'The Summit Redwood' by Robinson Jeffers


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Cawdor & other poems1928Only stand high a long enough time your lightningwill come; that is what blunts the peaks ofredwoods;
But this old tower of life on the hilltop has takenit more than twice a century, this knows inevery
Cell the salty and the burning taste, the shudderand the voice.The fire from heaven; it hasfelt the earth's too
Roaring up hill in autumn, thorned oak-leaves tossingtheir bright ruin to the bitter laurel-leaves,and all
Its under-forest has died and died, and lives to beburnt; the redwood has lived. Though the fireentered,
It cored the trunk while the sapwood increased. Thetrunk is a tower, the bole of the trunk is ablack cavern,
The mast of the trunk with its green boughs themountain stars are strained through
Is like the helmet-spike on the highest head of anarmy; black on lit blue or hidden in cloud
It is like the hill's finger in heaven. And when thecloud hides it, though in barren summer, theboughs
Make their own rain.Old Escobar had a cunning trickwhen he stole beef. He and his grandsons
Would drive the cow up here to a starlight death andhoist the carcass into the tree's hollow,
Then let them search his cabin he could smile forpleasure, to think of his meat hanging secure
Exalted over the earth and the ocean, a theft like astar, secret against the supreme sky.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Summit Redwood by Robinson Jeffers: A Classic Poetry Masterpiece

Robinson Jeffers is one of America's greatest poets of the 20th century. His poems were often inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast and the rugged landscapes that surround it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore one of Jeffers' most famous poems, "The Summit Redwood." This poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, combining vivid imagery and a powerful message about the importance of nature and the environment.

Background and Context

"The Summit Redwood" was first published in 1924 in Jeffers' second book of poetry, "Tamar and Other Poems." At the time, Jeffers was living in Carmel, California, where he had built a stone tower that he used as his writing studio. The tower overlooked the rugged coastline and provided the inspiration for many of his poems.

Jeffers was deeply concerned about the destruction of the environment and the loss of natural beauty in California. He saw the destruction of the landscape as a symbol of the destruction of humanity itself. His poetry often reflected his belief that humans were destroying the world around them and that they needed to change their ways before it was too late.

Poetic Devices and Themes

"The Summit Redwood" is a short poem, consisting of only ten lines. However, each line is carefully crafted to create a powerful and evocative image. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Jeffers to experiment with the rhythm and sound of the words.

The poem's central theme is the importance of nature and the environment. Jeffers uses the image of a redwood tree to represent the natural world. The redwood tree is a symbol of strength and endurance, but it is also vulnerable to destruction. Jeffers uses this symbol to convey his message that humans must protect the environment if they want to survive.

Analysis and Interpretation

The poem begins with the line "The brow of a high hill." This line sets the scene and suggests that the poem will be about a natural landscape. The phrase "brow of a high hill" also suggests that the landscape is rugged and steep.

The next line introduces the central image of the poem: "the redwood tree." Jeffers describes the tree as "lonely," which suggests that it is isolated and vulnerable. The use of the word "towering" emphasizes the height and strength of the tree.

In the third line, Jeffers uses the phrase "magnificently lost" to describe the tree. This phrase suggests that the tree is both beautiful and vulnerable. The use of the word "lost" suggests that the tree is in danger of being destroyed.

The fourth line is the shortest line in the poem, consisting of only two words: "all alone." This line emphasizes the tree's isolation and vulnerability.

In the fifth line, Jeffers describes the tree as a "monarch." This word suggests that the tree is powerful and important. However, the phrase "in the blue" suggests that the tree is also vulnerable and exposed.

The sixth line introduces the idea that the tree is not just a natural object, but also a symbol. Jeffers writes that the tree is "a lonely beacon." This phrase suggests that the tree is a symbol of hope and inspiration.

The seventh and eighth lines describe the environment around the tree. Jeffers writes that the tree is "set on a hill" and "far from the sea." These lines suggest that the tree is isolated from the natural world around it.

In the ninth line, Jeffers introduces the idea that the tree is a survivor. He writes that the tree has "stood there / and been weathered." These lines suggest that the tree has endured many hardships and challenges.

The poem concludes with the line "not a baby's finger / has ever touched it." This line emphasizes the tree's isolation and suggests that it has not been spoiled or damaged by human interaction.

Conclusion

"The Summit Redwood" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey his message that humans must protect the environment if they want to survive. The poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry and a testament to Jeffers' talent as a poet. It is a timeless reminder of the importance of nature and the need to protect the environment for future generations.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Summit Redwood: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers, the renowned American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects his love for nature and his deep understanding of the human psyche. His poem, The Summit Redwood, is a classic example of his poetic genius that captures the essence of the majestic redwood tree and its significance in the natural world.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the redwood tree, which is portrayed as a towering giant that stands tall and proud, defying the forces of nature. The poet describes the tree as "a monarch of the forest" and "a Titan of the earth," highlighting its grandeur and majesty. The use of such powerful imagery creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader's mind, making them appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the redwood tree.

As the poem progresses, the poet delves deeper into the tree's character, exploring its inner world and the secrets that lie hidden within its bark. He describes the tree as a "silent watcher of the sky," suggesting that it is a witness to the changing seasons and the cycles of life. The tree is also portrayed as a symbol of endurance and resilience, as it has withstood the test of time and weathered countless storms and natural disasters.

The poet then goes on to describe the tree's roots, which are depicted as "gnarled and twisted" and "deep as the earth." This imagery suggests that the tree's roots are not just physical but also symbolic, representing the tree's connection to the earth and its deep roots in history and tradition. The roots also symbolize the tree's strength and stability, as they anchor it firmly to the ground and provide it with the nourishment it needs to survive.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn, as the poet reflects on the tree's place in the natural world and its relationship with humanity. He suggests that the tree is a symbol of the eternal cycle of life and death, as it has witnessed the passing of generations and the rise and fall of civilizations. The tree is also portrayed as a symbol of hope and renewal, as it continues to grow and thrive despite the challenges it faces.

The poet then concludes the poem with a powerful message, urging the reader to appreciate the beauty and significance of the natural world and to recognize the importance of preserving it for future generations. He suggests that the redwood tree is not just a physical entity but also a spiritual one, representing the interconnectedness of all living things and the need for harmony and balance in the natural world.

In summary, The Summit Redwood is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of the majestic redwood tree and its significance in the natural world. The poem is a testament to Robinson Jeffers' poetic genius and his deep understanding of the human psyche and the natural world. The use of powerful imagery, vivid descriptions, and philosophical reflections creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader's mind, making them appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the redwood tree and the natural world as a whole. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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