Poem Analysis - Art

Overall Impression and Tone

Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem "Art" presents a vivid and optimistic vision of how art can transform the mundane into the magical. The poem begins with a sense of wonder and possibility, inviting the reader to imagine a world where everyday objects and spaces are imbued with grace and romance. The tone is hopeful and inspirational, encouraging the reader to see the beauty and potential in their surroundings. There is a shift in mood towards the end, where the poem takes on a more philosophical tone, reflecting on the role of art in human life.

Themes of Transformation and Inspiration

The primary theme of the poem is the transformative power of art. Emerson suggests that art can bring beauty and romance to even the most ordinary things, such as barrows, trays, and pans. The imagery of moonlight in the noon and gardens on paved streets illustrates this theme, showing how art can make the ordinary extraordinary. The poem also explores the theme of inspiration, suggesting that art can inspire people to see the world in a new way and to find beauty in unexpected places.

The Role of Art in Human Life

Another key theme is the role of art in human life. Emerson suggests that art can help people to acclimate to their environment and to find meaning in their lives. The phrase "bend the exile to his fate" suggests that art can help people to accept and even embrace their circumstances, finding beauty and meaning in their lives. The poem also suggests that art can help people to connect with the past and the future, restoring the past and adorning the present. The final lines of the poem suggest that art can help people to live on even terms with time, finding a sense of continuity and connection in their lives.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and recurring symbols. The image of the drudge in a dusty frock spying behind the city clock retinues of airy kings, skirts of angels, and starry wings is particularly striking. This image suggests that even the most ordinary people can find beauty and magic in their lives if they look for it. The image of the slender rill of human sense being overfilled by upper life is also significant, suggesting that art can help people to transcend their ordinary lives and connect with something greater. The poem also uses the symbol of the city to represent the ordinary and the mundane, suggesting that art can transform even the most ordinary places into something beautiful and magical.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Art" is a powerful exploration of the transformative power of art. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, the poem suggests that art can bring beauty and romance to even the most ordinary things, inspiring people to see the world in a new way. The poem also reflects on the role of art in human life, suggesting that art can help people to acclimate to their environment, find meaning in their lives, and connect with the past and the future. Ultimately, the poem offers a hopeful and inspirational vision of the power of art to transform the world and the lives of those who inhabit it.