Marianne Moore's 'What Are Years?'

The Significance of Marianne Moore's Poetic Contributions

Marianne Moore, a distinguished figure in American literature, is celebrated for her contributions to the Modernist and Imagist movements. Her poetry is marked by its inventive use of form, including irregular rhyme schemes and meter, as well as its vivid, precise imagery. Moore's work probes deep philosophical questions concerning the human condition, ethics, and the inevitability of death. Her notable poems, such as those found in 'Poems' (1921), 'Observations' (1924), and 'Selected Poems' (1935), demonstrate a departure from traditional verse and a move towards a more liberated form of poetic expression, reflective of the broader Modernist trend that emerged from the late 19th century and flourished until the mid-20th century.

Delving into 'What Are Years?'

'What Are Years?' stands out as a reflective piece in Marianne Moore's oeuvre, wrestling with themes of human frailty and the pursuit of bravery in the shadow of our own mortality. The poem is meticulously structured into three stanzas, each with nine lines, evolving from introspective questioning to a form of resolution. Moore's language is emblematic of her Modernist and Imagist leanings, utilizing crisp, resonant imagery and diction to navigate intricate philosophical themes. The titular question itself initiates a profound rumination on the essence of human existence and the relentless progression of time.

Analyzing the Structure of 'What Are Years?'

The initial stanza of 'What Are Years?' presents the reader with existential inquiries regarding innocence, culpability, and the origins of courage, hinting at a shared human susceptibility. The stanza's rhetorical questions and the declaration that "none is safe" amplify the universality of these themes. The subsequent stanza extends this examination, suggesting that genuine enlightenment and contentment stem from embracing our finite nature, depicted as both a confining and a motivating force. The concluding stanza provides a sense of closure, promoting the pursuit of joy over mere contentment and asserting that life's meaning is shaped by the interplay between mortality and the eternal.

Religious Undertones in 'What Are Years?'

'What Are Years?' not only addresses broad human themes but also incorporates significant religious connotations, mirroring Moore's own Christian faith. The poem's discourse on innocence and guilt evokes the Biblical story of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, accentuating the intrinsic fragility and susceptibility to sin in human nature. The motif of mortality is interwoven with the Christian perspective of life as a precious gift from God, implying that resistance to our predestined end is in vain. Moreover, the poem's persistent probing and quest for understanding can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fortitude derived from faith and the act of yielding to a transcendent plan.

The Poetic Techniques in 'What Are Years?'

'What Are Years?' is crafted in free verse, a style that grants Moore the freedom to convey her thoughts without the constraints of traditional poetic forms. The poem's deliberate use of slant rhymes, culminating in a full rhyme in the final stanza, mirrors the progression from uncertainty to acceptance of life's ambiguities. Moore's deployment of imagery, such as the ocean and an encaged bird, serves to underscore the central themes of mortality and liberation. The technique of juxtaposition is also prevalent, placing disparate images in close proximity to emphasize the speaker's internal struggle and the overarching message of embracing life's uncontrollable elements.

Insights from Marianne Moore's 'What Are Years?'

Marianne Moore's 'What Are Years?' is a testament to her Modernist and Imagist influences, offering a poignant meditation on the human journey. The poem's intricate structure, thematic richness, and the employment of literary devices like imagery and juxtaposition enhance its approachability and lasting impact. Through her examination of themes such as innocence, guilt, mortality, and the essence of courage, Moore challenges readers to engage with the complexities of existence and find comfort in the acceptance of our limited time. Her poetry continues to hold a vital place in American literature, shedding light on the philosophical and spiritual inquiries that persistently resonate with contemporary audiences.