'The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever' by Archibald MacLeish
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Will it last? he says.
Is it a masterpiece?
Will generation after generation
Turn with reverence to the page?
Birdseye scholar of the frozen fish,
What would he make of the sole, clean, clear
Leap of the salmon that has disappeared?
To be, yes!--whether they like it or not!
But not to last when leap and water are forgotten,
A plank of standard pinkness in the dish.
They also live
Who swerve and vanish in the river.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever: A Literary Criticism
Are you tired of reading poems about love, heartbreaks, and nature? Do you crave for something more profound, something that will make you ponder about life and the universe? Look no further than Archibald MacLeish's masterpiece, The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever.
In this poem, MacLeish presents a unique perspective on time, existence, and mortality through the symbol of a fleeting snowflake. He challenges the reader to contemplate the meaning of life and the inevitability of death, leaving us with a profound sense of wonder and awe.
The Symbolism of the Snowflake
The poem begins with the description of a snowflake falling from the sky, only to disappear into nothingness upon contact with the ground. However, MacLeish suggests that the snowflake is not gone forever, but rather exists in a perpetual state of "now and hence forever."
This concept of eternal existence is significant because it challenges our conventional understanding of time. We tend to think of time as linear, with a past, present, and future. However, MacLeish suggests that time is not so straightforward. Instead, he presents it as a cyclical, never-ending process.
The snowflake, therefore, becomes a powerful symbol of this cyclical nature of time. It represents the fleeting nature of our existence, yet also the possibility of eternal existence beyond the confines of time.
The Paradox of Mortality and Immortality
The poem further explores the paradox of mortality and immortality. The snowflake represents the transience of life, yet MacLeish suggests that there is a way to transcend our mortality. He writes, "the snowflake is the perfect work of art...perfect because it is unrepeatable."
This line suggests that the snowflake's beauty lies in its impermanence. Its unique existence makes it special and valuable. However, MacLeish also implies that there is a way to achieve eternal existence. By being unrepeatable, the snowflake becomes a part of the eternal fabric of existence.
The poem, therefore, challenges our conventional understanding of life and death. It suggests that mortality is not the end, but rather a part of a larger cycle of existence.
The Role of Language
The poem's language is also significant in conveying its message. MacLeish's use of paradoxes, repetition, and imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe.
For example, the repeated phrase "now and hence forever" creates a cyclical sense of time. It also suggests that the present moment is all that matters, as it is the only moment that exists in perpetuity.
MacLeish's use of imagery is also powerful. The snowflake becomes a metaphor for life, and its fleeting existence serves to remind us of our own mortality. However, it also suggests that there is beauty in impermanence, and that our existence is a part of a larger eternal cycle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever is a profound and thought-provoking poem that challenges our conventional understanding of time, existence, and mortality. MacLeish uses the symbol of a snowflake to create a sense of wonder and awe, and to suggest that there is a way to transcend our mortality.
The poem's language, use of paradoxes, repetition, and imagery create a powerful and evocative message that lingers in the reader's mind long after reading. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and challenge us, to make us see the world in a new light, and to remind us of the beauty and fragility of our existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever: A Poem That Will Leave You Mesmerized
Have you ever wondered about the fleeting nature of life? How everything we experience is temporary, and yet, somehow, it is also eternal? Archibald MacLeish, in his poem "The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever," explores this paradoxical concept in a way that will leave you mesmerized.
The poem begins with a simple image: a snowflake falling from the sky. But as we read on, we realize that this snowflake is not just any snowflake. It is a symbol of all that is transitory in life, and yet, it is also a symbol of all that is eternal.
MacLeish writes, "The snowflake falls on the page falls on the page and melts and is gone forever." This line captures the essence of the poem. The snowflake is here, and then it is gone, just like everything else in life. But at the same time, the snowflake is also eternal. It exists in the moment, and that moment is forever.
The poem continues, "And the word which was written there is gone / For always." Here, MacLeish is reminding us that even the written word, which we often think of as permanent, is also fleeting. The snowflake and the word are both gone, but they are also both eternal. They exist in the moment, and that moment is forever.
As the poem progresses, MacLeish takes us on a journey through time and space. He writes, "The snowflake touches the page touches the page / And melts and is gone forever / And the word which was written there is gone / For always / And the wind that carried the snowflake / And the hand that wrote the word / And the page that received the snowflake and the word / And the eye that saw and the mind that knew / And the other eyes and minds that know / And the other pages and the other hands / And the other winds that blow forever / And the other snows that fall forever / And the other words that are written forever / All are one."
This passage is the heart of the poem. MacLeish is showing us that everything is connected. The snowflake, the word, the wind, the hand, the page, the eye, the mind, and everything else in the world are all part of the same eternal moment. They are all one.
The poem ends with the lines, "The snowflake falls on the page falls on the page / And melts and is gone forever / But the page is always here." This final image is a powerful one. The snowflake is gone, but the page remains. It is a reminder that even though everything in life is temporary, there is also something that is eternal. The page is always here, just as the moment is always here.
In conclusion, "The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever" is a poem that will leave you mesmerized. It is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the eternal nature of the moment. MacLeish's use of simple images and language creates a powerful and profound work of art that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. So take a moment to read this poem and let it remind you of the beauty and mystery of life.
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