Brahma
If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again.Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
And I the hymn the Brahmin sings.The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.
Summary of Brahma
- Popularity of “Brahma”: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s concise poem, “Brahma,” explores the interconnectedness of all things and the pervasive presence of the divine within humanity. First published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1857, it remains celebrated for its elegant encapsulation of core Transcendentalist principles. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its profound exploration of unity and the illusory nature of separation.
- “Brahma” As a Representative of Transcendentalism: “Brahma” embodies Transcendentalism through its first-person narration, positioning the speaker, Brahma, as all-encompassing. He transcends conventional duality, existing as both the slayer and the slain, demonstrating a belief that apparent opposites are merely facets of a single reality. This rejection of simplistic binary thinking is central to the Transcendentalist philosophy. The poem suggests that true enlightenment isn’t found by seeking an external, distant heaven, but by recognizing the divine essence within oneself and within all creation.
- Major Themes in “Brahma”: Central themes within “Brahma” include the inherent divinity of humanity, the unity of all creation, and the illusory nature of separation. The poem champions the idea that the divine resides within the individual, challenging traditional religious structures and emphasizing self-reliance and intuition. The blurring of distinctions between opposing forces, shame and fame, doubt and certainty, underscores a holistic worldview where everything is interconnected and part of a larger, unified consciousness. Emerson invites readers to look inward, to discover the divine presence within themselves, and to transcend the limitations of conventional belief.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Brahma
Emerson skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to convey the poem’s complex philosophical ideas. These devices enrich the text, create layers of meaning, and enhance its aesthetic appeal, inviting deeper engagement with its themes.
- Allusion: The poem is deeply rooted in allusion, drawing heavily from Hindu mythology and philosophy. References to “Brahma”, the creator god in Hinduism, and the “sacred Seven”, representing the seven ancient sages or Rishis, ground the poem in a specific cultural context and provide a framework for understanding its themes. These allusions aren’t merely decorative; they function as a means of expanding the poem’s meaning and suggesting a universality to its message.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, or assonance, creates a musicality and emphasizes certain words or phrases. For example, the repetition of the short “a” sound in “If the red slayer think he slays” adds to the poem’s rhythmic quality and draws attention to the act of slaying, which the poem then deconstructs.
- Alliteration: The recurrence of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, or alliteration, contributes to the poem’s sonic texture. Consider “sacred Seven” – the repetition of the “s” sound creates a subtle emphasis and connects these figures to the divine.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds, but not necessarily at the beginning of words. For example, in the line “They know not well the subtle ways,” the repetition of the “t” and “w” sounds creates a sense of connection and flow, mirroring the interconnectedness of all things that the poem explores.
- Imagery: Emerson uses vivid imagery to create mental pictures and evoke emotional responses. Phrases like “Far or forgot to me is near” and “The vanished gods to me appear” appeal to the senses and create a sense of mystery and wonder, suggesting the boundless nature of Brahma’s presence.
- Metaphor: The poem is rich in metaphor, where abstract concepts are expressed through concrete imagery. The line “When me they fly, I am the wings” equates the speaker, Brahma, with the very means of escape, suggesting his omnipresence, power, and the futility of trying to escape the divine.
- Parallelism: The use of parallel structures – phrases or clauses with similar grammatical construction – adds balance and rhythm to the poem. For example, “When me they fly, I am the wings” exhibits a parallel structure, highlighting the speaker’s adaptability and transformative nature.
- Symbolism: The poem employs various symbols to represent deeper meanings. “Slayer,” “shadow,” “sunlight,” “wings,” and “Brahmin” all function as symbols, representing different aspects of the divine and the human experience. For instance, “shadow” and “sunlight” represent the duality of existence, which Brahma transcends.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Brahma
While literary devices encompass a broad range of techniques, poetic devices are specifically employed in poetry to create aesthetic effects and enhance meaning. Emerson utilizes these devices with precision to create a poem that is both philosophically profound and aesthetically pleasing.
- Diction: Emerson’s diction is formal, elevated, and carefully chosen to convey a sense of solemnity and philosophical depth. He avoids colloquialisms and employs language that is both precise and evocative, creating a tone of authority and wisdom.
- End Rhyme: The poem utilizes a consistent end rhyme scheme that lends musicality and coherence. Though the scheme is not strictly ABAB, the repeated sounds help tie the stanzas together and create a sense of closure.
- Quatrain: Each stanza of the poem consists of four lines – a quatrain – a form common to many poetic traditions. This structure provides a framework for the poem’s ideas, allowing for concise and focused exploration of its themes.
- Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme varies across stanzas, yet the overall pattern contributes to the poem’s formal structure and musicality, creating a pleasing and memorable reading experience.
- Stanza: The poem is composed of four stanzas, each of which develops a specific aspect of the speaker’s message. This structure allows Emerson to build his argument gradually, exploring different facets of the divine and its relationship to humanity.
- Tone: The poem’s tone is philosophical, reverent, and authoritative. Emerson speaks with a sense of certainty and conviction, presenting his ideas as universal truths, inviting the reader to contemplate their own understanding of the divine.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines beautifully capture the essence of human goodness and the divine presence within:
The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.