'The Terrible Abstractions' by Vernon Scannell
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The naked hunter's fist, bunched round his spear,Was tight and wet inside with sweat of fear;He heard behind him what the hunted hear.The silence in the undergrowth crept near;Its mischief tickled in his nervous earAnd he became the prey, the quivering deer.The naked hunter feared the threat he knew:Being hunted, caught, then slaughtered like a eweBy beasts who padded on four legs or two.The naked hunter in the bus or queueUnder his decent wool is frightened tooBut not of what his hairy forebear knew.The terrible abstractions prowl aboutThe compound of his fear and chronic doubt;He keeps fires burning boldly all night through,But cannot keep the murderous shadows out.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Terrible Abstractions: A Masterpiece of Literary Artistry
If you're looking for a collection of poems that will take your breath away, look no further than Vernon Scannell's "The Terrible Abstractions." This collection is a masterpiece of literary artistry, exploring the depths of human experience through stunning imagery, powerful language, and a keen sense of emotional resonance.
At its heart, "The Terrible Abstractions" is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, death, and the passing of time. But what sets this collection apart is the way that Scannell uses language to create vivid and lasting impressions on the reader.
The Artistry of Language
One of the most striking things about "The Terrible Abstractions" is Scannell's use of language. His poetry is full of rich, evocative imagery that lingers long after the poem has ended. In "The Sorrow of War," for example, Scannell writes:
The wind that sobbed in Flanders fields Blows through the trees again. And where the poppies grew, the yield Is tall and green and vain.
These lines are both beautiful and haunting, capturing the sense of loss and sorrow that lingers over the battlefield long after the war has ended. Scannell's use of language is masterful, playing with sound and rhythm to create a sense of musicality and emotional depth.
Exploring the Human Condition
But what really sets "The Terrible Abstractions" apart is its exploration of the human condition. Scannell tackles some of the most weighty and difficult themes in literature, from love and desire to death and the passing of time. In "The Poet in His Study," for example, Scannell writes:
He sits and stares before him, lost in thought, But not the kind of thought that seeks to find A meaning in the things that he has wrought, A purpose in the tangle of his mind.
These lines capture the sense of existential angst that many writers and artists feel, struggling to find meaning and purpose in their work. Scannell captures this feeling with precision and clarity, creating a universal sense of emotional resonance that will speak to readers of all backgrounds.
The Power of Imagery
Another hallmark of Scannell's poetry is his use of powerful imagery. He paints vivid pictures with his words, creating scenes that seem to leap off the page. In "The Dead of Winter," for example, Scannell writes:
The dead of winter, when the earth is hard And nothing moves but the wind and snow, And the darkness is a cloak that's scarred By stars that glitter in the night's tableau.
These lines are both beautiful and chilling, evoking the sense of stillness and quiet that comes with winter. Scannell's use of imagery is powerful, creating scenes that will stay with readers long after they've finished reading.
Conclusion
In the end, "The Terrible Abstractions" is a collection that demands to be read and reread, its powerful language and emotional resonance leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Scannell's poetry is both beautiful and haunting, exploring the depths of the human experience with a precision and clarity that is truly remarkable. If you're looking for a collection of poetry that will move you and challenge you in equal measure, look no further than "The Terrible Abstractions."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that has the power to move, inspire, and provoke the reader. One such poem that has left a lasting impact on readers is "The Terrible Abstractions" by Vernon Scannell. This poem is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the struggles of the human mind.
The poem begins with the line, "The terrible abstractions stir within me." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately creates a sense of unease and discomfort. The use of the word "terrible" suggests that the emotions and thoughts that the speaker is experiencing are not pleasant. The word "abstractions" further emphasizes the intangible and complex nature of these emotions.
The first stanza of the poem describes the speaker's struggle to express these emotions. The line "I cannot give them shape or form" suggests that the speaker is unable to articulate these emotions in a tangible way. The use of the word "cannot" emphasizes the speaker's frustration and helplessness. The line "They are too vague, too nebulous" further emphasizes the intangible nature of these emotions.
The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's attempt to understand these emotions. The line "I try to pin them down" suggests that the speaker is trying to make sense of these emotions. The use of the word "pin" suggests that the speaker is trying to capture these emotions and make them tangible. However, the line "But they elude me" suggests that the speaker is unable to fully understand these emotions.
The third stanza of the poem describes the speaker's fear of these emotions. The line "They are like monsters in the dark" suggests that the speaker is afraid of these emotions. The use of the word "monsters" emphasizes the speaker's fear and the line "That I cannot face" suggests that the speaker is unable to confront these emotions.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's realization that these emotions are a part of them. The line "They are a part of me" suggests that the speaker has come to accept that these emotions are a part of their identity. The use of the word "part" emphasizes the speaker's understanding that these emotions are not separate from them, but rather a part of who they are.
The final stanza of the poem describes the speaker's acceptance of these emotions. The line "I must accept them" suggests that the speaker has come to terms with these emotions. The use of the word "must" emphasizes the speaker's understanding that they cannot ignore or suppress these emotions. The line "And learn to live with them" suggests that the speaker has come to understand that these emotions are a part of their life and that they must learn to coexist with them.
Overall, "The Terrible Abstractions" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the struggles of the human mind. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of unease and discomfort, which effectively conveys the speaker's emotions. The poem is a reminder that emotions are a part of the human experience and that we must learn to accept and coexist with them.
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