Analysis of "Precious Life"

 

Precious Life

By. A.R. Ammons

Life is so precious

It is something that should never be neglected

 

Savor each moment

As it is your last momentum

 

Every second that is past

Treat is as your last

 

Cherish time spent

Everything has something to represent

 

Take time and notice the small things

And see what it brings

 

Once the time is gone

There is no recalling

 

Always remember as you climb

God only gives us one lifetime

Introduction

 

The poem "The Precious Life," by A.R. Ammons, probes the nature of existence and its delicate, passing condition. Ammons seems here to be saying that life's impermanence—and how the moments of life are so sweet precisely because they are so short—endows life with a kind of tender gravity. Instead of lamenting the inevitability of death, Ammons bravely faces this prospect and, in doing so, reminds us not only to live our lives fully but also to be ever mindful of the fleeting moments that we must occur in our lives if we are to consider them as being fully lived. One way that Ammons achieves this in the poem is through the language of nature that he employs; he often inverts ordinary perceptions and observations of human life in favor of a fresh outlook.

 

Setting Analysis

In the poem "Precious Life," the setting plays a significant role in underlining the theme of the poignant beauty and fragility of life. The setting serves as a backdrop that enhances the message of cherishing each moment and recognizing the fleeting nature of time.

 

The poem describes a calm and thoughtful atmosphere, encouraging the reader to take a moment to fully value each passing moment. The words "Savor each moment as if it is your last momentum" express a feeling of importance and immediacy, giving the sense that time is fleeting.

 

The emphasis on cherishing time spent and noticing the small things underscores the idea that life's true beauty lies in the details, in the moments that may seem insignificant but hold profound meaning. This setting invites the reader to look beyond the surface and dive into the richness of life's experiences.

 

The final lines, "Always remember as you climb God only gives us one lifetime," serve as a powerful reminder of the nature of life and the need to make the most of the time we have. The setting in these lines takes on a reverent tone, emphasizing the preciousness of life and the responsibility we have to live it fully and truly.

 

The setting described in "Precious Life" creates a strong emotional atmosphere that helps emphasize the main ideas of the poem. It makes you think deeply and feel a mix of emotions like reflection, urgency, and contemplation, bringing you into a space where you can see the beauty and vulnerability of life clearly. The way the setting is described in the poem really boosts the message of the poem and leaves a strong impact on the reader, encouraging them to appreciate every moment and be more present in their lives.

 

Literary Device

 

The Symbolism in the poem is that life itself is portrayed as a symbol of the broader human experience, representing the need to find value in every moment. By symbolizing life as something precious and fleeting, The poet encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of cherishing each one. This symbolic representation elevates the poem’s meaning, urging a deeper contemplation of human existence and its inherent worth.

 

Additionally, the Repetition is to reinforce the central theme of valuing life. Repeating certain phrases or ideas throughout the poem serves to emphasize the importance of cherishing life and highlights the emotions tied to living with awareness and appreciation. This technique makes the message more poignant, reminding readers of the significance of each moment.

 

Lastly, Alliteration is used effectively to enhance the rhythm and musicality of the poem. The repetition of consonant sounds in key phrases creates a melodic quality that draws readers in, making those lines more memorable and impactful. This musical element adds to the poem’s emotional resonance, making the themes of life, transience, and appreciation linger in the minds of the readers long after they have finished reading.

Theme Analysis

The first theme that we found in this poem is “Self – Reflection and Introspection”. This poem emphasizes the importance of self-examination and introspection. The speaker delves into their thoughts and feelings, highlighting the need to understand oneself on a deeper level. This theme encourages readers to engage in their own reflective practices.

Secondly, is “Complexity of Thought”. Ammons explores the complicated of nature of thinking and analysis. The poem suggests that our thoughts are often tangled and multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of human consciousness. This theme highlights the challenges and nuances of understanding our minds.

Thirdly is “Language and Communication”. The poem explores into the limitations of language in expressing complex thoughts and feelings. This theme suggests that while language is a tool for analysis, it can also constrain and complicate our understanding of ourselves and our experiences.

Another one is “Nature and Existence”. The relationship between thought and the natural world is significant in the poem. Ammons draws parallels between human thought processes and the rhythms of nature, suggesting that understanding ourselves is intertwined with our understanding of the world around us.

Lastly is “Finding the Meaning”. The poem struggle with the search for meaning in life and thought. The speaker's analysis becomes a journey toward understanding, illustrating the human desire to make sense of our experiences and existence.

In conclusion, “Poem of Analysis” presents a rich exploration of soul–searching and the complexity of thought. Through its examination of these themes, Ammons encourages readers to reflect on their processes of analysis and the deeper meanings of their experiences.

 

Conclusion

A.R. Ammons' poem "The Precious Life" concludes with the sentiment that the value of life is bound up in the fact of its brevity. There's a kind of upside-down logic that recognizes the mere 3.7 billion years of geological history on this planet that has allowed us to exist in this moment, a whisper of time in the context of the cosmic and geologic scales. What is most precious about life, in Ammons' view, is not so much its pathos or its organization into lovely, if often temporary and fragile, forms (and certainly, he seems to suggest, not life organized around the structures of procreation), but the fact that it has the capacity to surprise us, to take our breath away, to leave us in the shocked stillness of a moment whose worth we suddenly understand.