'The Forgotten Dialect Of The Heart' by Jack Gilbert
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How astonishing it is that language can almost mean,
and frightening that it does not quite. Love, we say,
God, we say, Rome and Michiko, we write, and the words
get it all wrong. We say bread and it means according
to which nation. French has no word for home,
and we have no word for strict pleasure. A people
in northern India is dying out because their ancient
tongue has no words for endearment. I dream of lost
vocabularies that might express some of what
we no longer can. Maybe the Etruscan texts would
finally explain why the couples on their tombs
are smiling. And maybe not. When the thousands
of mysterious Sumerian tablets were translated,
they seemed to be business records. But what if they
are poems or psalms? My joy is the same as twelve
Ethiopian goats standing silent in the morning light.
O Lord, thou art slabs of salt and ingots of copper,
as grand as ripe barley lithe under the wind's labor.
Her breasts are six white oxen loaded with bolts
of long-fibered Egyptian cotton. My love is a hundred
pitchers of honey. Shiploads of thuya are what
my body wants to say to your body. Giraffes are this
desire in the dark. Perhaps the spiral Minoan script
is not laguage but a map. What we feel most has
no name but amber, archers, cinnamon, horses, and birds.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that just captured your heart and soul, leaving you breathless? That is what Jack Gilbert's "The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" did to me. This poem is a masterpiece that evokes emotions, touches the human spirit, and leaves you pondering its meaning for days. In this literary criticism, I will interpret the poem, exploring its themes, style, and symbolism.
Overview
"The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" is a poem that speaks to the human experience, the ways in which we connect with others, and the power of love. It is a poem that inspires hope, invites vulnerability, and challenges us to live life on our own terms. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different tone and theme.
Themes
Connection
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is connection. The poem speaks to the ways in which we connect with others and how that connection can transcend time and space. The speaker notes that "how we survive is where" and that "the way to survive is to love." The poem suggests that our connections to others are what give our lives meaning and purpose.
Vulnerability
Another theme in the poem is vulnerability. The speaker notes that "We must risk delight" and that "We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless / furnace of this world." The poem suggests that vulnerability is necessary for us to experience joy and happiness in life.
Love
The most important theme in the poem is love. The poem speaks to the power of love and how it can transform our lives. The speaker notes that "Love is the unfamiliar Name / Behind the hands that wove the intolerable shirt of flame / Which human power cannot remove." The poem suggests that love is a force that is stronger than anything else in the world.
Style
Imagery
One of the most striking elements of the poem is its use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid images that evoke emotions and capture the essence of the human experience. For example, the poem describes love as "the unfamiliar Name / Behind the hands that wove the intolerable shirt of flame," creating a powerful image of the power of love.
Repetition
Another element of the poem is its use of repetition. The poem repeats the phrase "We must" multiple times, creating a sense of urgency and importance. The repetition of this phrase suggests that the speaker is trying to convince the reader of something.
Tone
The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different themes of the poem. The first stanza is reflective and introspective, while the second stanza is more urgent and passionate. The third stanza is more contemplative, while the fourth stanza is more hopeful.
Symbolism
Fire
One of the most important symbols in the poem is fire. Fire represents the passion and intensity of love, as well as the challenges that we face in life. The poem describes love as being "behind the hands that wove the intolerable shirt of flame," suggesting that love is something that is both beautiful and dangerous.
Heart
Another important symbol in the poem is the heart. The heart represents the human spirit and the ways in which we connect with others. The poem suggests that the heart has a language of its own, a "forgotten dialect" that speaks to the deeper aspects of our being.
Shirt
The shirt is also a significant symbol in the poem. The shirt represents the challenges that we face in life and the way in which we must endure them. The poem describes the shirt as being made of flame, suggesting that the challenges we face are intense and difficult to overcome.
Conclusion
"The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" is a poem that speaks to the human experience, the ways in which we connect with others, and the power of love. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and uses repetition to create a sense of urgency and importance. The poem suggests that our connections to others are what give our lives meaning and purpose, and that vulnerability is necessary for us to experience joy and happiness in life. The poem is a masterpiece that evokes emotions, touches the human spirit, and leaves you pondering its meaning for days.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Forgotten Dialect Of The Heart: A Poem That Resonates With The Soul
Jack Gilbert's poem, The Forgotten Dialect Of The Heart, is a masterpiece that speaks to the deepest parts of the human soul. It is a poem that resonates with readers on a personal level, as it explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line, "How astonishing it is that language can almost mean, and frightening that it does not quite." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the limitations of language in expressing the depth of human emotions. Language, as powerful as it is, falls short in capturing the essence of love and the human experience.
The poem goes on to describe a forgotten dialect of the heart, a language that is not spoken but felt. This dialect is the language of love, the language that transcends words and speaks directly to the soul. It is a language that is universal, understood by all, regardless of race, culture, or language.
Gilbert then goes on to describe the beauty and power of this forgotten dialect. He writes, "Only the sky and such nuns as are holy / can be trusted with the important secrets of our hearts." This line speaks to the idea that the language of the heart is sacred and should only be shared with those who are pure of heart and trustworthy.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Gilbert describes the pain and loss that come with love. He writes, "We forget that we are all dead men conversing with dead men." This line speaks to the idea that love is fleeting and that we are all mortal beings. It is a reminder that we should cherish the moments we have with those we love, as they may be gone in an instant.
The poem ends with the line, "We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless / furnace of this world." This line speaks to the idea that despite the pain and loss that come with love, we must still find joy and happiness in life. We must be stubborn in our pursuit of happiness, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, The Forgotten Dialect Of The Heart is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that love is both beautiful and painful, and that we must cherish the moments we have with those we love. It is a call to find joy and happiness in life, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Jack Gilbert's The Forgotten Dialect Of The Heart is a timeless poem that speaks to the deepest parts of the human soul. It is a poem that resonates with readers on a personal level, as it explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition. It is a reminder that despite the pain and loss that come with love, we must still find joy and happiness in life. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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