In "History," Robert Lowell uses a series of metaphors to compare the passing of time to the movement of water. He begins by likening time to a river, which "gathers" the lives of individuals and carries them away. He then compares time to a wave, which "breaks" on the shore of the present and leaves behind only a "wreck" of the past. Finally, he compares time to a flood, which "sweeps" away everything in its path and leaves behind only a "desolate" landscape.
Lowell's use of these metaphors conveys a sense of the relentless and destructive nature of time. Time is shown to be a force that is beyond human control and that can only be experienced as it passes. The poem also suggests that the past is constantly being lost and that the present is the only moment that truly exists.
Lowell's poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of time and the human experience. It is a reminder that time is a precious commodity that should not be wasted, and that the present moment is the only time that we have to truly live.
Here are some additional key points to consider when analyzing Lowell's poem:
* The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, and it also allows Lowell to use a variety of different poetic techniques to create his effects.
* The poem is full of sensory imagery, which helps to create a vivid and memorable experience for the reader. Lowell uses images of sight, sound, touch, and smell to create a multisensory experience that captures the essence of time passing.
* The poem also uses a variety of figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification. This figurative language helps to create a deeper level of meaning for the poem and to convey Lowell's complex ideas about time.
"History" is a challenging and rewarding poem that offers a unique perspective on the nature of time and the human experience. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.