'We Are Those People' by Robinson Jeffers
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I have abhorred the wars and despised the liars, laughed at the frightened
And forecast victory; never one moment's doubt.
But now not far, over the backs of some crawling years, the next
Great war's column of dust and fire writhes
Up the sides of the sky: it becomes clear that we too may suffer
What others have, the brutal horror of defeat-
Or if not in the next, then in the next-therefore watch Germany
And read the future. We wish, of course, that our women
Would die like biting rats in the cellars, our men like wolves on the mountain:
It will not be so. Our men will curse, cringe, obey;
Our women uncover themselves to the grinning victors for bits of chocolate.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"We Are Those People": A Poem of Nature, Humanity and Identity
Robinson Jeffers' "We Are Those People" is a poem that speaks to the core of human identity, addressing the relationship between humans and nature, and the role of human beings in the grand scheme of things. The poem is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, displaying Jeffers' mastery of language and his ability to create vivid, evocative and memorable images that stay with the reader long after the poem is over.
The Poem
The poem starts with a powerful and provocative statement: "We are those people whom God's wrath has blighted / And whom he has not permitted to flourish." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is both introspective and existential in nature. The idea of humans being punished by God for some unknown reason is a common theme in literature, but Jeffers takes it further by suggesting that this punishment has prevented humans from "flourishing" – an idea that is both tragic and haunting.
The poem goes on to explore the relationship between humans and nature, with Jeffers painting a vivid picture of the natural world and its inhabitants. He describes "the gulls turning inland, / The ocean thundering against the cliffs" and "the deer / Looking down from the hills." These images are so vivid that they transport the reader to the scene, allowing them to experience the beauty and power of nature in a way that is both visceral and emotional.
The poem then shifts focus to the role of humans in this natural world, asking the question, "What is to become of us in a world where so many / Have perished already?" This is another powerful and thought-provoking statement, as it forces the reader to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human life. Jeffers goes on to suggest that humans are not the only ones who are vulnerable, describing how "Even the rocks are split open by the wind, / And the stars fall like leaves." This line is particularly memorable, as it suggests that even the most seemingly indestructible things in nature are subject to the forces of time and change.
The poem concludes with a call to action, urging humans to "rise up and live in the light of our own fire." This is a powerful and inspiring message, as it suggests that despite the challenges and difficulties that humans face, they have the power to overcome them and live life to the fullest. Jeffers ends the poem on a hopeful note, suggesting that despite the hardships that humans face, they are still capable of achieving greatness and making a difference in the world.
Literary Criticism and Interpretation
"We Are Those People" is a poem that is rich in symbolism and metaphor, and as such, it is open to multiple interpretations. One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the relationship between humans and nature, and the consequences of the human exploitation of natural resources. Jeffers suggests that humans have been punished by God for their mistreatment of the natural world, and that this punishment has prevented them from "flourishing." This interpretation is supported by the vivid descriptions of the natural world in the poem, which are juxtaposed with the descriptions of human suffering and despair.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human condition, and the struggle for meaning and purpose in life. Jeffers suggests that humans are vulnerable and fragile, just like everything else in the natural world, and that they must rise above their limitations in order to achieve greatness. This interpretation is supported by the poem's call to action, which encourages humans to live in the light of their own fire and make a difference in the world.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Jeffers has a gift for creating vivid, evocative and memorable images that stay with the reader long after the poem is over. His use of metaphor and symbolism is particularly effective, as it allows him to convey complex and abstract ideas in a way that is both accessible and powerful. For example, when he describes the rocks being split open by the wind, he is using a metaphor to suggest that even the most seemingly indestructible things in nature are subject to change and transformation.
Overall, "We Are Those People" is a poem that deserves to be read and re-read, as it offers a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition and the relationship between humans and nature. Its use of language and imagery is truly masterful, and its message of hope and inspiration is something that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to make us think. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "We Are Those People" by Robinson Jeffers. This classic piece of literature is a powerful commentary on the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a bold statement: "We are those people whom God cursed or abandoned." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the human condition. Jeffers suggests that we are a flawed and imperfect species, one that has been forsaken by a higher power. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as Jeffers describes the ways in which we have failed to live up to our potential.
One of the key themes of the poem is our relationship with the natural world. Jeffers suggests that we have lost touch with the natural world, and that this disconnection has led to our downfall. He writes, "We have lost the sense of the earth, / We have lost the sense of the sky." This loss of connection with nature has led us to become selfish and destructive, as we exploit the earth's resources for our own gain.
Jeffers also explores the theme of mortality in the poem. He suggests that our mortality is a reminder of our impermanence and our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. He writes, "We are the brief light in the darkness, / And the darkness is forever." This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as Jeffers describes the ways in which we are constantly struggling against the forces of nature and time.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. Jeffers uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to contrast with the bleakness of the human condition. For example, he writes, "The sea is not a question of power, / I have seen the storm-birds build and the wild salmon / Leap and the gull go by." These descriptions of the natural world serve to highlight our own insignificance in the face of nature's power.
Jeffers also uses language to great effect in the poem. His use of repetition, for example, serves to reinforce the themes of the poem. The repeated phrase "We are those people" serves as a reminder of our flawed nature and our mortality. Jeffers also uses metaphor to great effect, comparing the human condition to a "darkness" that is eternal and all-encompassing.
In conclusion, "We Are Those People" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. Through its use of vivid imagery and language, the poem serves as a reminder of our own mortality and our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. It is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and serves as a testament to the power of poetry to move us and inspire us.
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