Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Eye" was written by Robinson Jeffers in 1938. It is a powerful and evocative work that explores themes of mortality, power, and the natural world.

The poem begins by describing the vastness and power of the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that it is like a "stormy moat" that separates America from Europe. The speaker then turns his attention to the Mediterranean Sea, which he describes as a place of ancient history and civilization. He reflects on the power and majesty of the sea, suggesting that it is a force that has shaped human history and culture for centuries.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence and the power of the natural world to endure and persist long after we are gone. He suggests that even the most powerful empires and civilizations are ultimately no match for the forces of nature, and that our time on earth is brief and fleeting in the grand scheme of things.

The poem ends with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker suggests that we should embrace our mortality and enjoy the brief time we have on earth. He suggests that we should take pleasure in the beauty and power of the natural world, and that we should strive to leave a positive legacy behind us before we are inevitably consumed by the sea.

Overall, "The Atlantic is a stormy moat, and the Mediterranean" is a powerful and evocative work that reflects on the complexities of human existence and the power of the natural world. It encourages readers to reflect on their own mortality and to embrace the beauty and majesty of the world around them, even in the face of the inevitable passage of time.

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