'What Is To Be Given' by Delmore Schwartz
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What is to be given,
Is spirit, yet animal,
Colored, like heaven,
Blue, yellow, beautiful.
The blood is checkered by
So many stains and wishes,
Between it and the sky
You could not choose, for riches.
Yet let me now be careful
Not to give too much
To one so shy and fearful
For like a gun is touch.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Is To Be Given: A Comprehensive Interpretation
Delmore Schwartz’s ‘What is To Be Given’ is a poem that is both engaging and captivating in equal measure. It is a poem that is rich in both literary and philosophical themes, and it is for this reason that it has continued to intrigue readers and scholars alike over the years.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we shall take a closer look at this poem and delve into its various literary and philosophical themes. We shall also examine the stylistic devices employed by the author and how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the poem.
Overview of the Poem
‘What is To Be Given’ is a poem that is structured in three stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem is written in free verse, and the lines do not follow any particular rhyme scheme. The poem’s title suggests a question, and this question is explored in each of the three stanzas.
In the first stanza, the speaker asks what is to be given, and the answer that is given is that everything is to be given. The second stanza seeks to explore the implications of this answer, as the speaker laments the fact that everything is not given, and that there is an inherent lack in the world. The final stanza offers a solution to this dilemma, as the speaker suggests that we can give ourselves to others, and thereby fill the lack that exists in the world.
Literary Themes
There are several literary themes that are explored in ‘What is To Be Given’. One of the most prominent themes is that of existentialism. The poem is concerned with the question of what it means to exist, and how one can find meaning in a world that seems to lack any inherent meaning or purpose. This theme is explored in the second stanza, where the speaker laments the fact that there is an inherent lack in the world.
Another prominent theme in the poem is that of love and human connection. The final stanza suggests that the solution to the lack in the world is to give ourselves to others. This theme of human connection is also explored in the first stanza, where the speaker suggests that everything is to be given. This implies that everything is interconnected, and that we are all part of a larger whole.
The theme of time is also explored in the poem. The second stanza suggests that time is finite, and that we only have a limited amount of time to give ourselves to others. The theme of time is also explored in the first stanza, where the speaker suggests that everything is to be given, including time.
Philosophical Themes
There are several philosophical themes that are explored in ‘What is To Be Given’. One of the most prominent is that of nihilism. The poem suggests that the world lacks any inherent meaning or purpose, and that there is an inherent lack in the world. This theme is explored in the second stanza, where the speaker laments the lack that exists in the world.
Another prominent philosophical theme in the poem is that of existentialism. The poem suggests that we are all free to create our own meaning and purpose in life, and that we can find meaning in giving ourselves to others. This theme is explored in the final stanza, where the speaker suggests that we can fill the lack in the world by giving ourselves to others.
The theme of time is also explored in a philosophical context. The poem suggests that time is finite, and that we only have a limited amount of time to give ourselves to others. This theme is explored in the second stanza, where the speaker suggests that time is running out.
Stylistic Devices
Schwartz employs several stylistic devices in ‘What is To Be Given’ to convey his themes and ideas. One of the most prominent devices is that of repetition. The phrase ‘what is to be given’ is repeated throughout the poem, and this repetition serves to emphasize the central question that the poem seeks to explore.
Another prominent device is that of rhetorical questions. The poem is structured around a series of rhetorical questions, and this serves to engage the reader and encourage them to think about the themes and ideas that are being explored.
The use of imagery is also prominent in the poem. The second stanza, in particular, is filled with vivid and powerful imagery. The image of ‘the dark shadow descending in the afternoon’ is particularly striking, and serves to convey the sense of despair and hopelessness that the speaker is feeling.
Conclusion
‘What is To Be Given’ is a poem that is rich in both literary and philosophical themes. The poem explores the question of what it means to exist, and how we can find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to lack any inherent meaning or purpose. The poem suggests that we can find meaning by giving ourselves to others, and that love and human connection are the key to filling the lack that exists in the world.
Schwartz employs several stylistic devices in the poem, including repetition, rhetorical questions, and imagery, to convey his themes and ideas. The result is a poem that is both engaging and thought-provoking, and one that continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Is To Be Given: A Poem of Profound Reflection and Introspection
Delmore Schwartz, the American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his profound and introspective works that explore the complexities of human existence. His poem "What Is To Be Given" is a prime example of his literary prowess, as it delves into the fundamental questions of life and the human condition.
The poem is a meditation on the nature of giving and receiving, and the inherent value of both. It begins with a simple question: "What is to be given, that's not been given?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Schwartz explores the idea of what it means to truly give and receive.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene, describing a world that is full of gifts and offerings. The speaker notes that "The sky is given, and the stars, and the sun and moon and stars." This line emphasizes the idea that nature itself is a gift, and that we are surrounded by beauty and wonder that we often take for granted.
The second stanza of the poem takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of human relationships. The line "Love is given, and love is taken away" highlights the idea that love is both a gift and a burden, as it can bring great joy and happiness, but also great pain and sorrow.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea of giving and receiving in a more abstract sense. The speaker notes that "The gift of words is given, and the gift of deeds is done." This line emphasizes the idea that our actions and words have the power to impact others, and that we should strive to use this power for good.
The fourth stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of existence itself. The line "Life is given, and death is taken away" highlights the idea that life itself is a gift, and that we should cherish every moment that we have.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, as the speaker returns to the original question: "What is to be given, that's not been given?" The answer, according to the speaker, is "To give without return, that's what the lesson is." This line emphasizes the idea that true giving is selfless, and that we should strive to give without expecting anything in return.
Overall, "What Is To Be Given" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the fundamental questions of life and the human condition. Through its exploration of the nature of giving and receiving, the poem encourages us to reflect on our own lives and relationships, and to strive to be more selfless and giving in all that we do.
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