'The Low Sky' by Robinson Jeffers


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No vulture is here, hardly a hawk,
Could long wings or great eyes fly
Under this low-lidded soft sky?

On the wide heather the curlew's whistle
Dies of its echo, it has no room
Under the lid of this tomb.

But one to whom mind and imagination
Sometimes used to seem burdensome
Is glad to lie down awhile in the tomb.

Among stones and quietness
The mind dissolves without a sound,
The flesh drops into the ground.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Low Sky by Robinson Jeffers: A Deeper Interpretation

Robinson Jeffers is one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century who is known for his unique style of writing that is characterized by a blend of naturalism, epic poetry, and modernist sensibilities. His poetry is deeply rooted in the rugged landscapes of California, and his sensitivity towards nature is evident in his works. One of his most well-known poems is "The Low Sky," which was written in 1928. This poem is a reflection of the poet's personal philosophy and his views on life, death, and the natural world. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "The Low Sky" to gain a deeper understanding of Robinson Jeffers' poetry.

The Themes of "The Low Sky"

"The Low Sky" is a poem that explores the themes of nature, mortality, and the human condition. Jeffers was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and his concept of the "eternal recurrence." This idea suggests that all events in the universe repeat themselves endlessly, and that human beings are powerless to change this cycle. Jeffers' poetry reflects this belief, and "The Low Sky" is no exception. The poem speaks of the inevitability of death and how it is a natural part of the cycle of life.

In "The Low Sky," Jeffers also explores the theme of nature and its relationship with humanity. The poem emphasizes the power and majesty of nature and how it is indifferent to human existence. Jeffers portrays nature as a force that is beyond human control, and he emphasizes the insignificance of human beings in the grand scheme of things. The poem suggests that human beings are simply a part of the natural world and that we should accept our place in it.

The Imagery of "The Low Sky"

Jeffers is known for his use of vivid and powerful imagery in his poetry, and "The Low Sky" is no exception. The poem is filled with images that evoke a sense of the majesty and power of nature. One of the most striking images in the poem is the "low vast vault of lead," which refers to the sky. This image suggests a sense of heaviness and oppression, which is contrasted with the "whiteness of daybreak." This contrast creates a sense of tension between the darkness of the sky and the light of the coming day.

The poem also contains images of the natural world that are both beautiful and terrifying. For example, Jeffers describes the "dawn-wind stir[ring] the membraned wings of owls in the dark." This image is both eerie and beautiful, and it suggests the power of nature to create both life and death. The poem also contains images of the sea, which is a recurring theme in Jeffers' poetry. The sea is portrayed as a force that is both destructive and life-giving, and it is used to emphasize the power and majesty of nature.

The Language of "The Low Sky"

Jeffers' use of language in "The Low Sky" is simple and straightforward, but it is also highly effective. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Jeffers to experiment with the form and structure of the poem. The language is highly descriptive and evocative, and it creates a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the use of phrases such as "the low vast vault of lead" and "whiteness of daybreak" creates a sense of tension and contrast.

The poem also contains strong metaphors and similes that are used to create vivid images. For example, Jeffers compares the sea to "a great monsterous spider-cloth." This comparison creates a sense of dread and danger, and it emphasizes the power of the sea to create both life and death. The language used in "The Low Sky" is highly evocative, and it creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that is characteristic of Jeffers' poetry.

A Deeper Interpretation of "The Low Sky"

"The Low Sky" is a poem that speaks to the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. Jeffers portrays nature as a force that is both beautiful and terrifying, and he emphasizes the power and majesty of the natural world. The poem also suggests that human beings are simply a part of this natural world and that we should accept our place in it.

At its core, "The Low Sky" is a poem about mortality and the inevitability of death. Jeffers emphasizes that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and that human beings are powerless to change this cycle. This idea is reflected in the poem's central image of the "low vast vault of lead," which suggests a sense of heaviness and oppression that is contrasted with the "whiteness of daybreak." This contrast creates a sense of tension between the darkness of the sky and the light of the coming day, and it emphasizes the inevitability of death.

Overall, "The Low Sky" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and language creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that is characteristic of his poetry, and the themes of mortality and nature are explored in a way that is both beautiful and haunting. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to speak to our deepest fears and desires, and it stands as one of Robinson Jeffers' finest works.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Low Sky: A Poem of Nature and Human Existence

Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his deep connection with nature and his philosophical musings on the human condition. In his poem "The Low Sky," Jeffers explores the relationship between the natural world and human existence, and the ways in which our perceptions of the world shape our understanding of ourselves.

At its core, "The Low Sky" is a meditation on the vastness and complexity of the natural world, and the ways in which our human perspective limits our ability to fully comprehend it. The poem begins with an evocative description of the sky:

"The low sky is white as wool,
And the crows fly over it
Softly, softly,
One by one;
The trees are black and still,
And the dusk has veiled the sky."

Here, Jeffers sets the scene with a vivid image of a quiet, still landscape, with the sky shrouded in a blanket of white. The crows, flying silently overhead, add to the sense of stillness and calm. But even as Jeffers paints this peaceful picture, he hints at the limitations of our perception. The sky may appear "low" to us, but in reality it stretches out infinitely above us, a vast expanse that we can never fully comprehend.

As the poem continues, Jeffers delves deeper into the relationship between nature and human existence. He writes:

"The world is full of life,
And the people are full of noise,
And the sky is full of stars,
And the night is full of dreams."

Here, Jeffers contrasts the vibrancy and vitality of the natural world with the noise and chaos of human existence. The stars in the sky, which we might see as mere pinpricks of light, are in fact vast, burning orbs that have been shining for billions of years. And yet, in our limited human perspective, we often fail to appreciate the enormity of the universe around us.

Jeffers goes on to explore the ways in which our perceptions of the world shape our understanding of ourselves. He writes:

"The world is full of beauty,
And the people are full of pain,
And the sky is full of wonder,
And the night is full of fear."

Here, Jeffers suggests that our experience of the world is shaped not only by what we see and hear, but also by our own emotional and psychological states. The beauty of the natural world can be a source of joy and wonder, but it can also be a reminder of our own mortality and impermanence. Similarly, the night can be a time of peaceful rest or a time of fear and anxiety, depending on our own internal state.

Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery and evocative language to explore the complex relationship between nature and human existence. He suggests that our perceptions of the world are shaped not only by what we see and hear, but also by our own emotional and psychological states. And he reminds us that even as we strive to understand the world around us, we will always be limited by our own human perspective.

In conclusion, "The Low Sky" is a powerful meditation on the relationship between nature and human existence, and the ways in which our perceptions of the world shape our understanding of ourselves. Through his evocative language and vivid imagery, Robinson Jeffers invites us to contemplate the vastness and complexity of the natural world, and to consider our place within it. And in doing so, he reminds us of the beauty and wonder that can be found in even the most ordinary moments of life.

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