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'The End Of The World' by Archibald MacLeish


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Quite unexpectedly, as Vasserot
The armless ambidextrian was lighting
A match between his great and second toe,
And Ralph the lion was engaged in biting
The neck of Madame Sossman while the drum
Pointed, and Teeny was about to cough
In waltz-time swinging Jocko by the thumb---
Quite unexpectedly the top blew off:

And there, there overhead, there, there hung over
Those thousands of white faces, those dazed eyes,
There in the starless dark the poise, the hover,
There with vast wings across the cancelled skies,
There in the sudden blackness the black pall
Of nothing, nothing, nothing --- nothing at all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The End of the World: A Masterpiece in Poetic Expression

If there is any poem that sends shivers down my spine every time I read it, it is "The End of the World" by Archibald MacLeish. This masterpiece of poetic expression is a profound meditation on the nature of human existence, our place in the universe, and the inescapable fate that awaits us all. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes and motifs that make this poem a timeless classic.

A Poem of Apocalyptic Vision

"The End of the World" is a poem of apocalyptic vision that depicts the end of civilization as we know it. The poet's vision is of a world that is destroyed by war, famine, and pestilence, leaving nothing but ruins and darkness in its wake. The poem is structured as a series of questions, with each question leading the reader deeper into the heart of the poet's vision.

What makes this poem so powerful is the way it captures the sense of dread and despair that accompanies the end of the world. MacLeish's use of language is masterful, with each word carefully chosen to create a sense of foreboding and doom. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, such as "the airless cold where dead voices are lost" and "the darkness that falls like a curtain." These images create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, as if the reader is trapped in a world that is coming to an end.

Themes of Mortality and Transience

One of the central themes of "The End of the World" is the theme of mortality and transience. The poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of human existence, and the futility of trying to hold onto the things we love. The poet laments the fact that "the tall grasses bend toward their own shadows," suggesting that even nature is transient and fleeting.

MacLeish also explores the theme of loss, as the poem describes the destruction of all that is beautiful and precious in the world. The poet asks, "where are the waters of childhood?" and "where are the eagles and the trumpets?" The use of rhetorical questions in these lines creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as if the poet is mourning the loss of a world that has already passed away.

The Poet's Role in Society

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the role of the poet in society. MacLeish suggests that the poet is a seer, a visionary who can see beyond the surface of things and into the heart of reality. The poet is able to see the world as it truly is, and to communicate that vision to others.

The poem suggests that the poet has a responsibility to use his or her gift of vision to help others see the truth. MacLeish writes, "the poet is saying with his lips what his eyes failed to say." In other words, the poet is able to articulate what others cannot, and to speak truth to power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The End of the World" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores some of the most profound themes in human existence. The poem is a meditation on mortality and transience, loss and longing, and the role of the poet in society. MacLeish's use of language is masterful, creating a sense of foreboding and doom that is both haunting and beautiful.

This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience with clarity and depth. It is a reminder that, in the face of our own mortality, we must strive to see the world as it truly is, and to communicate that vision to others. It is a call to action for all of us to use our own gifts and talents to make the world a better place.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The End of the World: A Poem that Resonates with the Human Condition

The End of the World is a classic poem written by Archibald MacLeish in 1926. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the human condition and the fear of the unknown. The poem is a reflection of the anxieties and uncertainties that were prevalent during the early 20th century, a time when the world was still reeling from the aftermath of World War I. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the end of the world. The first part of the poem describes the end of the world as a physical event, a cataclysmic event that will destroy everything in its path. The second part of the poem explores the psychological impact of the end of the world, the fear and anxiety that it will bring. The third and final part of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the end of the world may not be the end after all.

The first part of the poem begins with a description of the end of the world as a physical event. MacLeish describes the end of the world as a "great white light" that will consume everything in its path. The imagery of the great white light is powerful and evocative, suggesting a force that is both destructive and all-encompassing. The poem goes on to describe the end of the world in vivid detail, with images of "the shattered glass and toppling masonry" and "the broken necks of kings and queens." These images are haunting and powerful, suggesting a world that is both fragile and impermanent.

The second part of the poem explores the psychological impact of the end of the world. MacLeish describes the fear and anxiety that will accompany the end of the world, the sense of helplessness and despair that will overwhelm humanity. The poem suggests that the end of the world will be a time of great suffering and loss, a time when all that we have built will be destroyed. The imagery in this section of the poem is particularly powerful, with images of "the last man clutching his handful of dirt" and "the last woman nursing her last child." These images are poignant and heartbreaking, suggesting a world that is both tragic and beautiful.

The third and final part of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the end of the world may not be the end after all. MacLeish suggests that there may be a way to survive the end of the world, a way to transcend the physical destruction and find a new beginning. The poem suggests that the end of the world may be a time of renewal, a time when humanity can start anew and build a better world. The imagery in this section of the poem is uplifting and inspiring, with images of "the last voice crying in the wilderness" and "the first light of Christ." These images suggest a world that is full of possibility and hope.

In conclusion, The End of the World is a classic poem that resonates with the human condition. The poem explores the themes of destruction, fear, and hope, offering a powerful reflection on the anxieties and uncertainties that are inherent in the human experience. The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, capturing the essence of the end of the world in all its complexity and beauty. This poem is a masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers to this day, a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human spirit.

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