'Turns And Movies: Duval's Birds' by Conrad Aiken
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The parrot, screeching, flew out into the darkness,
Circled three times above the upturned faces
With a great whir of brilliant outspread wings,
And then returned to stagger on her finger.
She bowed and smiled, eliciting applause. . .
The property man hated her dirty birds.
But it had taken years—yes, years—to train them,
To shoulder flags, strike bells by tweaking strings,
Or climb sedately little flights of stairs.
When they were stubborn, she tapped them with a wand,
And her eyes glittered a little under the eyebrows.
The red one flapped and flapped on a swinging wire;
The little white ones winked round yellow eyes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Turns And Movies: Duval's Birds by Conrad Aiken: A Critical Analysis
Conrad Aiken's poem "Turns and Movies: Duval's Birds" is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that delves into the themes of life, death and the afterlife. The poem is a tribute to the late naturalist John James Audubon, who was known for his intricate drawings and paintings of birds. The poem takes its title from the motion picture industry of the early 20th century, a reference to the fleeting and transitory nature of life.
Background
Conrad Aiken was an American poet, novelist and critic who lived from 1889 to 1973. He was a prominent member of the literary movement known as the Imagists, who emphasized the use of precise and concrete imagery in their poetry. Aiken's work is known for its introspective and psychological themes, and his poetry often explores the mysteries of the human psyche.
Analysis
The poem "Turns and Movies: Duval's Birds" is divided into five stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of Audubon's life and work. In the first stanza, Aiken describes Audubon's paintings of birds as "fires that lit the pane," emphasizing their vividness and beauty. He also speaks of how Audubon's paintings captured the essence of the birds, and how they seemed to come alive on the page.
In the second stanza, Aiken reflects on the fleeting nature of life, comparing it to the motion pictures of the early 20th century. He speaks of how life is constantly changing, and how even the most beautiful moments are fleeting and transitory. This stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the themes of life and death that run throughout.
The third stanza is where Aiken really delves into the afterlife. He speaks of how Audubon's birds, even after their deaths, continue to live on in his paintings. He also speaks of how Audubon himself has passed away, but that his spirit lives on in his art. This stanza is perhaps the most beautiful and poignant of the poem, emphasizing the idea that even in death, our art and our legacy can live on.
The fourth stanza shifts the focus back to Audubon's life, and speaks of how he was a wanderer and a seeker. Aiken describes Audubon's travels through the wilderness, and how he was constantly searching for new birds to paint. He also speaks of how Audubon was a solitary figure, and how he was almost obsessed with his art. This stanza emphasizes the idea of the artist as a solitary figure, and how the pursuit of art can be all-consuming.
The final stanza is a reflection on the power of art itself. Aiken speaks of how Audubon's paintings have the power to transport us to another world, and how they can make us forget our own troubles for a while. He also speaks of how art has the power to heal and to inspire, and how it can give us a glimpse of something greater than ourselves.
Interpretation
At its core, "Turns and Movies: Duval's Birds" is a meditation on life, death and the power of art. Aiken uses Audubon's paintings of birds as a symbol for the beauty and transience of life, and he emphasizes how even in death, our art and our legacy can live on. The poem also speaks to the power of art itself, and how it can transport us to another world and give us a glimpse of something greater than ourselves.
There is also a deeper psychological theme that runs throughout the poem. Aiken speaks of how Audubon was a solitary figure, and how he was almost obsessed with his art. This can be seen as a metaphor for the creative process, and how the artist must be willing to go to great lengths to create something beautiful. The poem also speaks to the idea of the artist as a seeker, and how the pursuit of art can be all-consuming.
Ultimately, "Turns and Movies: Duval's Birds" is a powerful and moving tribute to John James Audubon, and a meditation on the themes of life, death and the power of art. Aiken's precise and concrete imagery, combined with his introspective and psychological themes, make this a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Conrad Aiken's "Turns and Movies: Duval's Birds" is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the themes of life, death and the power of art. The poem is a tribute to John James Audubon, and it uses his paintings of birds as a symbol for the beauty and transience of life. Aiken's precise and concrete imagery, combined with his introspective and psychological themes, make this a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Turns And Movies: Duval's Birds by Conrad Aiken is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its vivid imagery and powerful themes. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of life and the beauty of nature. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a flock of birds flying over a river. The birds are described as "black and white" and "swift and beautiful." The speaker is mesmerized by the sight of the birds and compares them to "turns and movies." This comparison is significant because it suggests that the birds are like a moving picture, constantly changing and evolving.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the character of Duval, who is described as a "birdman." Duval is a mysterious figure who is fascinated by birds and spends his days studying them. The speaker describes Duval as a man who "knows the ways of birds" and who "reads the signs they make." This description of Duval suggests that he is a wise and knowledgeable man who has a deep understanding of nature.
The third stanza of the poem is where the themes of the poem begin to emerge. The speaker describes how Duval captures birds and keeps them in cages. The birds are described as being "sad and silent" in their cages, and the speaker wonders why Duval would want to keep them captive. This stanza raises questions about the relationship between humans and nature, and whether it is right to capture and control wild animals.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the symbolism of the poem becomes apparent. The speaker describes how Duval takes the birds out of their cages and releases them into the sky. The birds are described as being "free and wild" once again, and the speaker compares them to "thoughts that fly." This comparison suggests that the birds represent freedom and the human desire to be free.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the literary devices of the poem become apparent. The speaker describes how the birds fly away, and how Duval watches them go. The speaker uses repetition to emphasize the beauty of the birds, saying "they were beautiful, they were beautiful." This repetition creates a sense of awe and wonder, and emphasizes the power of nature.
The final stanza of the poem is where the themes of the poem are resolved. The speaker describes how Duval goes back to his house, and how the birds continue to fly over the river. The speaker says that the birds are "turns and movies" once again, suggesting that they are constantly changing and evolving. This final stanza suggests that nature is always changing, and that humans must learn to appreciate and respect this change.
In conclusion, Turns And Movies: Duval's Birds by Conrad Aiken is a powerful poem that explores the themes of nature, freedom, and the relationship between humans and animals. The poem uses vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and literary devices to create a sense of wonder and awe. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of life and the beauty of nature, and it is a testament to the power of language and the human imagination.
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