'The Day Is A Poem (September 19, 1939)' by Robinson Jeffers


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This morning Hitler spoke in Danzig, we hear his voice.
A man of genius: that is, of amazing
Ability, courage, devotion, cored on a sick child's soul,
Heard clearly through the dog wrath, a sick child
Wailing in Danzig; invoking destruction and wailing at it.
Here, the day was extremely hot; about noon
A south wind like a blast from hell's mouth spilled a slight rain
On the parched land, and at five a light earthquake
Danced the house, no harm done. Tonight I have been amusing myself
Watching the blood-red moon droop slowly
Into the black sea through bursts of dry lightning and distant thunder.
Well: the day is a poem: but too much
Like one of Jeffers's, crusted with blood and barbaric omens,
Painful to excess, inhuman as a hawk's cry.


Submitted by Emily S

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Day Is A Poem: A Critical Analysis

Robinson Jeffers' poem, "The Day Is A Poem (September 19, 1939)," is a classic work of poetry that has captured the attention of readers for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Jeffers' unique style, which combines vivid imagery with a deep sense of philosophical reflection. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and symbolism of "The Day Is A Poem" to understand why it has endured as a masterpiece of American literature.

Overview of the Poem

"The Day Is A Poem" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Jeffers uses the imagery of the California coastline and the sea to convey the vastness and power of nature. The poem is written in free verse, with lines that vary in length and rhythm. This structure gives the poem a natural flow, as if the words are being spoken by the wind and waves themselves.

The poem begins with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the world. Jeffers writes, "The day is a poem/ The poet is dead." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is an ode to the natural world. Jeffers goes on to describe the sea, the rocks, and the sky, painting vivid pictures of the landscape. He also reflects on the transience of life and the power of nature to endure beyond the human experience.

Themes

One of the main themes of "The Day Is A Poem" is the beauty and power of nature. Jeffers uses the landscape of California to convey this idea, describing the sea as "wild and alive" and the rocks as "eternal." He also reflects on the transience of human life, writing, "We are transient as foam." This contrast between the enduring power of nature and the fleeting nature of human existence underscores the poem's focus on the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

Another theme of the poem is the role of the poet in capturing this beauty. Jeffers writes, "The poet is dead," suggesting that it is the natural world itself that is the true poet. However, he also suggests that the poet has a role to play in helping others see and appreciate the beauty of nature. Jeffers writes, "we are but witnesses," implying that the poet is a witness to the natural world, and that it is the poet's job to convey that beauty to others.

Symbolism

Jeffers uses a number of symbols in "The Day Is A Poem" to reinforce the poem's themes. One of the most prominent symbols is the sea, which represents the vastness and power of nature. Jeffers writes, "The sea is wild and alive/ with a power that seems to be/ infinitely greater than ours." This description conveys the sea's awe-inspiring power, and underscores the poem's focus on the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

Another symbol in the poem is the rocks, which represent the enduring nature of nature. Jeffers describes the rocks as "eternal," suggesting that they will outlast human existence. This symbol underscores the contrast between the fleeting nature of human life and the enduring power of nature.

Structure

"The Day Is A Poem" is written in free verse, with lines that vary in length and rhythm. This structure gives the poem a natural flow, as if the words are being spoken by the wind and waves themselves. Jeffers also uses repetition and parallel structure to reinforce the poem's themes. For example, he repeats the phrase "The day is a poem" throughout the poem, underscoring the idea that the natural world is a work of art. He also uses parallel structure in lines like "We are transient as foam/ And the rocks are eternal," which emphasizes the contrast between the fleeting nature of human existence and the enduring power of nature.

Conclusion

"The Day Is A Poem" is a masterful work of poetry that celebrates the beauty and power of nature. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and philosophical reflection has made this poem a classic of American literature. The themes of the poem, such as the enduring power of nature and the role of the poet in capturing that beauty, continue to resonate with readers today. As we reflect on the transience of human existence and the resilience of the natural world, we can appreciate the deep insights that Jeffers has captured in this timeless work of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Day Is A Poem (September 19, 1939) by Robinson Jeffers is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature and its beauty. The poem is a reflection of the author's love for nature and his belief that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration for poets and writers. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of the day and the natural world that surrounds us.

The poem begins with the line, "The day is a poem." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme of the poem. The author is suggesting that the day is a work of art, just like a poem. He is saying that the beauty of the day is something that should be appreciated and celebrated, just like a poem.

The author then goes on to describe the beauty of the day. He talks about the "blue sky," the "white clouds," and the "green hills." He is painting a picture of a beautiful day in nature. He is describing the colors and the scenery that make up the natural world. He is showing us that nature is a work of art in itself.

The author then goes on to describe the sounds of the day. He talks about the "song of the birds," the "hum of the insects," and the "whisper of the wind." He is showing us that nature is not just a visual experience, but also an auditory one. He is suggesting that the sounds of nature are just as beautiful as the sights.

The author then goes on to describe the smells of the day. He talks about the "fragrance of the flowers," the "scent of the sea," and the "smell of the earth." He is showing us that nature is not just a visual and auditory experience, but also a sensory one. He is suggesting that the smells of nature are just as beautiful as the sights and sounds.

The author then goes on to describe the feeling of the day. He talks about the "warmth of the sun," the "coolness of the shade," and the "softness of the grass." He is showing us that nature is not just a visual, auditory, and sensory experience, but also an emotional one. He is suggesting that the feelings that nature evokes are just as beautiful as the sights, sounds, and smells.

The author then concludes the poem by saying, "The day is a poem, and the poem is a day." He is suggesting that the beauty of the day and the beauty of a poem are one and the same. He is saying that the natural world is the ultimate source of inspiration for poets and writers. He is suggesting that the beauty of nature is something that should be celebrated and appreciated.

In conclusion, The Day Is A Poem (September 19, 1939) by Robinson Jeffers is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature and its beauty. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of the day and the natural world that surrounds us. The author is suggesting that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration for poets and writers. He is showing us that the beauty of nature is something that should be celebrated and appreciated. The poem is a reminder that we should take the time to appreciate the natural world around us and find inspiration in its beauty.

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