The Journey
Mary Oliver's poem 'The Journey' is a powerful metaphor for personal transformation and self-discovery. It describes a moment of realization when the speaker understands what they must do to change their life. Despite the negative influences and pressures from others, symbolized by 'voices' giving bad advice and a house trembling, the speaker is resolute. The imagery of a wild night and a difficult path full of obstacles represents the challenges faced during this journey. As the speaker moves forward, they leave behind the negative voices and begin to hear their own inner voice, symbolizing self-awareness and independence. The poem emphasizes the importance of listening to oneself and having the courage to pursue one's own path, ultimately saving one's own life. Oliver's use of vivid imagery and free verse enhances the emotional impact of the poem, making it a relatable and inspiring piece about resilience and personal growth.
| Word | Easy Meaning | Translation | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| tremble | shake | to shake slightly because of fear, cold, or emotion | trem-buhl |
| tug | pull | a strong pull or jerk | tuhg |
| pried | forced open | to force open or apart with difficulty | prahyd |
| melancholy | sadness | a deep, persistent sadness or gloom | mel-uhn-kol-ee |
| determined | resolved | decided firmly | dih-tur-mind |
| foundations | bases | the basic parts that support something | foun-day-shuhnz |
| stride | walk | walk confidently | strahyd |
| company | companionship | being with someone | kuhm-puh-nee |
| wild | untamed | not controlled | wahyld |
| recognized | identified | knew again | rek-uhg-nahyzd |
| save | rescue | protect | seyv |
Mary Jane Oliver (1935–2019) was an American poet known for her work inspired by nature. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and the National Book Award in 1992. Her poetry is characterized by vivid imagery and unadorned language.
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