'Be Angry At The Sun' by Robinson Jeffers


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That public men publish falsehoods
Is nothing new. That America must accept
Like the historical republics corruption and empire
Has been known for years.

Be angry at the sun for setting
If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn,
They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors.
This republic, Europe, Asia.

Observe them gesticulating,
Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate
Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth
Hunts in no pack.

You are not Catullus, you know,
To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far
From Dante's feet, but even farther from his dirty
Political hatreds.

Let boys want pleasure, and men
Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame,
And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped.
Yours is not theirs.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Be Angry at the Sun: An Analysis of Robinson Jeffers’ Poem

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like the author was screaming at you, but in a way that made you want to listen? That’s how I felt when I first read Robinson Jeffers’ “Be Angry at the Sun.” This poem, first published in 1928, continues to captivate readers with its raw emotion and vivid imagery. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we’ll dive deep into the themes, symbolism, and language of this classic work.

Overview of the Poem

“Be Angry at the Sun” is a poem about the inevitability of death and the frustrations of life. Jeffers opens the poem with a bleak picture of the world, where the sun is a symbol of life and vitality, but also of the futility of human existence. The speaker urges us to be angry at the sun, to rail against the unfairness of life, and to fight against our inevitable demise. Despite the despair that permeates the poem, there is also a sense of determination and resilience, as the speaker urges us to continue living and fighting, even in the face of certain death.

Themes

The most prominent theme in “Be Angry at the Sun” is the inevitability of death. Jeffers uses the sun as a symbol of life and vitality, but also of the ultimate futility of human existence. The sun rises and sets every day, indifferent to the struggles and suffering of human beings. The speaker urges us to be angry at the sun, to rail against the unfairness of life, and to fight against our inevitable demise.

Another theme in the poem is the frustration of life. The speaker laments the fact that human beings are born into a world that is full of pain and suffering, and that we must struggle against the elements and against each other just to survive. This frustration is compounded by the fact that, no matter how hard we fight, death is ultimately inevitable.

Finally, the poem also touches on the theme of resilience. Despite the despair that permeates the poem, there is also a sense of determination and resilience. The speaker urges us to continue living and fighting, even in the face of certain death. In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker reminds us that, even though we may ultimately lose the fight against death, we can still make a difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy.

Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of “Be Angry at the Sun” is its use of symbolism. The sun is the most prominent symbol in the poem, representing both life and death. The speaker urges us to be angry at the sun, to rail against the unfairness of life, and to fight against our inevitable demise. In this context, the sun represents the inevitability of death, but also the vitality of life.

Another important symbol in the poem is the sea. The sea is a symbol of the vastness and power of nature, as well as of the struggles that human beings must face in their daily lives. The speaker urges us to “tie the knots of judgment tight” and to fight against the “unruly sea,” suggesting that we must be prepared for the challenges that life will throw our way.

Finally, the poem also uses the symbol of the hawk to represent the resilience of life. The hawk is a powerful and majestic bird that is able to soar above the struggles and pain of human existence. The speaker urges us to be like the hawk, to rise above our struggles and to “leave the earth” behind.

Language

One of the most impressive things about “Be Angry at the Sun” is its use of language. Jeffers’ poetry is characterized by its powerful, almost biblical language, and this poem is no exception. The speaker urges us to “rage against the dying of the light,” a line that echoes Dylan Thomas’ famous poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.” This language is passionate and urgent, urging the reader to pay attention and take action.

Another impressive aspect of the poem’s language is its use of repetition. The speaker repeatedly urges us to be angry at the sun, to tie the knots of judgment tight, and to fight against the unruly sea. This repetition reinforces the urgency of the speaker’s message and drives home the importance of taking action.

Finally, the poem also makes use of vivid imagery. The sea is described as “thick with the blood of the brave,” a powerful image that evokes the struggles and sacrifices of those who have come before us. The hawk is described as “leaving the earth,” a vivid image of the bird’s power and freedom.

Conclusion

“Be Angry at the Sun” is a powerful and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of the inevitability of death, the frustration of life, and the resilience of the human spirit are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published in 1928. Jeffers’ use of symbolism, language, and imagery is masterful, and the poem’s urgent, passionate tone makes it impossible to ignore. If you haven’t read “Be Angry at the Sun” yet, I urge you to do so – it’s a masterpiece of modern poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Be Angry at the Sun: A Poem of Nature's Power and Human Folly

Robinson Jeffers' poem "Be Angry at the Sun" is a powerful meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature. Written in 1941, at the height of World War II, the poem reflects the poet's deep concern about the destructive power of human technology and the need for a more humble and respectful attitude towards the natural world.

The poem begins with a vivid image of the sun rising over the ocean, "a flame-white disc / in silken mists above the fog." The sun, a symbol of life and vitality, is also a source of danger and destruction, as it can cause droughts, fires, and other natural disasters. Jeffers urges us to be angry at the sun, to recognize its power and our own vulnerability in the face of its wrath.

But the poem is not just a warning about the dangers of nature. It is also a critique of human arrogance and hubris, our belief that we can control and dominate the natural world. Jeffers writes:

"Or is it that the orange-golden fruit Serene hangs in the jade-green tree, The leaves clung round it, rigid and exact Like spokes about a hub, The breast-length fruit immutable, sky Between its leaves, the golden atoms Of heaven's sunbeams, dance?"

Here, Jeffers contrasts the serenity and beauty of nature with the rigidity and exactness of human technology. The fruit, hanging in the tree, is a symbol of natural abundance and fertility, while the spokes and hub suggest the mechanical precision of a machine. The leaves, "clung round it, rigid and exact," are like the gears and cogs of a clock, while the "golden atoms / Of heaven's sunbeams" suggest the ineffable mystery and wonder of the natural world.

Jeffers goes on to describe the folly of human ambition and the destructive consequences of our attempts to control nature:

"Destroyer of the world, will your power To touch the heart with pity, or to frighten, Make mankind tremble evermore? Or will you, like the sun-god of the Greeks, Beget new deities to rule our day?"

Here, Jeffers suggests that our attempts to control nature will ultimately lead to our own destruction. The sun, like the Greek gods, is a symbol of human folly and hubris, our belief that we can create our own destiny and defy the natural order of things. But the poem also suggests that there is hope for humanity, that we can learn to respect and appreciate the power of nature and live in harmony with the natural world.

In the final stanza, Jeffers writes:

"Be angry at the sun, for setting If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn, They are all bound on the wheel, These people, drinking, singing, shouting, They are all bound on the wheel, These old men and young men and young girls."

Here, Jeffers reminds us that we are all part of the natural world, that we are all bound on the wheel of life and death. The people, drinking, singing, and shouting, are like the leaves and fruit of the tree, part of the natural cycle of growth and decay. We cannot control the sun or the forces of nature, but we can learn to live in harmony with them, to appreciate their beauty and power, and to recognize our own place in the natural order of things.

In conclusion, "Be Angry at the Sun" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. Jeffers' vivid imagery and powerful language remind us of the beauty and power of nature, as well as the dangers of human arrogance and hubris. The poem is a call to action, urging us to be more humble and respectful towards the natural world, and to recognize our own place in the larger scheme of things. As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, Jeffers' message is more relevant than ever, reminding us of the urgent need to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.

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