'To Be Read In The Morning And At Night' by Bertolt Brecht


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My love
Has told me
That he needs me.That's why
I take good care of myself
Watch out where I'm going and
Fear that any drop of rain
Might kill me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Be Read In The Morning And At Night: An Analysis

Bertolt Brecht, a German playwright, poet, and theatre director, wrote "To Be Read In The Morning And At Night" in 1940. The poem is an expression of Brecht's political and philosophical beliefs, and it invites the reader to reflect on the state of the world and one's place in it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance today.

The Historical Context

Before we delve deeper into the poem, let's take a moment to understand the historical context in which it was written. Brecht was a leftist intellectual who was deeply critical of fascism and capitalism. In the 1930s and 1940s, Europe was in turmoil as fascist regimes rose to power and World War II began. Brecht was living in exile in the United States during this time, and "To Be Read In The Morning And At Night" was written during this period of intense political and social upheaval.

The Structure

The poem is structured as a series of instructions or commandments, with each stanza beginning with the phrase "And" followed by a verb in the imperative form. This gives the poem a didactic tone, as if Brecht is imparting his wisdom and beliefs to the reader. The repetition of the phrase "To be read in the morning and at night" also emphasizes the importance of the poem's message.

The Themes

The themes of the poem are wide-ranging, but they all revolve around Brecht's political and philosophical views. The poem begins with a call to action, instructing the reader to "learn to see" and to "learn to act." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and taking action to make the world a better place.

Throughout the poem, Brecht emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action. He writes, "And if you want to build / With many others / A great building / You must not set yourself / Against any man." This reflects Brecht's socialist beliefs, which emphasize the importance of working together for the greater good.

Brecht is also critical of those who are complacent and uncaring about the world around them. He writes, "And he who has bread / Must look in the eyes of him who has none." This emphasizes the importance of empathy and recognizing the suffering of others.

Finally, the poem ends with a call to action, urging the reader to "take heart" and "act with courage." This reflects Brecht's belief that change is possible, but that it requires courage and determination.

The Literary Devices

Brecht uses a number of literary devices to convey his message in the poem. One of the most notable is repetition, with the phrase "To be read in the morning and at night" repeated throughout the poem. This emphasizes the importance and urgency of the poem's message.

Brecht also uses metaphor to convey his beliefs. For example, he writes, "And if you want to live / Take off your clothes, cross over / The fields, disregard / The wheels that have been turning / For the sake of power." This metaphorical language emphasizes the need to break free from the constraints of society and to live a more authentic and meaningful life.

Finally, Brecht's use of imagery is also noteworthy. For example, he writes, "The earth is our table / And the sun our lamp in the evening." This imagery emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the need to live in harmony with nature.

The Relevance Today

Although "To Be Read In The Morning And At Night" was written over 80 years ago, its message is still relevant today. The world is still plagued by inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation, and Brecht's call to action is as urgent as ever.

Furthermore, Brecht's message of solidarity and collective action is especially important in today's political climate. In a world where many are focused on individualism and self-interest, Brecht's message of working together for the greater good is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and community.

Conclusion

"To Be Read In The Morning And At Night" is a powerful poem that reflects Brecht's political and philosophical beliefs. Its didactic tone, use of metaphor and imagery, and emphasis on solidarity and collective action make it a timeless call to action. In today's world, where the need for change is more urgent than ever, Brecht's message is as relevant as ever.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Be Read In The Morning And At Night: A Masterpiece of Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht, the renowned German poet, playwright, and theatre director, is known for his unique style of writing that challenges the conventional norms of literature. His works are characterized by their political and social commentary, and his poems are no exception. One such masterpiece is "Poetry To Be Read In The Morning And At Night," a collection of poems that explores the complexities of human existence and the struggle for freedom.

The collection is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of poems to be read in the morning and the second part to be read at night. The poems are written in Brecht's signature style, with a focus on social and political issues. The collection is a reflection of Brecht's own experiences and his observations of the world around him.

The poems in the morning section are written in a more optimistic tone, with a focus on hope and the possibility of change. The first poem, "The Awakening," sets the tone for the rest of the collection. It is a call to action, urging readers to wake up and take control of their lives. The poem encourages readers to break free from the constraints of society and to embrace their individuality.

The second poem, "The Mask of Evil," is a powerful commentary on the nature of evil. It explores the idea that evil is not inherent in individuals but is instead a product of society. The poem encourages readers to question the status quo and to challenge the systems that perpetuate evil.

The third poem, "The Solution," is a call to action. It encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions and to work towards creating a better world. The poem suggests that change is possible, but it requires effort and dedication.

The poems in the night section are written in a more somber tone, with a focus on the struggles of life. The first poem, "The Lonely One," is a poignant reflection on the isolation that many people feel. It explores the idea that despite living in a world full of people, we can still feel alone.

The second poem, "The Doubter," is a powerful commentary on the nature of doubt. It explores the idea that doubt is not a weakness but is instead a strength. The poem encourages readers to question everything and to never accept things at face value.

The third poem, "The Fighter," is a call to action. It encourages readers to stand up for what they believe in and to fight for their rights. The poem suggests that the struggle for freedom is ongoing and that we must never give up.

Overall, "Poetry To Be Read In The Morning And At Night" is a powerful collection of poems that explores the complexities of human existence. Brecht's unique style of writing challenges readers to question the status quo and to work towards creating a better world. The collection is a testament to Brecht's talent as a poet and his commitment to social and political change. It is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, politics, and the human condition.

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