The poem “Science” by Robinson Jeffers consists of fifteen lines describing the consequences of modern man which ends with a question of their ‘dream.’ The poem references man’s inventions, science and technology, and nature or the environment where man first came to live and proceeded to destroy. Jeffers begins with a description of man, and then ends by questioning, “who would have dreamed this infinitely little too much?” (14-15), referring to what man or humanity has done which displaying his perspective on humans and the natural environment. Jeffers shows both his contempt and disappointment in his fellow people who are destroying each other and nature. The poem begins with a simile between man and a maniac, “Man, introverted man… has
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While knives can symbolize health and comfort through something like a person cooking in a kitchen for their family or friends, it also does for danger and blood through murders and butchering. Knives represent man’s progression as “Now he’s bred knives …” (8). New inventions and knowledge similar to knives have contrasting uses, both positive and negative. While knowledge could be used to find the cures for diseases, it can also cause or create more. Words such as “forebodes” (10) and “destruction” (10) adds to a future warning humans of their coming downfall. The poet conveys a more grave tone with ominous diction. His words bring messages how something bad can and will happen if humanity continues to ‘birth’ more monsters. The tone tells how humanity is developing too fast. The symbol is followed by an allusion of man’s threat to themselves, “Actaeon who saw the goddess naked among the leaves and his hounds tore him up” (11-12). The allusion references Actaeon who was caught staying to watch Artemis bathing, and was punished by being turned into a stag where his hunting dogs killed him. Artemis being the goddess of hunt, wild animals, and virginity represents purity and nature. She represents freedom, and how humanity’s freedom was taken by the people by their own choice. Actaeon killed by his own hounds, also known as ‘man’s best friend’ are known as companions to man, being domesticated
While knives can symbolize health and comfort through something like a person cooking in a kitchen for their family or friends, it also does for danger and blood through murders and butchering. Knives represent man’s progression as “Now he’s bred knives …” (8). New inventions and knowledge similar to knives have contrasting uses, both positive and negative. While knowledge could be used to find the cures for diseases, it can also cause or create more. Words such as “forebodes” (10) and “destruction” (10) adds to a future warning humans of their coming downfall. The poet conveys a more grave tone with ominous diction. His words bring messages how something bad can and will happen if humanity continues to ‘birth’ more monsters. The tone tells how humanity is developing too fast. The symbol is followed by an allusion of man’s threat to themselves, “Actaeon who saw the goddess naked among the leaves and his hounds tore him up” (11-12). The allusion references Actaeon who was caught staying to watch Artemis bathing, and was punished by being turned into a stag where his hunting dogs killed him. Artemis being the goddess of hunt, wild animals, and virginity represents purity and nature. She represents freedom, and how humanity’s freedom was taken by the people by their own choice. Actaeon killed by his own hounds, also known as ‘man’s best friend’ are known as companions to man, being domesticated