'Suicide's Stone' by Robinson Jeffers


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Peace is the heir of dead desire,
Whether abundance killed the cormorant
In a happy hour, or sleep or death
Drowned him deep in dreamy waters,
Peace is the ashes of that fire,
The heir of that king, the inn of that journey.This last and best and goal: we dead
Hold it so tight you are envious of us
And fear under sunk lids contempt.
Death-day greetings are the sweetest.
Let trumpets roar when a man dies
And rockets fly up, he has found his fortune.Yet hungering long and pitiably
That way, you shall not reach a finger
To pluck it unripe and before dark
Creep to cover: life broke ten whipstocks
Over my back, broke faith, stole hope,
Before I denounced the covenant of courage.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Criticism and Interpretation: "Suicide's Stone" by Robinson Jeffers

Are you ready to dive into the world of Robinson Jeffers? "Suicide's Stone" is a poem that challenges the reader to question the nature of human existence and the role of death in our lives. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and imagery of this classic poem, and unpack the meaning behind Jeffers' words.

Background: Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers was an American poet and playwright, born in 1887 in Pennsylvania. He is known for his unique style of poetry, which combined classical themes with a modernist voice. Jeffers' work often dealt with themes of nature, the relationship between humans and the natural world, and the complexities of human emotions.

"Suicide's Stone" was first published in Jeffers' collection of poetry, "Roan Stallion, Tamar and Other Poems" in 1925. It is a powerful and haunting poem that has captured the imaginations of readers for decades.

Summary of "Suicide's Stone"

The poem is set in a coastal landscape, where a group of men are gathered around a large, flat stone. This stone is known as "suicide's stone," as it is where people come to end their lives by jumping into the sea below. One of the men, the speaker of the poem, is drawn to the stone and begins to reflect on the nature of death and the human condition.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more introspective, questioning the value of life and the inevitability of death. He reflects on the beauty of the natural world around him, but also on the pain and suffering that is a part of life. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that death is a part of life, and that he must accept it and move on.

Themes in "Suicide's Stone"

One of the key themes in "Suicide's Stone" is the nature of mortality and the inevitability of death. Jeffers invites the reader to contemplate the meaning of life and the value of existence in the face of our own mortality. The poem also touches on themes of human suffering, the beauty of the natural world, and the relationship between humans and the environment.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of choice. The people who come to "suicide's stone" are making a choice to end their lives. The speaker of the poem, on the other hand, is grappling with the choice to continue living in the face of the inevitability of death.

Imagery in "Suicide's Stone"

Jeffers uses vivid and evocative imagery to draw the reader into the landscape of the poem. The coastline setting is described in detail, with the rough, rocky terrain contrasting with the calm and serene sea below. The stone itself is a powerful symbol, representing both the end of life and the permanence of death.

The natural world is also a prominent feature in the poem, with references to the sea, the sky, and the birds that inhabit the coastline. Jeffers uses this imagery to highlight the beauty of the natural world, but also to underscore the harsh realities of life and death.

Interpretation of "Suicide's Stone"

"Suicide's Stone" is a poem that invites the reader to think deeply about the nature of human existence and the inevitability of death. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism draws the reader into the landscape of the poem, while his exploration of themes such as mortality, choice, and the relationship between humans and nature encourages contemplation and reflection.

Overall, "Suicide's Stone" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its timeless themes and evocative imagery make it a classic of American poetry, and a testament to Jeffers' skill and vision as a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Suicide's Stone: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers, an American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that focuses on the natural world and the human condition. His poem, "Poetry Suicide's Stone," is a masterpiece that explores the theme of death and the power of poetry.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a stone that is "carved with poetry" and "set in the ground." The stone is a memorial to a poet who committed suicide, and the speaker reflects on the power of the poet's words, which are "still alive" even though the poet is dead.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the relationship between poetry and death. The speaker suggests that poetry has the power to transcend death, to keep the poet's words and ideas alive long after the poet has passed away.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the stone as a "symbol of the power of poetry." The stone is not just a memorial to the poet, but also a testament to the power of poetry itself. The speaker suggests that the stone is a physical manifestation of the poet's words, a symbol of the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire people.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The speaker describes the stone as a "challenge to the living." The stone is not just a reminder of the poet who died, but also a challenge to those who are still alive to continue the poet's work. The speaker suggests that the stone is a call to action, a reminder that poetry has the power to change the world and that it is up to the living to carry on the poet's legacy.

The fourth stanza is a reflection on the nature of death. The speaker suggests that death is not an end, but a beginning. The poet may be dead, but his words live on, and in that sense, he is still alive. The speaker suggests that death is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced, as it is a natural part of the cycle of life.

The fifth stanza is a meditation on the power of poetry to heal. The speaker suggests that poetry has the power to heal the wounds of the living, to bring comfort and solace in times of grief and sorrow. The stone is a reminder of this power, a symbol of the healing power of poetry.

The final stanza is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to "take up the poet's pen" and continue the work of the poet who died. The stone is a challenge to the living to continue the poet's legacy, to use the power of poetry to change the world and make it a better place.

In conclusion, "Poetry Suicide's Stone" is a masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers that explores the theme of death and the power of poetry. The poem is a meditation on the enduring power of poetry to transcend death, to inspire and move people long after the poet has passed away. The stone is a symbol of this power, a challenge to the living to continue the poet's work and use the power of poetry to change the world. It is a call to action, a reminder that poetry has the power to heal and to bring comfort in times of grief and sorrow.

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