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'Some Last Questions' by W.S. Merwin


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What is the headA. Ash
What are the eyesA. The wells have fallen in and haveInhabitants
What are the feetA. Thumbs left after the auction
No what are the feetA. Under them the impossible road is movingDown which the broken necked mice pushBalls of blood with their noses
What is the tongueA. The black coat that fell off the wallWith sleeves trying to say something
What are the handsA. Paid
No what are the handsA. Climbing back down the museum wallTo their ancestors the extinct shrews that willHave left a message
What is the silenceA. As though it had a right to move
Who are the compatriotsA. They make the stars of bone

Editor 1 Interpretation

Some Last Questions by W.S. Merwin

Have you ever read a poem that made you think deeply about life? A poem that leaves a lasting impression in your mind? "Some Last Questions" by W.S. Merwin is one of those poems. This piece of writing is a work of art that inspires readers to question the meaning of life, death, and existence itself. In this literary analysis, we will take a closer look at the themes, literary devices, and structure of "Some Last Questions."

Themes

At the heart of "Some Last Questions" is the theme of mortality. The poem is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the human condition of impermanence. Merwin poses a series of questions that explore the nature of existence, such as “Is there no way out of the mind?” and “Who shall arrive to comfort them?” These questions are a reflection of the poet's own existential concerns, as well as a universal human experience.

Another major theme in the poem is the futility of human pursuits. Merwin writes, “How long did you think / that your life / would go on like this?” This line suggests that our ambitions and desires are ultimately meaningless in the face of our mortality. The poem encourages readers to think about what truly matters in life and to appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty and joy.

Literary Devices

Merwin uses several literary devices in "Some Last Questions" to create a sense of depth and resonance. One of the most notable is the use of repetition. The phrase "Some last questions" is repeated throughout the poem, giving it a cyclical structure that reinforces the theme of mortality. The repetition of the phrase also adds a sense of urgency to the poem, as if the speaker is trying to grasp at answers before it's too late.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Merwin compares the mind to a prison, writing, "Is there no way out of the mind?" This metaphor emphasizes the limitations of human perception and suggests that our thoughts can be a source of confinement. The poem also includes several metaphors that illustrate the transience of life, such as "The raspberries lying black / on the grass where yesterday / there was a moon."

Merwin also uses enjambment to create a sense of fluidity and movement in the poem. Lines are often broken in unexpected places, such as "Is there no escape? / No, there is no escape." This technique emphasizes the cyclical nature of the poem and reinforces the idea that there are no easy answers to life's big questions.

Structure

The structure of "Some Last Questions" is deceptively simple. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each consisting of three lines. However, within this structure, Merwin employs several techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity.

One of the most notable structural elements of the poem is its use of repetition. As mentioned earlier, the phrase "Some last questions" is repeated throughout the poem, giving it a cyclical structure. Additionally, the poem includes several other repeated phrases, such as "How long did you think" and "And how shall we speak of them."

The poem's structure also emphasizes its themes of mortality and impermanence. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the lines "What shall we do with what / we have been left? / Such as it is?" These lines suggest that what we have been given in life is imperfect and temporary. The final stanza, which contains the lines "And how shall we speak of them / Who are not? / And how shall we speak of / Death?" reinforces the theme of mortality and the limitations of human language in the face of death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Some Last Questions" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of existence and mortality. Through its use of repetition, metaphor, and structure, the poem creates a sense of urgency and depth that lingers in the mind long after reading. As readers, we are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the fleeting moments of beauty and meaning in our lives. So, have you ever read a poem that made you think deeply about life? If not, "Some Last Questions" is definitely worth your time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a medium that allows us to express our deepest thoughts and feelings in a way that is both beautiful and profound. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "Some Last Questions" by W.S. Merwin.

W.S. Merwin was an American poet, translator, and environmental activist. He was awarded numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1971 and 2009. "Some Last Questions" is one of his most famous poems, and it was first published in his collection "The Rain in the Trees" in 1988.

The poem is a series of questions that the speaker asks, and it explores themes of life, death, and the meaning of existence. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own set of questions. The first stanza begins with the speaker asking, "What shall we do with this quietness?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is contemplating the meaning of life and the purpose of existence.

The second stanza continues with the theme of life and death, as the speaker asks, "What can anyone give us anymore?" This question suggests that the speaker is questioning the value of material possessions and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker then asks, "What is the use of a violent kind of delightfulness?" This question is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is questioning the value of pleasure and happiness in the face of death and suffering.

The third and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker asks, "What will happen when the sun goes out?" This question is a metaphor for the end of life, and it suggests that the speaker is contemplating the inevitability of death. The speaker then asks, "What will happen when I am not as I am now?" This question is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is questioning the nature of identity and the idea of self.

Overall, "Some Last Questions" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. The poem is particularly interesting in the way that it uses questions to explore these themes, as it suggests that the answers to these questions are elusive and perhaps even unattainable. The poem is also notable for its use of metaphor, as it uses images of the sun and the self to explore the themes of life and death.

In conclusion, "Some Last Questions" is a beautiful and profound poem that captures the essence of poetry. It is a poem that asks the big questions of life and death, and it does so in a way that is both poetic and profound. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind.

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