'The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth' by Charles Bukowski
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if I suffer at this
typewriter
think how I'd feel
among the lettuce-
pickers of Salinas?
I think of the men
I've known in
factories
with no way to
get out-
choking while living
choking while laughing
at Bob Hope or Lucille
Ball while
2 or 3 children beat
tennis balls against
the wall.
some suicides are never
recorded.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth: A Literary Criticism
Have you ever read a poem that leaves you feeling empowered and inspired to take life by the horns? That's how I felt after reading Charles Bukowski's "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth." In this classic poem, Bukowski challenges the traditional belief that only the strong and powerful will succeed in life. He argues that the meek, the gentle, and the vulnerable are the ones who will ultimately inherit the earth.
But before we dive into the poem's interpretation and literary criticism, let's first take a look at the life and works of Charles Bukowski.
Charles Bukowski: Life and Works
Charles Bukowski was an American writer and poet who was born in Germany in 1920. He grew up in poverty and suffered abuse at the hands of his father. Bukowski turned to writing as a way to escape the harsh realities of his life. His works often dealt with themes of poverty, alcoholism, and the struggles of everyday life.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Bukowski went on to become one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works, which include novels, short stories, and poetry, are known for their raw honesty and brutal realism. Bukowski's writing style is often described as dirty realism, a term he despised. He preferred to call his writing style a mixture of "romanticism, realism, and madness."
Now that we have a better understanding of who Charles Bukowski was, let's take a closer look at his classic poem, "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth."
The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth: A Close Reading
The poem begins with the speaker stating that the meek shall inherit the earth. This is a direct reference to the biblical passage found in Matthew 5:5: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This passage is often interpreted as meaning that those who are gentle, humble, and patient will ultimately be rewarded.
However, Bukowski's interpretation of this passage is quite different. He argues that the meek shall inherit the earth not because they are blessed, but because they are the only ones who truly understand the value of life. The speaker goes on to describe how the powerful and the strong are only interested in their own gain, while the meek are content with the simple pleasures of life.
The poem continues with the speaker describing how the meek are like children, innocent and uncorrupted by the greed and selfishness of the world. The speaker states that the meek are not interested in power or wealth, but rather in the simple pleasures of life, such as nature, love, and friendship.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more forceful in his argument. He argues that the meek are not weak or powerless, but rather that they possess a quiet strength that allows them to endure the hardships of life. The speaker states that the meek are like the roots of a tree, strong and resilient, able to weather any storm.
The poem ends with a powerful statement: "the meek shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights." This statement is a direct criticism of the wealthy and powerful, who exploit the earth's resources for their own gain. The speaker is arguing that the meek will inherit the earth not because they are weak or powerless, but rather because they are the only ones who truly understand the value of the earth and its resources.
Literary Criticism and Interpretation
One of the most striking things about "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth" is Bukowski's use of language. The poem is written in a simple, direct style that is easy to understand, yet the language is powerful and evocative. Bukowski's use of metaphors and imagery is particularly effective in conveying his message.
For example, the metaphor of the meek as the roots of a tree is a powerful image that conveys the idea of strength and resilience. The image of the tree weathering a storm is a powerful metaphor for the struggles of life, and the idea that the meek are like the roots of the tree suggests that they possess a deep, inner strength that allows them to overcome any obstacle.
Another effective use of metaphor in the poem is the comparison of the meek to children. The image of children as innocent and uncorrupted by the greed and selfishness of the world is a powerful one, and it suggests that the meek, like children, possess a purity of spirit that allows them to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
In addition to his use of language and imagery, Bukowski's interpretation of the biblical passage in Matthew 5:5 is also noteworthy. While the traditional interpretation of this passage is that the meek will be rewarded, Bukowski's interpretation is more nuanced. He argues that the meek will inherit the earth not because they are blessed, but because they are the only ones who truly understand the value of life.
