“A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!” “However,” replied the universe, “The fact has not created in me a sense of obligation.” This poem by Stephen Crane gives us a glimpse into the collective ideal that he places on man’s significance in the universe. He seems to revel in the fact that man tries to put meaning into his own life by placing himself in constant battles with nature, each other and God. He satirically shows how man tries so hard to fight a force greater than himself and always fails. Crane shows the bitterness of human suffering and how all the powerful forces show no mercy on his plights. Nature is nature. It will come when it wants. Man cannot force it. Crane explains that certain men make war and die; it is their heritage to do so. Crane’s fighting to stay alive is one of the best examples of naturalism in his poetry. He also seems to question the very existence of hope. Hope is useless and has no place in the universe. If it does exist, what is the reward for having it? Crane’s practicality almost mocks those that try to battle that supreme power of all things. He doesn’t seem to stop there. He questions any attempt to humanize anything that maybe considered divine. This maybe due to his strict, religious upbringing by his parents, that showed little emotion and constantly reminded him of his sinful life. That man was born into sin and must be forgiven through repentance and prayer. When Crane finally leaves his home and begins to live his life, he, in his writing, rebukes the notion and comes to believe nature is the more powerful force in the universe.
No comments:
Post a Comment