I didn't care for the poetry of Stephen Crane, but there were a few poems that stood out to me. I enjoyed "I Saw a Man Pursuing the Horizon." To me this poem represents the fact that people will blindly follow a path without question, regardless of logic and/or truth. Their lives are an exercise in futility. Another meaning I gleaned from this poem is that it could possibly be a portrayal of someone who is stubbornly set in his ways and refuses to change no matter how silly s/he is being.
The second poem I enjoyed was "In the Desert." I say enjoy, but it is such a bleak poem that perhaps I should let it suffice to say that I was moved by the imagery of the poem. While I couldn't formulate a concise meaning as to what Crane was trying to say, I think this poem might have something to do with bad habits. I believe Crane was saying something along the lines that some people will continue with the same, familiar habits even if those habits are detrimental. This poem may be a metaphor for the way people harm themselves with their own lifestyles.
The third poem I that I liked was "A Man Said to the Universe." I see this poem as an affront to Christianity, or, maybe, religion in general. Crane may be saying that there is probably no god who cares for humanity, but if there does happen to be one, he is unconcerned with people in general.
Crane's poetry spoke of his utter disdain towards people. His work as a journalist seems to have opened his eyes to the squalor and hypocrisy of society. His poems also reflect his (anti-) passion for was and all the atrocities it creates. As I said before, I didn't really care for these poems as a whole, but I do think Crane was a talented poet whose use of imagery is astounding.
No comments:
Post a Comment