'Men Are Heaven's Piers' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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MEN are Heaven's piers; they evermore
Unwearying bear the skyey floor;
Man's theatre they bear with ease,
Unfrowning cariatides!
I, for my wife, the sun uphold,
Or, dozing, strike the seasons cold.
She, on her side, in fairy-wise
Deals in diviner mysteries,
By spells to make the fuel burn
And keep the parlour warm, to turn
Water to wine, and stones to bread,
By her unconquered hero-head.
A naked Adam, naked Eve,
Alone the primal bower we weave;
Sequestered in the seas of life,
A Crusoe couple, man and wife,
With all our good, with all our will,
Our unfrequented isle we fill;
And victor in day's petty wars,
Each for the other lights the stars.
Come then, my Eve, and to and fro
Let us about our garden go;
And, grateful-hearted, hand in hand
Revisit all our tillage land,
And marvel at our strange estate,
For hooded ruin at the gate
Sits watchful, and the angels fear
To see us tread so boldly here.
Meanwhile, my Eve, with flower and grass
Our perishable days we pass;
Far more the thorn observe - and see
How our enormous sins go free -
Nor less admire, beside the rose,
How far a little virtue goes.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Men Are Heaven's Piers: A Criticism and Interpretation

By Robert Louis Stevenson

"Men are heaven's piers," Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in his poem "Men Are Heaven's Piers," a declaration that may seem simple at first glance, but one that carries profound meaning and implications. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of this poem, explore its themes, analyze its structure and language, and ultimately try to decipher the message that Stevenson intended to convey through it.

The Context

Before we begin our analysis, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer and poet who lived from 1850 to 1894, a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes. Stevenson was a witness to the rise of industrialization and capitalism, the spread of colonialism and imperialism, and the emergence of new scientific and philosophical ideas that challenged traditional beliefs.

In this context, Stevenson's poetry reflects a deep concern for the human condition, the search for meaning and purpose in an uncertain world, and the need for connection and empathy between individuals. "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a prime example of this concern, as it explores the relationship between human beings and the divine, the role of human agency in shaping the world, and the importance of solidarity and compassion in facing the challenges of life.

The Themes

The central theme of "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is the idea that human beings are "piers," that is, structures that support and connect the physical and spiritual realms. The metaphor of the pier is used to convey the idea that humans are the link between heaven and earth, the mediators of divine grace and human action. The poem suggests that human beings are not only important for their individual qualities and achievements but also for their collective role in creating a just and harmonious society.

The poem also touches on the themes of mortality, transience, and the fragility of human existence. The image of the "broken pier" evokes a sense of loss and impermanence, reminding the reader of the inevitability of death and the impermanence of human creations. However, the poem also suggests that even though humans are mortal and their achievements are temporary, they can still have a lasting impact on the world through their actions and their legacy.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of human agency and responsibility. The poem suggests that humans have the power to shape their destiny and their environment, and that they bear the responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The image of the "firm-set rock" implies that humans have the capacity to withstand adversity and overcome obstacles, but also that they must be mindful of their impact on the world and their fellow beings.

Finally, the poem highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity among human beings. The image of the "sister pier" suggests that humans are not alone in their struggles and that they need each other's support and understanding. The poem implies that true fulfillment and happiness can only be achieved through connection and community, and that humans must strive to create a society that values and respects every individual.

The Structure

"Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. The poem is divided into two parts, an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), each with a distinct structure and message.

The octave presents the central metaphor of the poem, the idea that humans are "heaven's piers" and that they connect the physical and spiritual realms. The first two lines establish the metaphor and the scope of the poem, while the next six lines elaborate on the qualities and functions of the piers. The octave ends with a colon, indicating a shift in tone and emphasis, and setting up the sestet as a response or conclusion to the preceding lines.

The sestet builds on the octave and offers a reflection on the implications of the metaphor. The first three lines reinforce the idea of human agency and responsibility, suggesting that humans are not passive recipients of divine grace but active agents in shaping their destiny. The final three lines shift the focus to the importance of empathy and solidarity, suggesting that humans need each other's support and understanding to fulfill their role as "heaven's piers."

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABBA ABBA CDC DCD, a variation of the Petrarchan sonnet form. The use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of harmony and unity, reinforcing the idea of interconnectedness and balance between humans and the divine.

The Language

The language of "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is simple and direct, yet rich in metaphor and imagery. The use of concrete, tangible images such as "pier," "rock," and "crumbling shore" creates a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind, while the use of abstract concepts such as "heaven," "grace," and "soul" conveys the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of the poem.

