Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tamar" is a book-length poem by Robinson Jeffers, first published in 1924. The poem tells the story of a young woman named Tamar and the various men in her life, including her father, her husband, and her lover. The poem explores themes of passion, betrayal, and the destructive power of human desire.

Context: 

Robinson Jeffers was an American poet and playwright who was known for his poems that celebrated the natural world and critiqued the destructive tendencies of human civilization. "Tamar" is one of his most famous works, and is known for its complex and highly emotional portrayal of the characters and their relationships.

Content:

 "Tamar" is a highly emotional and often disturbing poem that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive power of human desire. The poem is structured in three parts, each of which focuses on a different character: Tamar, her father, and her lover.

The first part of the poem focuses on Tamar and her relationship with her husband, who is distant and uninterested in her. Tamar becomes increasingly drawn to her brother, who is both her lover and her tormentor.

The second part of the poem focuses on Tamar's father, who is consumed by his desire for his daughter and ultimately kills her husband in a fit of jealous rage.

The third part of the poem focuses on Tamar's lover, who is haunted by his past and unable to escape the destructive cycle of desire and violence that has consumed the other characters.

Form: 

"Tamar" is a book-length poem that is divided into three parts. The poem is characterized by its complex syntax and its highly emotional language.

Poetic Elements: 

The poem makes use of a wide range of poetic devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. The poem is known for its vivid and evocative language, as well as its ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and desires.

Summary: 

"Tamar" is a highly emotional and deeply disturbing poem that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive power of human desire. The poem is a testament to Robinson Jeffers' ability to use poetic language to explore complex and challenging themes, and to create complex and nuanced portraits of the human experience. Overall, "Tamar" is a work of great literary merit and cultural significance, and continues to be studied and celebrated today.

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