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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
William Stanley Merwin's poem "Division" is a profound and allegorical exploration of the origins of human separation and the complexities of relationships, unity, and loneliness. Through the use of mythic imagery and a narrative that blends creation and division, Merwin delves into the inherent dualities of existence and the perpetual search for connection and wholeness. The poem begins with the assertion that "People are divided" because a "finger god named One was lonely." This introduction immediately establishes the theme of loneliness as a fundamental condition that leads to creation. The "finger god" represents an anthropomorphic force that embodies unity but also isolation. In its loneliness, it creates a "brother like him named Other One," which introduces the first division—an attempt to alleviate loneliness through the creation of a companion. However, this initial act of creation does not resolve the loneliness; instead, it multiplies it. The god and his brother, "both lonely," continue to create: "each made for himself four others / all twins." The multiplication of beings, rather than bringing unity or satisfaction, results in further division and complexity. The poem suggests that the act of creation, driven by the desire to overcome loneliness, inherently produces more separation. As the beings grow in number, they become "afraid that they would lose each other / and be lonely." This fear of losing connection leads them to create "two hands / to hold them together." The hands symbolize an effort to maintain unity and closeness, to physically bridge the growing divides. Yet, even this attempt fails, as "the hands drifted apart," highlighting the difficulty of maintaining connection in the face of increasing complexity and division. In response to the drifting hands, the beings create "two arms," with the belief that "Between two arms / there is always a heart / and the heart will be for us all." The heart is envisioned as a unifying force, a center of connection and feeling that will bind them together. This idea reflects a deep-seated human desire for a shared emotional core that can transcend physical and existential separations. However, the poem takes a poignant turn when it reveals that "the heart between them / beat two ways / already for whoever / was to come." This dual beating of the heart signifies the inherent division within even the most central and seemingly unifying aspect of existence. The heart, instead of unifying the beings, is already oriented toward the future, toward "whoever would / come after." This suggests that division and separation are intrinsic to the human condition, as even the heart, symbolizing love and unity, is divided in its focus and purpose. The closing lines of the poem, "one by one," emphasize the inevitability of individual separation and the solitary nature of existence. Despite the attempts to create connection and unity, the beings are ultimately left with the reality that each is separate, distinct, and alone in their journey through life. "Division" is a deeply philosophical reflection on the nature of creation, loneliness, and the perpetual human struggle to find connection in a world defined by separation. Merwin's use of mythic and symbolic language captures the paradoxical nature of existence, where the very acts meant to unite and alleviate loneliness often lead to further division and complexity. The poem invites readers to consider the dualities inherent in life and the ways in which our efforts to overcome isolation are intertwined with the reality of separation. Through its poignant and thought-provoking narrative, "Division" offers a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring quest for connection in a divided world.
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