The poem also employs several rhetorical devices such as repetition, alliteration, and parallelism, to reinforce its themes and create a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition of the phrase "Men are" in the first two lines emphasizes the universality and importance of the metaphor, while the alliteration of "firm-set" and "crumbling" in lines 5 and 7 creates a contrast between stability and impermanence.

Finally, the poem uses a rhetorical question in line 12, "Shall we remain alone?" to challenge the reader's assumptions and invite them to reflect on the message of the poem. The question implies that humans cannot achieve their full potential alone and that they need each other's support and understanding to create a just and harmonious society.

The Interpretation

So, what is the message that Robert Louis Stevenson intended to convey through "Men Are Heaven's Piers"? At its core, the poem is a celebration of the human condition, an affirmation of the importance and value of human beings in the grand scheme of things. The poem suggests that human beings are not mere creatures of fate or passive recipients of divine grace but active agents in shaping their destiny and their environment.

The metaphor of the pier implies that humans are not only important for their individual qualities and achievements but also for their collective role in creating a just and harmonious society. The poem suggests that true fulfillment and happiness can only be achieved through connection and community, and that humans must strive to create a society that values and respects every individual.

At the same time, the poem acknowledges the fragility and transience of human existence, reminding the reader of the inevitability of death and the impermanence of human creations. However, the poem also suggests that even though humans are mortal and their achievements are temporary, they can still have a lasting impact on the world through their actions and their legacy.

Ultimately, "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a poem that invites the reader to reflect on their own role and responsibility as human beings, and to embrace the values of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in facing the challenges of life. It is a poem that celebrates the human spirit and its capacity for love, creativity, and resilience, and that encourages us to strive for a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a beautiful and profound poem that offers a rich and complex reflection on the relationship between human beings and the divine, the role of human agency in shaping the world, and the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in facing the challenges of life. Through its metaphor, structure, and language, the poem conveys a message of hope, optimism, and humanism, inviting the reader to embrace their own humanity and to strive for a better world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire thoughts, and transport us to different worlds. Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of human nature and the beauty of the natural world. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.

Firstly, let's take a look at the title of the poem, "Men Are Heaven's Piers." The word "pier" refers to a structure that extends into the water, providing support for boats and ships. In this context, the word "pier" is used metaphorically to represent the role that men play in the world. Just as a pier supports boats, men support the world and keep it from sinking. The word "heaven" in the title suggests that men are divine beings, sent from above to fulfill this important role.

The poem begins with the lines, "Men are heaven's piers; they evermore / Unwearying bear the skyey floor." Here, Stevenson is emphasizing the strength and endurance of men. They are like pillars that hold up the sky, never faltering or giving up. The use of the word "skyey" adds a sense of grandeur and majesty to the image, making it clear that men are not just ordinary beings, but rather, they are part of something much larger and more significant.

As the poem continues, Stevenson describes the different ways in which men support the world. He writes, "Man's placid kindness is a flame / That more than heat and light the way." Here, he is highlighting the importance of kindness and compassion in the world. Men are not just strong and powerful, but they also have the ability to show empathy and understanding towards others. This is what makes them truly great and worthy of their divine role.

Stevenson goes on to describe how men are connected to the natural world. He writes, "The sea is in their hands all brawn / And they are treading on the lawn." This image of men holding the sea in their hands is a powerful one, suggesting that they have the ability to control and shape the natural world. However, the line "they are treading on the lawn" also suggests that men are not separate from nature, but rather, they are a part of it. They walk on the same ground as the grass and the flowers, and they are just as vulnerable to the forces of nature as any other living thing.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Stevenson describes the destructive power of men. He writes, "O pity and terror of their faces / And their hands that sway the races!" Here, he is acknowledging that men are not perfect beings. They have the ability to cause harm and destruction, and this is something that should be feared and pitied. The use of the word "races" suggests that men have the power to shape the course of history, for better or for worse.

However, Stevenson does not dwell on this negative aspect of men for long. He quickly returns to the theme of their divine nature, writing, "And they are piers, which, if they fall, / The sunken world again will haul." This line is a reminder that even if men do fall, the world will continue on. However, it also suggests that men are so important and essential to the world that if they were to disappear, the world would be irreparably damaged.

The poem ends with the lines, "Man, frail as vapour, man, blind as stone, / O, think of God's amazing loan / To aught but clay!" Here, Stevenson is emphasizing the fragility and impermanence of human life. Men may be strong and powerful, but they are also vulnerable and mortal. The use of the word "loan" suggests that our time on earth is temporary, and that we must make the most of it while we can.

In conclusion, "Men Are Heaven's Piers" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of humanity and our relationship with the natural world. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Robert Louis Stevenson reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy in the world, while also acknowledging the destructive power of men. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the divine nature of humanity, and a reminder that we are all part of something much larger and more significant than ourselves.

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