|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Howard Nemerov's "Beginner's Guide" reflects on the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring curiosity that drives individuals to explore the natural world, despite its overwhelming complexity and the limitations of human understanding. Through the lens of an individual’s lifelong quest for learning, Nemerov celebrates the act of discovery and the intrinsic value of curiosity. The poem begins by describing the remnants of past enthusiasms: "They stand in the corner, on a shadowy shelf, / Field Books of This, Beginner's Guide to That," suggesting a nostalgic collection of guides that were once eagerly pursued. These books are "Remainders of an abdicated self / That wanted knowledge of no matter what," indicating that the desire to learn was all-encompassing, driven by a pure love of knowledge rather than practical necessity. Nemerov then recounts the specific interests of this curious individual. "Of flowers, was it?" he asks, recalling how each spring, the individual would seek out the earliest blooms, "press and memorize / A dozen pale beginners of the year / That open almost among the melting snows." This seasonal ritual provided a sense of control and mastery over a small, manageable part of nature, which offered comfort and satisfaction until the overwhelming diversity of summer arrived. The focus then shifts to birds, which present a greater challenge due to their mobility: "At least the flowers would stand still / For amateurs, but these flighty alightings / Would not." Despite the difficulty of identifying birds without harming them, the individual persisted, preferring to observe sedentary species and cross-reference them with Peterson’s guidebooks. This meticulous approach underscores a dedication to learning while maintaining ethical standards. Nemerov highlights the transient nature of birdwatching, as "On the wings and wits God gave 'em they'd migrate," rendering the individual's efforts both rewarding and frustrating. The cyclical challenge of identifying "Confusing Fall Warblers" each autumn symbolizes the ongoing struggle to grasp the ever-changing world. The poem then addresses the individual's interest in astronomy, which expands the scope of their curiosity to the cosmos. The sheer number of stars, "so many more of them / There were since boyhood," illustrates the rapid advancement of scientific knowledge and the difficulty of keeping pace. Despite purchasing a telescope and attempting to memorize constellations, the task becomes daunting, leading to a sense of hopelessness. Nemerov contemplates the value of these pursuits: "Was it a waste, the time and the expense, / Buying the books, going into the field / To make some mind of what was only sense?" The rhetorical question is answered with a resounding "no," as the act of learning itself is portrayed as inherently valuable. The individual's experiences, although not resulting in authoritative expertise, contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the world. In the final lines, Nemerov captures the essence of lifelong curiosity: "The world was always being wider / And deeper and wiser than his little wit, / But it felt good to know the hundred names / And say them, in the warm room, in the winter." Despite the vastness of the world and the limitations of individual comprehension, the act of naming and understanding even a fraction of it provides comfort and satisfaction. The individual remains "its wondering beginner," perpetually engaged in the joyful pursuit of knowledge. "Beginner's Guide" by Howard Nemerov celebrates the enduring spirit of curiosity and the intrinsic value of learning. Through vivid imagery and reflective narrative, Nemerov underscores the importance of the journey of discovery, regardless of the scope of one's achievements. The poem invites readers to cherish their own quests for understanding and to find solace in the knowledge they gather along the way.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
| |