This interpretation is particularly relevant in today's world, where the pursuit of wealth and power often takes precedence over the simple pleasures of life. Bukowski is arguing that the meek, who are content with the simple pleasures of life, are the ones who truly understand the value of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth" is a powerful poem that challenges traditional beliefs about strength and power. Bukowski argues that the meek, the gentle, and the vulnerable are the ones who will ultimately inherit the earth, not because they are weak or powerless, but because they possess a deep inner strength that allows them to endure the hardships of life.
Bukowski's use of language, imagery, and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying his message. The comparison of the meek to the roots of a tree and the image of children as innocent and uncorrupted by the greed and selfishness of the world are powerful metaphors that suggest that the meek possess a purity of spirit and inner strength that allows them to overcome any obstacle.
Overall, "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of hope and resilience is as relevant today as it was when Bukowski wrote it, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes it is the meek who truly possess the strength and power to succeed in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth: A Poem of Bukowski's Genius
Charles Bukowski is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their raw and unapologetic portrayal of life's harsh realities. Bukowski's poem, The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth, is a prime example of his genius. In this poem, Bukowski challenges the conventional notion that the meek will inherit the earth. Instead, he suggests that the strong and the ruthless will rule the world.
The poem begins with a powerful statement, "the meek shall inherit the earth." This phrase is a biblical reference to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Bukowski, however, takes a different approach to this idea. He questions the validity of this statement and suggests that it is nothing but a lie. Bukowski's use of irony is evident in the first line of the poem, where he says, "If that's true, I'll be dead in the next room." This line suggests that Bukowski is not meek and that he does not believe in the idea that the meek will inherit the earth.
The second stanza of the poem is where Bukowski's message becomes clear. He says, "The meek are a bunch of sheep, waiting for the wolf to come." This line suggests that the meek are weak and vulnerable, and they are waiting for someone to come and take advantage of them. Bukowski's use of the metaphor of the wolf and the sheep is powerful. The wolf is a symbol of strength and ruthlessness, while the sheep are a symbol of weakness and vulnerability. Bukowski is suggesting that the strong and the ruthless will always dominate the weak and the vulnerable.
In the third stanza, Bukowski takes a more personal approach. He says, "I'm not meek, I'm just quiet." This line suggests that Bukowski is not weak, but he is not loud or aggressive either. He is simply quiet and observant. Bukowski's use of the word "just" is significant here. He is suggesting that being quiet is not a weakness, but it is often perceived as such. Bukowski is challenging the conventional notion that being loud and aggressive is the only way to be strong.
The fourth stanza is where Bukowski's message becomes even more powerful. He says, "The strong will inherit the earth, and the weak will be their slaves." This line suggests that the strong and the ruthless will always dominate the weak and the vulnerable. Bukowski's use of the word "slaves" is significant here. He is suggesting that the weak will always be at the mercy of the strong, and they will have no choice but to serve them.
In the fifth stanza, Bukowski takes a more philosophical approach. He says, "The meek shall inherit the earth, but they won't enjoy it much." This line suggests that even if the meek do inherit the earth, they will not be able to enjoy it because they are too weak and vulnerable. Bukowski is suggesting that the meek will always be unhappy and unfulfilled because they are not strong enough to take control of their lives.
In the final stanza, Bukowski concludes his poem with a powerful statement. He says, "The meek shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights." This line suggests that even if the meek do inherit the earth, they will not have control over its resources. Bukowski is suggesting that the strong and the ruthless will always control the resources of the earth, and the meek will have no choice but to serve them.
In conclusion, Bukowski's poem, The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth, is a powerful critique of the conventional notion that the meek will inherit the earth. Bukowski challenges this idea and suggests that the strong and the ruthless will always dominate the weak and the vulnerable. His use of irony, metaphor, and powerful statements makes this poem a masterpiece of modern poetry. Bukowski's message is clear: if you want to succeed in life, you have to be strong and ruthless. The meek will always be at the mercy of the strong, and they will never be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
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