'The Waking' by Theodore Roethke


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I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Waking by Theodore Roethke

When it comes to poetry, the name Theodore Roethke is one that cannot be overlooked. Amongst his numerous works, "The Waking" stands out as a masterpiece, one that has been celebrated for its richness, complexity, and beauty. This 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, language, and imagery, and demystifying its mysteries.

Background on Theodore Roethke

Before we dive into the analysis, it's essential to understand a bit about Theodore Roethke, the poet behind "The Waking." Roethke was an American poet who lived from 1908 to 1963. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, known for his confessional style, naturalistic imagery, and fascination with the relationship between man and nature. Roethke's works are often introspective, exploring the complexities of human emotions and experiences.

"The Waking" was written in 1953, towards the end of Roethke's life. At the time, he was suffering from depression and had just undergone electroshock therapy, which had a profound impact on his mental state and artistic expression. The poem reflects Roethke's inner turmoil, his struggle to find meaning in life, and his quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Analysis of "The Waking"

Theme

At its core, "The Waking" is a poem about the search for self-awareness, the awakening of the soul, and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. The poem begins with the speaker questioning the nature of reality and the purpose of existence:

I wake to sleep and take my waking slow. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go.

These lines suggest a deep sense of uncertainty and apprehension, as if the speaker is struggling to find his place in the world. The phrase "wake to sleep" is paradoxical, suggesting that the speaker is simultaneously awake and asleep, aware and unaware. He is trying to make sense of his existence, but he feels lost and disoriented.

However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to find clarity and purpose. He realizes that the key to understanding oneself is to surrender to the mysteries of life and trust in the wisdom of the universe:

All morning long the morning bird
In the black ash sings.
As if the soul were listening.
And underneath the rhythm of the distant hammering
Is the undertone of things heard long ago
And far away.
The hour is striking so close in my ear
I fear that soon the unseen
World will be revealed to me
With you I leave that behind me.

These lines suggest a reconnection with nature and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things. The morning bird represents a symbol of hope and renewal, a beacon of light in the darkness. The speaker realizes that the answers to his questions are not to be found within himself but in the world around him. He must listen to the "undertone of things heard long ago and far away" to discover the truth about himself and his place in the universe.

Structure

"The Waking" is a villanelle, a highly structured poetic form consisting of 19 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. The poem has a five tercet and a final quatrain. The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately as the last lines of the subsequent tercets and appear together as the final two lines of the quatrain. The second line of the first tercet is repeated twice more, as the second line of the third and fourth tercets. The rhyme scheme is ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA.

The villanelle structure gives the poem a sense of musicality and repetition, reinforcing the themes of cycles and renewal that permeate the poem. The repetition of the first and third lines creates a sense of continuity and inevitability, suggesting that the speaker is trapped in an endless cycle of self-discovery and renewal.

Language and Imagery

Roethke's use of language and imagery in "The Waking" is nothing short of brilliant. He employs a wide range of metaphors and symbols to convey the complex emotions and ideas of the poem. In the first stanza, the speaker describes himself as "waking to sleep," suggesting that he is aware of his existence but feels disconnected from it. The phrase "take my waking slow" emphasizes the speaker's tentative and cautious approach to life.

The second stanza introduces the image of the morning bird, which sings in the black ash tree. The bird represents a symbol of hope and renewal, a reminder that life goes on despite the struggles and uncertainties of the human experience. The phrase "as if the soul were listening" suggests that the bird's song has a spiritual significance, as if it is speaking directly to the speaker's soul.

The third stanza contains perhaps the most powerful image in the poem, that of the "hour...striking so close in my ear/I fear that soon the unseen/World will be revealed to me." This image suggests a moment of epiphany, a sudden realization of the truth about existence. The speaker is afraid of what he may discover, but he is also excited at the prospect of unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

The final stanza contains the repeated lines "I wake to sleep and take my waking slow," emphasizing the cyclical nature of the poem and the speaker's ongoing search for self-awareness. However, the final line, "With you I leave that behind me," suggests that the speaker has found a way to move beyond his previous limitations and embrace a new, more enlightened existence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Waking" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a deeply introspective and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Roethke's use of language, imagery, and structure creates a sense of musicality and repetition that reinforces the themes of cycles and renewal that permeate the poem. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas and to challenge our preconceptions about the world around us. It is a work of art that rewards repeated readings, as new nuances and meanings emerge with each encounter. If you haven't read "The Waking" yet, do yourself a favor and experience the beauty and complexity of Roethke's masterpiece.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Waking: A Poem of Self-Discovery and Renewal

Theodore Roethke's poem "The Waking" is a masterpiece of modern American poetry. It is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the themes of self-discovery, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem is a journey through the speaker's mind as he reflects on his own existence and the world around him. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Roethke creates a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that he has "learned by going where I have to go." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker has gained knowledge through experience and exploration. The use of the word "learned" implies that the speaker has gained wisdom and understanding, rather than just knowledge. This is an important distinction, as it suggests that the speaker has undergone a process of personal growth and transformation.

The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's surroundings. He is in a dark room, surrounded by the sounds of the night. The imagery here is powerful, as it creates a sense of isolation and introspection. The darkness of the room represents the unknown, while the sounds of the night suggest the mysteries of the world. The speaker is alone with his thoughts, contemplating the mysteries of life.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on his own existence. He describes himself as a "great wave," suggesting that he is a part of something larger than himself. The use of the word "wave" is significant, as it implies movement and change. The speaker is not static, but rather constantly evolving and changing. This is a theme that runs throughout the poem, as the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life.

The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's relationship with the world around him. He describes himself as "part of the earth's rhythm," suggesting that he is connected to the natural world. The use of the word "rhythm" is significant, as it implies a sense of order and harmony. The speaker is not separate from the world, but rather a part of it. This is an important theme in the poem, as it suggests that the speaker has come to understand his place in the world.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death. He describes death as a "darkness" that is always present, lurking in the background. The imagery here is powerful, as it creates a sense of foreboding and unease. The speaker is aware of his own mortality, and this knowledge has a profound effect on him.

Despite the darkness of the poem, there is a sense of hope and renewal that runs throughout. The speaker describes himself as a "sleeping child," suggesting that he is in a state of innocence and purity. The use of the word "child" is significant, as it implies a sense of rebirth and renewal. The speaker is not resigned to his fate, but rather hopeful for the future.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker declares that he will "rise from the past," suggesting that he is ready to move forward and embrace the future. The use of the word "rise" is significant, as it implies a sense of strength and determination. The speaker is not defeated by his past, but rather empowered by it.

In conclusion, "The Waking" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Roethke creates a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The poem is a journey through the speaker's mind as he reflects on his own existence and the world around him. Despite the darkness of the poem, there is a sense of hope and renewal that runs throughout. The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that he will "rise from the past" and embrace the future. This is a poem that speaks to the human experience, and it is a work that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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