'Vulture' by Robinson Jeffers
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1963I had walked since dawn and lay down to rest on a bare hillside
Above the ocean. I saw through half-shut eyelids a vulture wheelinghigh up in heaven,
And presently it passed again, but lower and nearer, its orbitnarrowing,I understood then
That I was under inspection. I lay death-still and heard the flight-feathers
Whistle above me and make their circle and come nearer.
I could see the naked red head between the great wings
Bear downward staring. I said, "My dear bird, we are wasting timehere.
These old bones will still work; they are not for you." But howbeautifulhe looked, gliding down
On those great sails; how beautiful he looked, veering away in thesea-lightover the precipice. I tell you solemnly
That I was sorry to have disappointed him. To be eaten by that beakandbecome part of him, to share those wings and those eyes--
What a sublime end of one's body, what and enskyment; what a lifeafter death.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Vulture: A Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers
Are you a lover of poetry? Do you appreciate the beautiful use of language to express deep emotions and thoughts? If yes, you will surely appreciate Robinson Jeffers' masterpiece, Vulture. This poem is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores the dark side of human nature and the eternal cycle of life and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, themes, and symbolism, and discover why it remains a classic piece of literature.
Brief Overview
Vulture is a poem that tells the story of a vulture that feeds on the carcass of a dying deer. The poem is divided into four parts, each describing a different aspect of the vulture's behavior and the natural world around it. In the first part, the vulture is described as a "black bird" with "feathers like a funeral coat." It is waiting for the deer to die so that it can feed on its flesh. The second part describes the vulture's feeding frenzy, as it tears apart the deer's body and feeds on its organs. In the third part, the vulture is described as a "king" of the sky, surveying the world beneath it with a "monstrous eye." Finally, in the fourth and last part, the poem takes a philosophical turn. The vulture is seen as a symbol of the eternal cycle of life and death, and the poet reflects on the meaning of existence and the inevitability of death.
Themes
One of the main themes of Vulture is the natural cycle of life and death. The poem describes how the vulture waits patiently for the deer to die, and then feeds on its flesh, consuming its life energy. The vulture is seen as an agent of death, but also as a necessary part of the natural world. The poet also reflects on the human fear of death, and how it is an inevitable part of life. He writes, "What agony to be born in time, / Hunting and feeding on the living earth, / And then to be required to leave her, / Losing all and dying alone." This passage captures the sense of loss and inevitability that comes with death.
Another theme of the poem is the destructive power of nature. The vulture is presented as a force of nature, tearing apart the deer's body with its sharp beak and claws. The poem also describes the "monstrous eye" of the vulture, which seems to survey the world with a cold, calculating gaze. This eye is a symbol of the power of nature to destroy and consume all living things. The poet reflects on the fragility of human life in the face of such power, noting that "Men suffer want and sickness, / Men die ignorant and betrayed."
Symbolism
Vulture is full of rich symbolism, which adds to its power and depth. The vulture itself is a symbol of death and decay, but also of the natural world and the cycle of life. The deer, on the other hand, is a symbol of life and vitality, which is consumed by the vulture. The poet also uses the image of the "monstrous eye" to symbolize the power of nature to destroy and consume all living things. This eye seems to see everything, but it is also cold, distant, and uncaring.
The poem also makes use of religious symbolism. The vulture, with its black feathers and predatory behavior, is reminiscent of the Christian devil. The image of the vulture as a "black bird" with "feathers like a funeral coat" is particularly striking. It suggests that the vulture is a harbinger of death, but also that it is a necessary part of the natural world, just as death is a necessary part of life.
Literary Techniques
Jeffers' use of language in Vulture is both beautiful and powerful. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, such as the description of the vulture's feeding frenzy, which is "like a waterfall / Of blood in the dark." The poet also uses alliteration and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, the repetition of the word "death" throughout the poem emphasizes its central theme, while the alliteration in the phrase "black bird" creates a sense of foreboding and menace.
The poem's structure is also carefully crafted. It is divided into four parts, each of which has a different focus and tone. The first part introduces the vulture and sets the scene, while the second part describes its feeding frenzy. The third part shifts the focus to the vulture's perspective, while the fourth part takes a more philosophical turn. This structure creates a sense of progression and development throughout the poem, and allows the poet to explore a range of themes and ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vulture is a masterpiece of poetry that combines powerful imagery, rich symbolism, and beautiful language to explore the themes of life and death, nature and destruction, and the human experience. Robinson Jeffers' use of language and literary techniques create a sense of profound meaning and emotional depth that resonates with readers to this day. If you have not yet experienced the power and beauty of Vulture, I highly recommend it. It is a true classic of literature that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Vulture: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that combines nature, philosophy, and mythology. His poem "Poetry Vulture" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his style and philosophy. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the image of a vulture, a bird of prey that feeds on dead animals. The vulture is described as "a great bird, a symbol of the soul," which immediately sets the tone for the poem. The vulture is not just a bird, but a symbol of something deeper and more profound. Jeffers uses the vulture as a metaphor for poetry, which, like the vulture, feeds on the dead and decaying.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the mood. The vulture is described as "circling over" the "wreckage" of the world, looking for something to feed on. The imagery is bleak and desolate, suggesting that the world is in a state of decay and decline. The vulture's "keen eyes" and "sharp beak" suggest that it is a predator, ready to pounce on its prey. The use of the word "keen" suggests that the vulture is not just hungry, but also intelligent and perceptive.
In the second stanza, Jeffers introduces the idea that poetry is like a vulture, feeding on the dead and decaying. He writes, "Poetry is a vulture: it feeds on the dead." This line is a powerful metaphor that suggests that poetry is not just a form of art, but also a force that feeds on the past. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry is not just about beauty and aesthetics, but also about history and memory.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of resurrection. Jeffers writes, "And poetry is a resurrection: / the dead live again in words." This line suggests that poetry has the power to bring the dead back to life, at least in a metaphorical sense. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry is not just about preserving the past, but also about bringing it back to life.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of transformation. Jeffers writes, "How can we dance in the face of death, / unless we sing in the darkness?" This line suggests that poetry has the power to transform our experience of death. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry can help us to face death with courage and dignity, by giving us a way to express our emotions and thoughts.
The fifth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of transcendence. Jeffers writes, "The vulture and the poet / are one and the same." This line suggests that poetry has the power to transcend the boundaries of life and death. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry can help us to connect with something greater than ourselves, something that transcends our mortal existence.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings the themes of the poem together. Jeffers writes, "The vulture and the poet / are two wings of the same bird." This line suggests that poetry and the vulture are not just similar, but also interconnected. Jeffers is suggesting that poetry and the vulture are both part of a larger whole, something that is greater than the sum of its parts.
In terms of literary devices, Jeffers uses a number of techniques to create a powerful and evocative poem. He uses metaphor to compare poetry to a vulture, which is a powerful and memorable image. He also uses repetition, with the phrase "the vulture and the poet" appearing three times in the poem. This repetition helps to reinforce the idea that poetry and the vulture are interconnected.
In conclusion, "Poetry Vulture" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Robinson Jeffers' style and philosophy. The poem explores the themes of decay, resurrection, transformation, and transcendence, using the image of a vulture as a powerful metaphor for poetry. Jeffers' use of literary devices such as metaphor and repetition helps to create a powerful and evocative poem that is both memorable and thought-provoking.
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