And yet the books will be there on the shelves, separate beings,
That appeared once, still wet
As shining chestnuts under a tree in autumn,
And, touched, coddled, began to live
In spite of fires on the horizon, castles blown up,
Tribes on the march, planets in motion.
“We are, ” they said, even as their pages
Were being torn out, or a buzzing flame
Licked away their letters. So much more durable
Than we are, whose frail warmth
Cools down with memory, disperses, perishes.
I imagine the earth when I am no more:
Nothing happens, no loss, it’s still a strange pageant,
Women’s dresses, dewy lilacs, a song in the valley.
Yet the books will be there on the shelves, well born,
Derived from people, but also from radiance, heights.
Czeslaw Milosz
Poems by Czeslaw Mil
QUESTION: World War 2 and Nazism influenced many European writers. In this selection identify the tones and perspectives this writer brings to bear on this subject?
I don't really understand what all this poem has to do with Nazism? Is it saying that even though bad things are happening wars, fires, etc. things will one day be good again with books , "women's dresses, dewy lilacs, a song in the valley..."
even as their pages
Were being torn out, or a buzzing flame
Licked away their letters.
This is referring to the Nazi book-burnings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings
In spite of fires on the horizon,
And to Kristallnacht:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristallnacht
Can you find the other references in the poem to actions of the Nazis?
And the poem concludes with these lines:
Yet the books will be there on the shelves, well born,
Derived from people, but also from radiance, heights.
Put it all together. What do you think?
1st reference - book burnings
2nd reference - bombings?
3rd reference - The poetry from resistance?
In this poem by Czeslaw Milosz, the influence of World War II and Nazism can be seen in the tones and perspectives expressed by the writer. Although the poem doesn't explicitly mention Nazism or war, it alludes to the turbulent times and the destruction caused by these events.
The tone of the poem can be described as contemplative and reflective. The poet acknowledges the chaos and violence happening around them, such as fires on the horizon, castles blown up, tribes on the march, and planets in motion. These references can be interpreted as symbolic representations of the war and Nazi regime.
Despite the destruction and turmoil, the poet adopts a hopeful perspective. They highlight the durability of books, which survive even when their pages are torn out or consumed by flames. The image of books on the shelves represents the endurance of knowledge, culture, and human spirit in the face of adversity.
The reference to "well-born" books derived from people and radiance suggests that literature and art are sources of enlightenment and inspiration. The poet imagines a future where the world returns to normalcy, with images of nature and beauty, such as women's dresses, dewy lilacs, and a song in the valley.
While the poem may not explicitly address Nazism, it can be interpreted as a reflection on the resilience of human civilization and hope for a brighter future despite the destructive forces unleashed by the war and the Nazi ideology.
In order to understand the connection between World War 2, Nazism, and the tones and perspectives in this poem, it is necessary to analyze its context and underlying themes.
Firstly, it is important to note that the poem is not explicitly mentioning Nazism or World War 2. Instead, it addresses the durability and endurance of books in the face of destruction and chaos. However, the historical events of World War 2 and the rise of Nazism can offer insights into the poet's perspective.
The poem reflects a sense of resilience and hope amidst destruction. Lines such as "And, touched, coddled, began to live / In spite of fires on the horizon, castles blown up" convey the idea that books have the ability to survive and persist even in challenging times. This can be seen as a metaphor for the endurance of art and culture in the face of tyranny.
Furthermore, the description of books as "more durable than we are" suggests a contrast between the transient nature of human existence and the lasting impact of literature. This juxtaposition can be interpreted as a critique of the ephemeral and fragile nature of human memory and society, particularly in the context of the horrors of World War 2. It implies that the atrocities committed during this period cannot erase the knowledge and wisdom encapsulated within books.
The mention of "fires on the horizon" and "tribes on the march" can be understood as references to the chaos and upheaval of war. By juxtaposing these images with the presence of books, the poet might be suggesting that, in spite of the darkness, there is still beauty and solace to be found in literature and art.
Overall, while the poem does not explicitly address Nazism, it can be interpreted as conveying a perspective that emphasizes the endurance of culture and the hopeful possibility of renewal amid destruction.