What is the interpretation of Lines 1-8 of: On the Pulse of Morning? I honestly don't know what the author wants the reader to understand in this poem. It seems like an unsolvable question.. Anyone know at least a little about how to interpretate this poem?
Is this the poem?
from On the Pulse of Morning
BY MAYA ANGELOU
A Rock, A River, A Tree
Hosts to species long since departed,
Marked the mastodon,
The dinosaur, who left dried tokens
Of their sojourn here
On our planet floor,
Any broad alarm of their hastening doom
Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.
But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,
Come, you may stand upon my
Back and face your distant destiny,
But seek no haven in my shadow,
I will give you no hiding place down here.
You, created only a little lower than
The angels, have crouched too long in
The bruising darkness
Have lain too long
Facedown in ignorance,
Your mouths spilling words
Armed for slaughter.
The Rock cries out to us today,
You may stand upon me,
But do not hide your face.
What does that sentence (lines 1-8) say? That a lot of species of animals have come and gone through the ages? As the poem goes on, Ms. Angelou points out that we are now the species that is hosted by the Earth (the rock, river, and tree). What do we do about it? She hopes that we have the courage and grace to look up and out to our fellow man, our country, our rock and river and tree, with hope, and say, "good morning" on this new day. Morning is not the end of the day, it is the beginning. A new day. Face it with hope.
Thanks! I understand now.
To interpret a poem, it can be helpful to analyze the text, consider the author's background and message, and explore the literary devices and themes present. In the case of "On the Pulse of Morning," a poem written by Maya Angelou, a possible approach to understanding lines 1-8 is as follows:
1. "A Rock, A River, A Tree" - These three elements represent enduring symbols of strength, stability, and resilience. They may symbolize different aspects of nature or the natural world, highlighting their significance in the poem.
2. "Hosts to species long since departed" - This phrase suggests that the rock, river, and tree have witnessed the passing of various life forms over time. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the collective history embedded in nature.
3. "Marked the mastodon" - This line refers to the mastodon, an extinct prehistoric mammal, as an example of a species that once existed but is now extinct. It speaks to the impermanence of life and forces us to reflect on our own mortality.
4. "The dinosaur, who left dry tokens / Of their sojourn here" - Similar to the previous line, this line refers to the dinosaurs, another extinct species, leaving behind the remnants (dry tokens) of their presence. It implies that even though they are gone, evidence of their existence can still be found.
5. "On our backs we have borne the almost unbearable weight of the memory of slavery" - This line introduces a shift in focus towards the human experience. It acknowledges the history of slavery and suggests that humans have carried the heavy burden of its memory.
6. "Yet tied to hope, we still endure" - Despite the weight of this memory, the line suggests that hope is a force that helps humans endure. It highlights the resilience and determination of individuals who have faced adversity throughout history.
7. "The ships / Bearing cargoes of despair" - This line metaphorically refers to the slave ships that carried captive Africans to the Americas during the slave trade. It represents the immense suffering and hopelessness experienced by those who were enslaved.
8. "Force us to a new age" - This line suggests that the past, with its painful memories and hardships, motivates humanity to progress and evolve. It implies that by acknowledging the past and its lessons, we are propelled forward towards a new era.
This analysis provides an initial understanding of the poem's meaning and themes, such as the resilience of nature, the impermanence of life, the weight of history, and the power of hope. Further exploration of the poem may uncover additional layers of interpretation and personal insights.