|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The poem begins with the image of a late-rising, violent moon, setting a tone of foreboding and unrest. This moon is not just a celestial body but a symbol of the tumult and violence unfolding on Earth, as perceived by "the English or the American beholder; / The French beholder." Berryman underscores the universal impact of the conflict, highlighting the shared experience of cold, discomfort, and suffering among soldiers, refugees, and civilians alike. Berryman introduces a seemingly unrelated incident on Outer Driver, where a "stupid well-intentioned man" meets an untimely death in an accident. This event, while minor in the grand scheme of the war, is significant in its demonstration of the fragility of life and the randomness of death. Berryman insists on the importance of this individual's fate, emphasizing that he was "a part of the night, part of the land," thus connecting personal tragedies to the larger narrative of war and loss. The poem then shifts to a more intimate setting, where the speaker, presumably Berryman, and a companion named Michael engage in a game of chess. This game becomes a metaphor for the strategic and often futile maneuvers of war, with each move fraught with tension and uncertainty. The mention of being "caught in the European eye" suggests that their thoughts are with the unfolding events in Europe, making it "difficult at last to keep one’s mind on" the game. Berryman reflects on the dire predictions of "the man in London" and the bleak outlook shared with Michael: a future where expression is suppressed, culture is lost, and history itself may come to a "speechless end," as Henry Adams suggested. This sense of impending doom captures the existential crisis faced by individuals and societies in times of war. The poem concludes by revisiting the night's historical significance, questioning the motivations and actions of King Leopold of Belgium and their catastrophic consequences. Berryman contemplates the ongoing nature of war, the unknowable fate of countless individuals, and the pervasive sense of desolation. The final line, "and the moon in the breast of man is cold," serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of hope, warmth, and humanity in the face of relentless conflict. Through "The Moon and the Night and the Men," Berryman offers a deeply reflective and evocative commentary on the human condition during wartime, weaving together personal moments with historical events to underscore the interconnectedness of individual lives and the broader currents of history.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PORT OF EMBARKATION by RANDALL JARRELL GREATER GRANDEUR by ROBINSON JEFFERS FAMILY GROUP by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE IN PICTURES by JAMES MCMICHAEL READING MY POEMS FROM WORLD WAR II by WILLIAM MEREDITH |
| |