'The Maid's Thought' by Robinson Jeffers


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Why listen, even the water is sobbing for something.
The west wind is dead, the waves
Forget to hate the cliff, in the upland canyons
Whole hillsides burst aglow
With golden broom. Dear how it rained last month,
And every pool was rimmed
With sulphury pollen dust of the wakening pines.
Now tall and slender suddenly
The stalks of purple iris blaze by the brooks,
The pencilled ones on the hill;
This deerweed shivers with gold, the white globe-tulips
Blow out their silky bubbles,
But in the next glen bronze-bells nod, the does
Scalded by some hot longing
Can hardly set their pointed hoofs to expect
Love but they crush a flower;
Shells pair on the rock, birds mate, the moths fly double.
O it Is time for us now
Mouth kindling mouth to entangle our maiden bodies
To make that burning flower.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Maid's Thought: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers

The Maid's Thought is a poem written by Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century. It is a short but powerful poem that speaks volumes about the human condition and the complexity of emotions that come with it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, language, and symbolism to uncover the hidden layers of this poetic masterpiece.

Background Information

Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Robinson Jeffers was born in 1887, and he spent most of his life in California, where he was deeply influenced by the rugged and majestic landscape of the Pacific coast. He was a poet, playwright, and philosopher who tackled complex themes such as nature, humanity, and the meaning of life.

The Maid's Thought was first published in Jeffers' third book of poetry, titled Tamar and Other Poems, in 1924. The poem is written in free verse and consists of 14 lines. It is a monologue spoken by an unnamed maid who reflects on her life and the choices she has made.

Analysis of the Poem

Structure

The Maid's Thought is a poem written in free verse, which means it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. However, Jeffers' use of enjambment and repetition creates a sense of rhythm and flow that gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of eight lines and the second stanza consisting of six lines. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the maid's perspective, while the second stanza reveals her introspection and self-doubt.

Language

Jeffers' use of language in The Maid's Thought is simple yet profound. He crafts his words in a way that conveys the maid's emotions and her struggle to come to terms with her life. The poem is written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy and allows the reader to experience the maid's thoughts and feelings. Jeffers' use of repetition and alliteration creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the maid's inner turmoil.

Symbolism

The Maid's Thought is a poem rich in symbolism, which adds depth and complexity to its meaning. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the sea, which represents the maid's desire for freedom and adventure. The sea is described as "the gray, lonely, infinite sea," which highlights its vastness and mystery. The maid's desire to sail away on the sea represents her longing for a life beyond the confines of her current situation.

The second prominent symbol in the poem is the golden key, which represents the maid's past and her sense of regret. The golden key is described as "the key of the grave of the loves that are dead," which suggests that the maid is haunted by her past relationships and the choices she has made. The key also represents the maid's sense of loss and the realization that she can never go back to the way things were.

Interpretation

The Maid's Thought is a poem that explores the theme of identity and the struggle to find meaning in life. The maid is a complex character who is torn between her desire for adventure and her sense of duty. She longs to sail away on the sea and leave her mundane life behind, but she is also conscious of the consequences of her actions. Her reflection on the "golden key" suggests that she is haunted by her past and the choices she has made. She is uncertain about her future and feels trapped by her circumstances.

The sea in the poem represents the unknown and the possibility of adventure. It is also a symbol of freedom and escape. The maid's desire to sail away on the sea represents her longing for a life beyond the confines of her current situation. However, the sea is also a dangerous and unpredictable force, which represents the risk and uncertainty of pursuing one's dreams.

The golden key in the poem represents the maid's past and her sense of regret. The fact that it is described as the "key of the grave of the loves that are dead" suggests that the maid is haunted by the memories of her past relationships. The key also represents the maid's sense of loss and the realization that she can never go back to the way things were. This symbol adds a layer of complexity to the poem and highlights the maid's internal struggle.

The Maid's Thought is a poem that speaks to the human condition and the complexity of emotions that come with it. It is a universal theme that transcends time and place. The maid's struggle to find meaning in life is a common experience that many people can relate to. Jeffers' use of language and symbolism creates a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Maid's Thought is a masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers that explores the theme of identity and the struggle to find meaning in life. The maid is a complex character who is torn between her desire for adventure and her sense of duty. The sea and the golden key are powerful symbols that add depth and complexity to the poem's meaning. Jeffers' use of language and structure creates a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. The Maid's Thought is a poem that deserves to be read and studied for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Maid's Thought: A Poem of Love and Loss

Robinson Jeffers' poem, The Maid's Thought, is a hauntingly beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Written in the early 20th century, the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It is a powerful and moving work that has resonated with readers for generations.

The poem is written from the perspective of a young woman who is contemplating her own mortality. She is in love with a man who is away at sea, and she is consumed with thoughts of him. She imagines him sailing across the ocean, and she longs for his return. But as she thinks about her own life, she realizes that time is passing quickly, and that she too will one day die.

The poem begins with the young woman looking out at the sea and thinking about her lover. She imagines him sailing across the ocean, and she longs for his return. She thinks about the time they have spent together, and how much she loves him. But as she looks out at the sea, she realizes that time is passing quickly, and that she too will one day die.

The young woman's thoughts then turn to the passage of time. She reflects on how quickly life passes, and how little time we have to enjoy it. She thinks about all the things she has yet to do, and all the experiences she has yet to have. She realizes that she may never get the chance to do all the things she wants to do, and that her time on earth is limited.

As the poem progresses, the young woman's thoughts become more and more focused on death. She thinks about how she will die, and what it will be like. She imagines herself lying on her deathbed, surrounded by loved ones, and she wonders what they will say about her when she is gone.

The poem ends with the young woman realizing that her love for her sailor is the only thing that truly matters. She knows that one day she will die, but she also knows that her love for him will live on. She imagines him returning to her, and she knows that their love will endure even after they are both gone.

The Maid's Thought is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life, and the inevitability of death. The young woman's thoughts and emotions are beautifully expressed, and the poem is a testament to the power of love to endure even in the face of death.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Jeffers uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of the young woman's thoughts and emotions. For example, when she imagines her lover sailing across the ocean, Jeffers writes:

"His ship was a fairy ship, / Tempests and sunshine danced upon its prow, / And when its sails fluttered in the breeze, / Men wondered what bird of paradise had flown by."

This imagery is both beautiful and haunting, and it captures the young woman's longing for her lover perfectly.

Another powerful aspect of the poem is its exploration of the passage of time. The young woman realizes that life is fleeting, and that we must make the most of the time we have. She thinks about all the things she has yet to do, and all the experiences she has yet to have. This is a universal theme that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Finally, the poem's exploration of death is both poignant and thought-provoking. The young woman imagines herself lying on her deathbed, surrounded by loved ones, and she wonders what they will say about her when she is gone. This is a powerful reminder that we all must face our own mortality, and that we should strive to live our lives in a way that will leave a positive legacy.

In conclusion, The Maid's Thought is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life, and the inevitability of death. The young woman's thoughts and emotions are beautifully expressed, and the poem is a testament to the power of love to endure even in the face of death. It is a work of literature that has resonated with readers for generations, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.

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