Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tower Beyond Tragedy" is a long narrative poem written by Robinson Jeffers and published in 1941. The poem tells the story of King Oedipus of Thebes and his downfall, drawing on the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus.

Explanation:

The poem opens with an invocation to the Muses, asking them to help the poet tell the story of Oedipus and his tragic fate. The narrator then introduces the city of Thebes, ruled by King Oedipus, who is described as a proud and powerful leader. However, the kingdom is afflicted by a terrible plague, and Oedipus consults an oracle to find out what is causing it. The oracle tells him that the plague is a punishment for the murder of the previous king, Laius, whose killer has not been brought to justice.

Determined to uncover the truth, Oedipus sets out to investigate Laius' death, despite warnings that he might not like what he finds. Through a series of revelations and confrontations, Oedipus eventually discovers that he himself is Laius' murderer and that he has unwittingly married his own mother, Jocasta. Overwhelmed with grief and horror, Jocasta takes her own life, and Oedipus blinds himself in a fit of madness.

The poem ends with the Chorus mourning the tragedy that has befallen the city of Thebes and reflecting on the ultimate futility of human ambition and power.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Tower Beyond Tragedy" is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid and powerful images, particularly in its descriptions of the plague, Oedipus' investigation, and his final realization of the truth.
• Symbolism: The story of Oedipus is a powerful symbol of the limits of human knowledge and the tragic consequences of pride and arrogance.
• Irony: The poem is full of irony, particularly in the way that Oedipus' efforts to uncover the truth about Laius' death end up revealing his own guilt.

Summary:

"Tower Beyond Tragedy" is a powerful and deeply moving retelling of the Oedipus myth. Through his masterful use of language, imagery, and symbolism, Jeffers captures the tragedy and despair of the human condition, while also reminding us of the enduring power of myth to illuminate and explore the deepest mysteries of the human experience.

Poem Snippet:

"The high hill
Of Thebes is crowned
Cowering in her nest of stone, a wolf asleep,
A monstrous womb of litter waiting to spring,
But so proud she has never consented to breed
Leaders of men; only fat pricks of men
She gave them, the citizens,
In token of her honor toward her own womb."

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