'Sign-Post' by Robinson Jeffers
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Civilized, crying: how to be human again; this will tell you how.
Turn outward, love things, not men, turn right away from humanity,
Let that doll lie. Consider if you like how the lilies grow,
Lean on the silent rock until you feel its divinity
Make your veins cold; look at the silent stars, let your eyes
Climb the great ladder out of the pit of yourself and man.
Things are so beautiful, your love will follow your eyes;
Things are the God; you will love God and not in vain,
For what we love, we grow to it, we share its nature. At length
You will look back along the star's rays and see that even
The poor doll humanity has a place under heaven.
Its qualities repair their mosaic around you, the chips of strength
And sickness; but now you are free, even to be human,
But born of the rock and the air, not of a woman.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sign-Post: A Critical Interpretation
Robinson Jeffers, an American poet and playwright, is known for his environmentally conscious and philosophical works that explore the relationship between humans and nature. His poem, "Sign-Post," is no exception. In this piece, Jeffers presents a vivid and thought-provoking reflection on the human experience and our place in the world.
An Overview of the Poem
"Sign-Post" begins by describing a traveler who comes across a sign-post on a deserted road. The sign-post bears the names of various destinations, but the traveler realizes that they are all meaningless without a sense of direction or purpose. The poem then takes a philosophical turn, as Jeffers considers the nature of existence and the human condition. He argues that our lives are similar to the traveler's experience, as we wander through life without a clear destination or understanding of our place in the world. However, Jeffers asserts that this state of uncertainty is not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, he suggests that it is our own responsibility to create meaning and purpose in our lives.
The Sign-Post as Symbol
One of the most striking elements of "Sign-Post" is the titular object itself. The sign-post serves as a powerful symbol of the human experience, as it represents the various paths and destinations that we encounter in life. However, as the poem suggests, these paths are meaningless without a sense of direction or purpose. This idea is reinforced by the fact that the sign-post is found on a deserted road, emphasizing the sense of isolation and uncertainty that the traveler feels.
The Nature of Existence
In addition to its symbolism, "Sign-Post" also offers a philosophical reflection on the nature of existence. Jeffers suggests that, like the traveler in the poem, we are all lost in a world that is full of meaningless paths and destinations. This sense of aimlessness can be overwhelming, but Jeffers does not view it as entirely negative. Instead, he argues that it is up to us to create our own sense of purpose and direction in life. This idea is encapsulated in the following lines from the poem:
He sees the morning-glories
Twist on their tendrils
And quietly opening
New blue flowers.
These lines suggest that, even in a world that may seem meaningless, there is still beauty and wonder to be found. The morning-glories represent the potential for new growth and transformation, reminding us that we have the power to create our own sense of purpose and direction in life.
The Human Condition
In addition to its philosophical reflections, "Sign-Post" also offers a powerful commentary on the human condition. Jeffers suggests that we are all wandering through life, trying to make sense of a world that often seems confusing and overwhelming. However, he also suggests that this state of uncertainty is not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on our own values and priorities and to create our own sense of meaning and purpose.
Conclusion
In "Sign-Post," Robinson Jeffers offers a powerful reflection on the human experience and our place in the world. Through the use of the titular symbol and his philosophical musings, Jeffers invites readers to consider the nature of existence and the human condition. While the poem may be a bit bleak at times, it ultimately offers a message of hope and empowerment, reminding us that we have the power to create our own sense of purpose and direction in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sign-Post: A Poem of Nature and Human Existence
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his deep connection with nature and his philosophical musings on human existence. His poem "Sign-Post" is a perfect example of his unique style and perspective. In this 14-line poem, Jeffers explores the relationship between nature and human beings, and the fleeting nature of human existence. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, and explore its themes and meanings.
The poem begins with a simple image of a sign-post, standing alone in the wilderness. The sign-post is a symbol of human civilization, a marker of human presence in the natural world. But the sign-post is also a reminder of the transience of human existence. Jeffers writes, "The ways fork, the arcs diverge / And the woods are dim around it." The sign-post marks a point of decision, a moment when the traveler must choose which path to take. But the woods are dim, and the traveler cannot see far ahead. The sign-post is a guide, but it is also a reminder of the uncertainty and impermanence of human life.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the natural world. Jeffers writes, "The face of a woman that meets mine in the street / Has a look that says we have loved each other." Here, Jeffers contrasts the fleeting nature of human existence with the enduring beauty of nature. The face of a woman is a symbol of human connection and love, but it is also a reminder of the transience of human relationships. In contrast, the natural world is eternal and unchanging. Jeffers writes, "As the water goes singing away from the bridge / So elation goes singing away into the open world." The water is a symbol of the eternal flow of nature, and elation is a symbol of human emotion. Both are fleeting, but the water is eternal.
The third stanza of the poem returns to the sign-post, and Jeffers writes, "All that town where I was born / Is lost to me, it is no more." Here, Jeffers reflects on the impermanence of human civilization. The town where he was born is gone, and the sign-post is all that remains. But the sign-post is also a symbol of hope and possibility. Jeffers writes, "The tall slender trees / Are still there, and the creek, and the willow-trees." The natural world endures, even as human civilization fades away.
The final stanza of the poem brings together the themes of nature and human existence. Jeffers writes, "The first leaf of autumn / Falls, the second falls, and the third falls." Here, Jeffers reflects on the cyclical nature of life and death. The falling leaves are a symbol of the passing of time, and the inevitability of death. But Jeffers also finds beauty in this cycle. He writes, "Night is near, day is over / Summer is over, and love is over." The end of summer and the end of love are both inevitable, but they are also beautiful in their own way.
In conclusion, "Sign-Post" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between nature and human existence. Jeffers uses the symbol of the sign-post to reflect on the impermanence of human civilization, and the enduring beauty of the natural world. He contrasts the fleeting nature of human relationships with the eternal flow of nature, and finds beauty in the cyclical nature of life and death. This poem is a testament to Jeffers' unique perspective and his deep connection with the natural world.
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