'On Building With Stone' by Robinson Jeffers
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To be an ape in little of the mountain-making mother
Like swarthy Cheops, but my own hands
For only slaves, is a far sweeter toil than to cut
Passions in verse for a sick people.
I'd liefer bed one boulder in the house-wall than be the time's
Archilochus: we name not Homer: who now
Can even imagine the fabulous dawn when bay-leaves (to a blind
Beggar) were not bitter in the teeth?
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Building With Stone: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, where do I even begin? Robinson Jeffers' "On Building With Stone" is such a masterpiece that it's hard to put into words just how incredible it is. This poem is more than just a mere ode to the beauty of stone; it's a meditation on the human condition and our relationship with nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the themes, symbols, and language used in the poem to explore its deeper meaning.
Themes
At its core, "On Building With Stone" is a poem about the human desire for permanence and stability in the face of impermanence and change. Jeffers recognizes that, as humans, we are constantly building and creating things in an attempt to leave a lasting mark on the world. But he also acknowledges that this desire for permanence is often at odds with the natural world, which is constantly changing and evolving.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers draws attention to the fact that stone is one of the few things that can withstand the test of time. He describes it as "eternal," and contrasts it with the "fleeting" nature of human life. This is most apparent in the following lines:
The strong things of the hills endure
As the long walls of living stone endure,
Built to withstand the wind and lightnings and the stars.
Here, Jeffers is suggesting that the only way for us to achieve any kind of lasting legacy is by building with stone. By doing so, we are aligning ourselves with the natural world and its enduring strength.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of isolation and self-sufficiency. Jeffers describes the stone builder as someone who "stands alone," and who is able to create something that is self-sustaining and self-reliant. This is reflected in lines like:
He builds, stone upon stone,
He cleaves out rock-faces for foundations,
Puts forth great beams, puts great stones on the beams.
Here, Jeffers is not just describing the physical act of building with stone; he is also suggesting that the stone builder is someone who is able to create something that is independent and self-reliant, much like the natural world itself.
Symbols
One of the most powerful symbols in "On Building With Stone" is, of course, stone itself. Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses stone as a metaphor for the enduring strength of the natural world. He describes it as "eternal," "immovable," and "indomitable," all of which serve to reinforce the idea that stone is one of the few things that can withstand the test of time.
But stone is not just a symbol of the natural world; it is also a symbol of human creativity and ingenuity. Jeffers describes the stone builder as someone who is able to "cleave out rock-faces" and "put forth great beams," all of which require a great deal of skill and craftsmanship. By using stone as a symbol for human creativity, Jeffers is suggesting that our ability to create something enduring is not just a product of our connection to the natural world, but also a testament to our own ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the idea of isolation and self-sufficiency. Jeffers describes the stone builder as someone who is able to "stand alone," and who is able to create something that is completely self-sustaining. This is reflected in lines like:
And he himself,
Who builds with the stone,
Builds for mankind!
Here, Jeffers is suggesting that the stone builder is not just working for his own benefit, but for the benefit of all of mankind. By building something that is self-sufficient and enduring, the stone builder is creating something that will last long after he is gone, and that will benefit future generations.
Language
One of the things that makes "On Building With Stone" such a powerful poem is the language that Jeffers uses to describe the natural world. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid, evocative language to bring the natural world to life. Consider, for example, the following lines:
Here on the stone,
We know the mountain's secret heart,
We see the red stones lift over the haze
Of lowlands and the clouds of the sea-plain.
In these lines, Jeffers is not just describing a physical landscape; he is also evoking a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and power of the natural world. By using language that is both vivid and evocative, Jeffers is able to bring the reader into the world of the stone builder, and to help us understand the deep connection that he has with the natural world.
Another important aspect of Jeffers' language is the way that he uses repetition and parallel structure to reinforce his themes. Consider, for example, the following lines:
The strong things of the hills endure
As the long walls of living stone endure,
Built to withstand the wind and lightnings and the stars.
Here, Jeffers is using parallel structure to draw a comparison between the enduring strength of the natural world and the strength of the stone builder's creations. By repeating the phrase "endure" and using parallel structure, Jeffers is able to drive home the idea that stone is one of the few things that can withstand the test of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "On Building With Stone" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores complex themes of human nature and our relationship with the natural world. Through powerful symbols and vivid language, Robinson Jeffers is able to create a world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring, and that helps us to understand the deep connection that we have with the natural world. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, "On Building With Stone" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On Building With Stone: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that blends nature, philosophy, and mythology. His poem "Poetry On Building With Stone" is a masterpiece that reflects his love for nature and his belief in the power of the natural world. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a description of a stone house that is built on a hill overlooking the sea. The speaker marvels at the beauty of the house and the skill of the builders who created it. He notes that the house is made of "granite, limestone, and marble" and that it is "stronger than the passionate hearts / Of people who built it long ago." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which celebrates the enduring power of nature and the human spirit.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the natural world. He notes that poetry is like a "stone house" in that it is built to last and withstand the ravages of time. He also suggests that poetry is a way of connecting with the natural world, saying that "Poetry is the voice of the rock / That is the voice of the sea / Speaking to us of the earth / And the sky and the stars."
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery to convey his message. He describes the stone house as "a fortress of the soul / That is built to last forever." He also uses the image of the sea to represent the power and beauty of nature, saying that "The sea is the mother of life / And the father of death / And the source of all things that are."
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of symbolism. Jeffers uses the stone house as a symbol of human resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit. He suggests that the house is a testament to the strength and determination of the people who built it, and that it serves as a reminder of their legacy. He also uses the sea as a symbol of the natural world and its power to shape and transform the world around us.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of timelessness. Jeffers suggests that the stone house is a timeless monument to the human spirit, and that it will endure long after the people who built it have passed away. He also suggests that poetry is a timeless art form that will continue to inspire and connect people across generations.
In conclusion, "Poetry On Building With Stone" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the enduring power of nature and the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Jeffers reminds us of the beauty and resilience of the natural world, and the importance of connecting with it through art and poetry. This poem is a testament to Jeffers' skill as a poet and his deep love for the natural world, and it continues to inspire and move readers today.
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