'The Answer' by Robinson Jeffers


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Then what is the answer?- Not to be deluded by dreams.
To know that great civilizations have broken down into violence,
and their tyrants come, many times before.
When open violence appears, to avoid it with honor or choose
the least ugly faction; these evils are essential.
To keep one's own integrity, be merciful and uncorrupted
and not wish for evil; and not be duped
By dreams of universal justice or happiness. These dreams will
not be fulfilled.
To know this, and know that however ugly the parts appear
the whole remains beautiful. A severed hand
Is an ugly thing and man dissevered from the earth and stars
and his history... for contemplation or in fact...
Often appears atrociously ugly. Integrity is wholeness,
the greatest beauty is
Organic wholeness, the wholeness of life and things, the divine beauty
of the universe. Love that, not man
Apart from that, or else you will share man's pitiful confusions,
or drown in despair when his days darken.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Answer - A Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers

Wow! Just wow! The Answer by Robinson Jeffers is indeed a masterpiece that speaks volumes about life, death, and everything in between. This poem, written in the early 20th century, still resonates with readers today, and it's not hard to see why. So, what is The Answer all about? Let's dive in and find out!

Overview of the Poem

The Answer is a poem that explores the human condition and our relationship with nature. Jeffers believed that humans had become disconnected from the natural world and that this was a major cause of our problems. His poem urges us to reconnect with nature and to live in harmony with it.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of humanity's relationship with nature. In the first part, Jeffers describes how humans have become disconnected from nature and how this has led to our downfall. In the second part, he describes the beauty of the natural world and how we can find solace in it. Finally, in the third part, he offers a solution to our problems - we need to reconnect with nature and live in harmony with it.

Analysis of the Poem

Part One

The first part of the poem is a scathing critique of modern society. Jeffers describes how humans have become disconnected from nature and how this has led to our downfall. He writes:

We are nothing; less than nothing, and dreams. We are only what might have been, And must wait upon the tedious shores Of Lethe millions of ages. We have not truly loved, Yet teach a deathless passion: And in our blind and shameful halls Hang pictures of our low-thoughted strife And murmur with the falsehood of our lives.

Wow, this is a powerful indictment of humanity's failure to connect with the natural world. Jeffers is saying that we have become so focused on our own petty concerns that we have lost touch with what's truly important. Instead of living in harmony with nature, we have created a world that is disconnected from it. We have become "less than nothing" and are merely "dreams" - a haunting reflection of our own insignificance.

Part Two

The second part of the poem is a celebration of the natural world. Jeffers describes the beauty of nature in vivid detail, painting a picture of a world that is alive with wonder and awe. He writes:

The beauty of things was born before eyes and sufficient to itself; The heart-breaking beauty Will remain when there is no heart to break for it.

This is a stunning passage that captures the essence of Jeffers' philosophy. He is saying that the beauty of nature exists independently of us, and that it will continue to exist long after we are gone. This is a humbling thought, and one that reminds us of our own insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Part Three

The third part of the poem is a call to action. Jeffers urges us to reconnect with nature and to live in harmony with it. He writes:

We must uncenter our minds from ourselves; We must unhumanize our views a little, and become confident As the rock and ocean that we were made from.

This is a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today. Jeffers is saying that we need to stop thinking of ourselves as separate from nature, and start thinking of ourselves as part of it. We need to become "confident" like the rocks and oceans, and live in harmony with the natural world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Answer by Robinson Jeffers is a masterpiece that speaks to the human condition in a profound way. Jeffers' message is clear - we need to reconnect with nature and live in harmony with it. This is a message that is still relevant today, and one that we ignore at our peril. So, let's take Jeffers' words to heart and start living in harmony with the natural world. The beauty of things is waiting for us, and it's up to us to embrace it!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Answer: A Poem of Hope and Resilience

Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has stood the test of time. The Answer, published in 1936, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that speaks to the human condition and our search for meaning in a world that can often seem cruel and indifferent. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of The Answer, and examine how Jeffers uses language to convey his message of hope and resilience.

The poem begins with a stark and haunting image: "A stone's throw out on either hand / From the well-ordered road we tread." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the path we are on is not always easy or straightforward. The image of the road is a common metaphor for life, and Jeffers uses it here to suggest that our journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

As we continue reading, we encounter a series of vivid and evocative images that paint a picture of a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. Jeffers describes "the wild winds blow" and "the wild waves flow," reminding us of the awesome power of nature and our own smallness in the face of it. He also speaks of "the great fires glow" and "the night sky's dyes," suggesting that there is beauty and wonder to be found in the world, even amidst the chaos and destruction.

But it is not just the natural world that Jeffers is concerned with. He also speaks of "the human heart" and the struggles we face as we try to make sense of our lives. He writes, "We fall; we press, we trip, we bleed, / We question, we learn, we die." These lines capture the essence of the human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures.

Despite the challenges we face, however, Jeffers offers a message of hope and resilience. He writes, "But answer comes from the dying sky: / You shall find peace in the soil of your heart, / Its furrows shall be your bed." This final stanza is perhaps the most powerful and uplifting of the entire poem, suggesting that even in the face of death and destruction, there is still hope for renewal and growth.

The image of the soil is a particularly potent one, as it suggests the possibility of new life emerging from the ashes of the old. Jeffers seems to be saying that even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, there is still the potential for growth and renewal within us. The furrows of the heart, like the furrows of the earth, can be tilled and cultivated, yielding a rich harvest of wisdom and understanding.

Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses language in a way that is both simple and profound. His words are carefully chosen and arranged, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. He also makes use of repetition and alliteration, creating a sense of unity and coherence that ties the poem together.

One of the most striking features of The Answer is its use of imagery. Jeffers paints a vivid picture of the world around us, using words that are both beautiful and terrifying. He speaks of "the wild winds blow" and "the great fires glow," creating a sense of awe and wonder that is tempered by a sense of danger and uncertainty.

The image of the soil is also a powerful one, suggesting the possibility of growth and renewal even in the face of death and destruction. Jeffers seems to be saying that no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always the potential for new life to emerge from the ashes of the old.

In conclusion, The Answer is a poem of hope and resilience that speaks to the human condition and our search for meaning in a world that can often seem cruel and indifferent. Through his use of language and imagery, Robinson Jeffers creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the world, even amidst the chaos and destruction. Ultimately, he suggests that even in the face of death and destruction, there is still hope for renewal and growth, and that the furrows of the heart can be tilled and cultivated, yielding a rich harvest of wisdom and understanding.

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