'Time Of Disturbance' by Robinson Jeffers


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

Hungerfield & Other Poems1954The best is, in war or faction or ordinary vindictivelife, not to take sides.
Leave it for children, and the emotional rabble of thestreets, to back their horse or support a brawler.But if you are forced into it: remember that good andevil are as common as air, and like air shared
By the panting belligerents; the moral indignation thathoarsens orators is mostly a fool.Hold your nose and compromise; keep a cold mind. Fight,if needs must; hate no one. Do as God does,
Or the tragic poets: they crush their man without hatinghim, their Lear or Hitler, and often save withoutlove.As for these quarrels, they are like the moon, recurrentand fantastic. They have their beauty but night'sis better.
It is better to be silent than make a noise. It is betterto strike dead than strike often. It is better notto strike.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Robinson Jeffers' Time of Disturbance: A Literary Marvel

As a reader, one cannot help but be captivated by Robinson Jeffers' Time of Disturbance - a poetic masterpiece that explores themes of war, nature, and the human condition. This stunning piece of literature is a reflection of the poet's views on the role of humanity in a chaotic world, and how we must embrace the beauty of nature to survive.

The poem paints a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where humanity is constantly at war with itself. Jeffers' use of descriptive language and powerful imagery draws the reader in, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:

"Thunder beneath us and thunder Over the houses and walls, Thunder along the sky. All of the earth is shaken."

These lines immediately transport the reader into the heart of the chaos, as Jeffers describes the thunderous sounds of war that echo throughout the land. The poem takes on a prophetic quality, warning of the dangers of war and the destruction it can bring.

Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses nature as a contrast to the violence and destruction of humanity. He highlights the natural beauty of the world, and how it can provide solace in times of turmoil. This is evident in lines such as:

"The trees are still beautiful. The hills are still green."

Here, Jeffers suggests that even in the midst of war, nature remains unchanged and constant. It is a reminder that there is still beauty in the world, even when everything else seems to be falling apart.

Another notable aspect of Jeffers' poem is his use of biblical allusions. He references the Book of Revelation, likening the war to the end of the world. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as Jeffers draws on religious imagery to convey the gravity of the situation. The use of such allusions serves to heighten the tension and urgency of the poem, making it clear that the events described have dire consequences.

One of the most striking features of Time of Disturbance is Jeffers' use of language. His words are carefully chosen, and he uses vivid imagery to create a powerful sense of atmosphere. This is especially evident in the following lines:

"The sunsets glow in the west. The smoke of the burning cities Streams up the sky."

Here, Jeffers juxtaposes the natural beauty of the sunset with the destruction wrought by war, creating a haunting image that is difficult to forget. The use of such language serves to convey the horror of war, while also highlighting the beauty that still exists in the world.

In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' Time of Disturbance is a literary marvel that explores themes of war, nature, and the human condition. His use of descriptive language and powerful imagery draws the reader in, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. By contrasting the violence of humanity with the beauty of nature, Jeffers reminds us of the importance of embracing the natural world. His use of biblical allusions and striking language serve to heighten the tension and urgency of the poem, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Time of Disturbance is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that deserves to be read and celebrated.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Time of Disturbance: A Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers, an American poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that reflects his love for nature and his deep concern for the environment. His works are characterized by their philosophical depth, their vivid imagery, and their powerful language. One of his most famous poems, "Poetry Time of Disturbance," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic style and his worldview.

The poem was written in 1941, during a time of great turmoil in the world. The Second World War was raging, and the world was in a state of chaos and uncertainty. Jeffers, who was known for his pacifist views, was deeply disturbed by the violence and destruction that he saw around him. In "Poetry Time of Disturbance," he expresses his feelings of despair and hopelessness, but also his belief in the power of poetry to bring about change.

The poem begins with a powerful image of the sea, which is a recurring motif in Jeffers' poetry. He describes the sea as "a great beast" that is "restless and terrible." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of destruction and chaos. Jeffers uses the sea as a metaphor for the world, which is also restless and unpredictable.

In the second stanza, Jeffers introduces the theme of poetry. He describes poetry as "a voice that rises from the dead," suggesting that poetry has the power to transcend death and to speak to future generations. He also describes poetry as a "wilderness," which is a recurring motif in his poetry. For Jeffers, the wilderness represents the natural world, which is pure and unspoiled by human civilization.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. Jeffers describes the world as a "madhouse," where people are "hurled against each other" and "torn by the teeth of the wind." This image of chaos and violence is a reflection of the world that Jeffers saw around him. He expresses his despair at the state of the world, but also his belief in the power of poetry to bring about change. He writes, "But poetry, the immortal wine, shall take / The hearts of men and change them into stars."

In the fourth stanza, Jeffers returns to the theme of the sea. He describes the sea as a "great mother," who "nurses the earth." This image of the sea as a nurturing force is a contrast to the earlier image of the sea as a "great beast." Jeffers suggests that the sea has the power to heal the wounds of the world, just as poetry has the power to heal the wounds of the human heart.

The final stanza is a call to action. Jeffers urges his readers to "rise up and dance with the storm," to embrace the chaos and uncertainty of the world. He suggests that only by embracing the storm can we hope to find a way forward. He writes, "For we are the children of the storm, / And the eyes of the future are looking back at us."

In conclusion, "Poetry Time of Disturbance" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It captures the essence of Robinson Jeffers' poetic style and his worldview. The poem is a reflection of the chaos and uncertainty of the world during the Second World War, but it is also a call to action. Jeffers suggests that poetry has the power to bring about change, and that only by embracing the storm can we hope to find a way forward. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to speak to future generations and to inspire us to create a better world.

Editor Recommended Sites

WebGPU Guide: Learn WebGPU from tutorials, courses and best practice
GPT Prompt Masterclass: Masterclass on prompt engineering
Idea Share: Share dev ideas with other developers, startup ideas, validation checking
Learn Prompt Engineering: Prompt Engineering using large language models, chatGPT, GPT-4, tutorials and guides
Customer Experience: Best practice around customer experience management

Recommended Similar Analysis

A Brook In The City by Robert Frost analysis
To My Mother by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
Pheasant by Sylvia Plath analysis
Mellonta Tauta by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
I like to see it lap the Miles by Emily Dickinson analysis
The Silent Battle by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Meeting And Passing by Robert Frost analysis
Little Vagabond, The by William Blake analysis
Come Sleep, O Sleep! The Certain Knot Of Peace by Sir Philip Sidney analysis
Why Did I Laugh Tonight? No Voice Will Tell by John Keats analysis