'Continent's End' by Robinson Jeffers
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At the equinox when the earth was veiled in a late rain,
wreathed with wet poppies, waiting spring,
The ocean swelled for a far storm and beat its boundary,
the ground-swell shook the beds of granite.
I gazing at the boundaries of granite and spray, the
established sea-marks, felt behind me
Mountain and plain, the immense breadth of the continent,
before me the mass and doubled stretch of water.
I said: You yoke the Aleutian seal-rocks with the lava
and coral sowings that flower the south,
Over your flood the life that sought the sunrise faces
ours that has followed the evening star.
The long migrations meet across you and it is nothing
to you, you have forgotten us, mother.
You were much younger when we crawled out of the womb
and lay in the sun's eye on the tideline.
It was long and long ago; we have grown proud since then
and you have grown bitter; life retains
Your mobile soft unquiet strength; and envies hardness,
the insolent quietness of stone.
The tides are in our veins, we still mirror the stars,
life is your child, but there is in me
Older and harder than life and more impartial, the eye
that watched before there was an ocean.
That watched you fill your beds out of the condensation
of thin vapor and watched you change them,
That saw you soft and violent wear your boundaries down,
eat rock, shift places with the continents.
Mother, though my song's measure is like your surf-beat's
ancient rhythm I never learned it of you.
Before there was any water there were tides of fire, both
our tones flow from the older fountain.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Continent's End by Robinson Jeffers
Have you ever looked out into the vast and endless sea, wondering what lies beyond the horizon? Robinson Jeffers, in his poem "Continent's End," takes us on a journey through the beauty and mystery of the California coast. This classic poem, first published in 1924, explores the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the inevitable passage of time. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Jeffers paints a picture of a world that is both awe-inspiring and fleeting.
Analysis
The poem begins with a description of a rocky coastline, "where the surf / and the edge of the continent meet" (lines 1-2). The speaker then goes on to describe the various elements of this landscape: the rugged cliffs, the crashing waves, the spray of saltwater. The language here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a wild and untamed world.
As the poem progresses, the speaker shifts his focus to the humans who inhabit this landscape. He describes the "brown cliffs / and the great gray rocks" as "lonely as God" (lines 7-8), suggesting that the natural world is indifferent to the presence of humans. The speaker then goes on to describe the people who live along the coast, painting a picture of a community that is isolated and self-sufficient.
At the heart of the poem is the idea of impermanence. The speaker contrasts the enduring nature of the rocks and cliffs with the fleeting existence of humans. He suggests that the people who live along the coast are "here and there / for a moment and then...lost in the infinite air" (lines 17-18). The language here is poignant and powerful, underscoring the idea that human life is fleeting and ephemeral.
The final stanza of the poem is a meditation on the passage of time. The speaker describes the waves crashing against the shore over thousands of years, wearing away the rocks and cliffs until they are "as ruinous as thoughts of men" (lines 23-24). This image is a powerful reminder of the transience of all things, including the natural world.
Interpretation
At its core, "Continent's End" is a poem about the relationship between humans and nature. Jeffers suggests that humans are but a fleeting presence in the grand scheme of things, and that the natural world will endure long after we are gone. This message is both humbling and awe-inspiring, inviting us to consider our place in the world and our relationship to the natural world.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of vivid imagery. Jeffers' language is rich and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and unforgiving. Through his descriptions of the coast and the people who inhabit it, he invites us to see the world through his eyes, to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of impermanence. Jeffers suggests that all things, including human life, are fleeting and ephemeral. This message is both sobering and liberating, reminding us of the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the time we have.
Finally, "Continent's End" is a powerful meditation on the passage of time. Jeffers suggests that the natural world will endure long after we are gone, and that even the most enduring human creations will eventually crumble and fade away. This message is a reminder of the impermanence of all things, and of the importance of embracing the present moment.
Conclusion
"Continent's End" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, Robinson Jeffers invites us to consider our place in the natural world, and to reflect on the fleeting nature of human life. Whether we are standing on a rocky coastline, watching the waves crash against the shore, or simply contemplating the passage of time, this poem reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Continent's End: A Poem of Nature's Power and Human Folly
Robinson Jeffers' "Continent's End" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and majesty of the natural world, while also highlighting the destructive impact of human activity on the environment. Through vivid imagery and a hauntingly beautiful style, Jeffers invites readers to contemplate the fragility of the natural world and the urgent need for humans to take responsibility for their actions.
The poem begins with a description of the rugged coastline of California, where "the cliffs rise up to the sky / From the water's edge at high tide." Jeffers' use of imagery here is particularly striking, as he paints a picture of a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and intimidating. The cliffs are described as "granite shoulders" that "thrust / Their ruggedness out into the arrogant mist." This imagery conveys a sense of the power and majesty of nature, while also hinting at the danger that lies ahead.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers shifts his focus to the impact of human activity on the environment. He describes the "smokestacks / Of the monster coal-dock" that "loom in the fog," and the "wharves and warehouses" that "crowd the shore." These images are a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the coastline, and serve as a reminder of the destructive impact of human industry on the environment.
Despite this bleak picture, Jeffers does not give up hope. He suggests that there is still a chance for humans to make a positive impact on the environment, if only they are willing to take responsibility for their actions. He writes, "We must uncenter our minds from ourselves; / We must unhumanize our views a little, and become confident / As the rock and ocean that we were made from." This call to action is a powerful reminder that humans are not separate from the natural world, but are in fact a part of it. By recognizing this fact and taking responsibility for their actions, humans can work to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
One of the most striking aspects of "Continent's End" is Jeffers' use of language. His writing is both lyrical and powerful, with a rhythm and flow that is reminiscent of the natural world he describes. He uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey a sense of the beauty and power of nature, while also highlighting the destructive impact of human activity. For example, he describes the "long surf that in the foam / Of the wave-whisper goes down to death" as a metaphor for the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. This imagery is both haunting and beautiful, and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.
In addition to its powerful message and beautiful language, "Continent's End" is also notable for its structure. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the natural world. The first section describes the coastline, the second focuses on the impact of human activity, and the third offers a call to action. This structure serves to emphasize the importance of the natural world, while also highlighting the urgent need for humans to take responsibility for their actions.
Overall, "Continent's End" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and majesty of the natural world, while also highlighting the destructive impact of human activity. Through vivid imagery and a hauntingly beautiful style, Jeffers invites readers to contemplate the fragility of the natural world and the urgent need for humans to take responsibility for their actions. This poem is a powerful reminder that we are all a part of the natural world, and that we must work together to protect and preserve it for future generations.
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