Poetry Anthology: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Poetry Anthology Afterword
Alicia Martin-Vega
2/23/13
As we grow up, we are exposed to countless paths that we can follow. These paths are filled with beliefs and experiences that make us who we are in the end. My anthology highlights the path of one passionate man, Ralph Waldo Emerson took. The specific poems I will be addressing by him; “The Snow-Storm”, “Brahma” and “Days” are just a few out of the various paths Emerson followed. The first poem I will be addressing is “The Snow-Storm”, this poem is expressing the transcendentalist journey that Emerson experienced. He believes that, God does not have to reveal the truth but that the truth could be experienced directly from nature. This idea is specifically referenced in the lines, “Seems
nowhere to alight: the whited air Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heaven” (3-4). The poem also speaks of the power of the snowstorm and nature in general. The snow is a creative force that leaves behind wonderful works of art of those who observe, but it is also a destructive force for those who are misled by its ability to disuse. We need to be able to see beyond the illusions the snowstorm creates in order to be illuminated rather than blinded. It goes on to say, “And when his hours are numbered, and the world, Is all his own, retiring, as he were not, Leaves, when the sun appears, astonished Art To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone” (23-26). These lines explain the symbolism with the sun and how it “retires” the snow. The observer/poet admires the work of art but knows that he has a lot more to discover. The second poem portrays an interesting path that Emerson experienced. “Brahma” reveals the Hindu version of transcendentalism and the divine relationship and continuity of life and the unity of the universe. In the first stanza, Emerson expresses the continuity of life. He says that if a killer thinks he has killed another or if the dead think that they are truly well, they do not fully realize his power. Braham has the power to create, destroy and re-create, re-created is also known as reincarnation. The ultimate unity is expressed through the second stanza. Emerson portrays opposites such as shadow and sunlight, good and evil, in order to prove this philosophical belief. This belief is proven as he states that shadow and sunlight are the same as are shame and fame. Thus, when it comes down to it, the universe is built through harmony and not counteracting forces such as good and evil. In the last poem, “Days”, Emerson takes a look down all the paths he has traveled down. This poem differs from the other two because it relates to regret and long lost dreams. The feeling of slow movement, the Days walking in single file, is exquisite and immediately makes a deep impression on the imagination, as does the selection of offerings large and small. My impression is that Emerson is commenting with some measure of regret on the way of time and the way of the world. Our days promise to bring us anything we want, so long as we are willing to fight for it, but if we forget our “morning wishes” and opt for the simple things, the world looks down upon our choice. Not every path is a good experience but every one you learn something new about yourself. These different paths that we adventure down bring us over obstacles and it is our choice how to overcome them. My anthology highlights the just some of the journeys that Ralph Waldo Emerson experienced. The poems, “The Snow-Storm”, “Brahma” and “Days” by Emerson represent major beliefs and experiences that he prides in.
Alicia Martin-Vega
2/23/13
As we grow up, we are exposed to countless paths that we can follow. These paths are filled with beliefs and experiences that make us who we are in the end. My anthology highlights the path of one passionate man, Ralph Waldo Emerson took. The specific poems I will be addressing by him; “The Snow-Storm”, “Brahma” and “Days” are just a few out of the various paths Emerson followed. The first poem I will be addressing is “The Snow-Storm”, this poem is expressing the transcendentalist journey that Emerson experienced. He believes that, God does not have to reveal the truth but that the truth could be experienced directly from nature. This idea is specifically referenced in the lines, “Seems
nowhere to alight: the whited air Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heaven” (3-4). The poem also speaks of the power of the snowstorm and nature in general. The snow is a creative force that leaves behind wonderful works of art of those who observe, but it is also a destructive force for those who are misled by its ability to disuse. We need to be able to see beyond the illusions the snowstorm creates in order to be illuminated rather than blinded. It goes on to say, “And when his hours are numbered, and the world, Is all his own, retiring, as he were not, Leaves, when the sun appears, astonished Art To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone” (23-26). These lines explain the symbolism with the sun and how it “retires” the snow. The observer/poet admires the work of art but knows that he has a lot more to discover. The second poem portrays an interesting path that Emerson experienced. “Brahma” reveals the Hindu version of transcendentalism and the divine relationship and continuity of life and the unity of the universe. In the first stanza, Emerson expresses the continuity of life. He says that if a killer thinks he has killed another or if the dead think that they are truly well, they do not fully realize his power. Braham has the power to create, destroy and re-create, re-created is also known as reincarnation. The ultimate unity is expressed through the second stanza. Emerson portrays opposites such as shadow and sunlight, good and evil, in order to prove this philosophical belief. This belief is proven as he states that shadow and sunlight are the same as are shame and fame. Thus, when it comes down to it, the universe is built through harmony and not counteracting forces such as good and evil. In the last poem, “Days”, Emerson takes a look down all the paths he has traveled down. This poem differs from the other two because it relates to regret and long lost dreams. The feeling of slow movement, the Days walking in single file, is exquisite and immediately makes a deep impression on the imagination, as does the selection of offerings large and small. My impression is that Emerson is commenting with some measure of regret on the way of time and the way of the world. Our days promise to bring us anything we want, so long as we are willing to fight for it, but if we forget our “morning wishes” and opt for the simple things, the world looks down upon our choice. Not every path is a good experience but every one you learn something new about yourself. These different paths that we adventure down bring us over obstacles and it is our choice how to overcome them. My anthology highlights the just some of the journeys that Ralph Waldo Emerson experienced. The poems, “The Snow-Storm”, “Brahma” and “Days” by Emerson represent major beliefs and experiences that he prides in.