'"Rimer "' by Ambrose Bierce


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The rimer quenches his unheeded fires,
The sound surceases and the sense expires.
Then the domestic dog, to east and west,
Expounds the passions burning in his breast.
The rising moon o'er that enchanted land
Pauses to hear and yearns to understand.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Haunting Rhyme: A Critique of Ambrose Bierce's "Rimer"

"Rimer" is a poem written by Ambrose Bierce that tells the story of a poet who struggles to find the perfect rhyme for his poem. The poem's central theme is the idea that perfection may not always be attainable, and that pursuing it to the point of obsession can lead to madness. In this critique, I will explore Bierce's use of language, imagery, and symbolism to create a haunting and unsettling atmosphere throughout the poem.

Language and Tone

Bierce's use of language in "Rimer" is sparse and concise, yet every word seems to carry a heavy weight. The poem is written in a simple rhyme scheme, yet the repetition of certain words throughout the poem creates a sense of unease. For example, the word "rhyme" is repeated throughout the poem, highlighting the poet's obsession with it. The repetition of the word "nevermore" at the end of each stanza also adds to the ominous tone of the poem.

The tone of "Rimer" is dark and foreboding, with a sense of impending doom pervading the entire poem. The poet's obsession with finding the perfect rhyme is portrayed as a descent into madness, as the poem progresses. Bierce's use of language is so effective that the reader can almost feel the poet's desperation and growing sense of despair.

Imagery and Symbolism

Bierce's use of imagery and symbolism in "Rimer" is equally effective in creating a haunting atmosphere. The setting of the poem is a dark and dreary room, with the curtains drawn and the only light coming from the poet's candle. This setting symbolizes the poet's isolation and his descent into madness. The candle itself represents the poet's quest for perfection, as he strives to find the perfect rhyme to complete his poem.

The poem's central image is that of the "tapping at the chamber door," which is a clear reference to Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." Like the raven in Poe's poem, the tapping at the door represents the poet's growing sense of unease and impending doom. The bird itself is a powerful symbol of death and the afterlife, adding to the overall feeling of dread in the poem.

Another important symbol in the poem is the black cat that appears in the final stanza. The cat represents the poet's descent into madness, as he begins to hallucinate and see things that are not there. The fact that the cat is black also adds to its symbolism, as black is traditionally associated with death and the supernatural.

Interpretation

"Rimer" can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the dangers of artistic obsession. The poet's relentless pursuit of the perfect rhyme leads him down a path of madness and despair, ultimately resulting in his own destruction. This interpretation suggests that the pursuit of perfection can be a dangerous and self-destructive endeavor.

Another possible interpretation of "Rimer" is that it represents a struggle against the inevitability of death. The poet's quest for the perfect rhyme can be seen as an attempt to achieve immortality through his art. However, the tapping at the door and the appearance of the black cat suggest that death is ultimately unavoidable, and that the poet's obsession with perfection is futile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Rimer" is a haunting and unsettling poem that explores themes of artistic obsession, mortality, and the supernatural. Bierce's use of language, imagery, and symbolism is highly effective in creating a sense of dread and unease throughout the poem. The repetition of certain words and phrases, such as "rhyme" and "nevermore," adds to the overall feeling of madness and desperation. "Rimer" is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of perfection can be a dangerous and self-destructive endeavor, and that ultimately, death is an inevitability that cannot be avoided.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ambrose Bierce’s “Rimer” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a satirical piece that pokes fun at the conventions of poetry and the poets who adhere to them. The poem is a commentary on the rigid rules and structures that govern poetry and the lack of creativity that results from this adherence.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a poet who is struggling to find a rhyme for the word “rose”. The speaker suggests several words that could be used as a rhyme, but the poet rejects them all, insisting that only “pose” will do. The speaker then goes on to criticize the poet for his lack of imagination and his adherence to the rules of poetry.

The poem is full of irony and sarcasm, as the speaker ridicules the poet for his inability to think outside the box. The speaker suggests that the poet is more concerned with following the rules of poetry than with creating something original and meaningful. The poem is a commentary on the state of poetry at the time, and the lack of creativity that was prevalent among poets.

The poem is also a critique of the way in which poetry was taught and learned at the time. The speaker suggests that poets were taught to follow a set of rules and structures, rather than being encouraged to think creatively and outside the box. This resulted in a lack of originality and creativity in poetry, as poets were more concerned with following the rules than with creating something new and unique.

The poem is also a commentary on the way in which poetry was perceived by the general public at the time. The speaker suggests that poetry was seen as something that was only accessible to a select few, and that the general public was not interested in poetry because it was seen as elitist and inaccessible. The poem suggests that poetry should be more accessible and should be written in a way that is more relatable to the general public.

The poem is also a critique of the way in which poetry was used to convey political and social messages at the time. The speaker suggests that poets were more concerned with using poetry to convey their political and social views than with creating something that was aesthetically pleasing or meaningful. This resulted in poetry that was didactic and preachy, rather than being creative and original.

Overall, “Rimer” is a classic poem that is still relevant today. It is a critique of the rigid rules and structures that govern poetry, and the lack of creativity that results from this adherence. The poem is also a commentary on the way in which poetry was taught and learned at the time, and the way in which it was perceived by the general public. It is a satirical piece that pokes fun at the conventions of poetry and the poets who adhere to them, and it is a reminder that poetry should be creative, original, and accessible to all.

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