also masterful. The poem is full of metaphors and symbolism that add depth and meaning to the text. The desert, for example, is a metaphor for the emptiness and desolation that Maya feels inside. The mirages and illusions that Maya encounters are symbolic of the distractions and temptations that we face in life. The wise old man is a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, and his teachings are a metaphor for the truth that lies within us.

The poem is also full of imagery that brings the text to life. The description of the desert, for example, is vivid and evocative. Robinson's use of language paints a picture of the harsh and unforgiving landscape that Maya must traverse. The use of sensory imagery, such as the description of the heat and the sand, also adds to the realism of the poem.

In conclusion, "Maya" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in life. Robinson's use of literary devices, such as metaphors and symbolism, adds depth and meaning to the text. The structure of the poem, written in free verse, allows the poem to flow naturally and organically. The poem is a reminder that the answers we seek are not outside of ourselves but within us. It is a call to look inward and to find the truth that lies within. "Maya" is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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