The complete analysis of the poem The philosopher by syl chenny coker.

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Title of the poem

The title of the poem, "The Philosopher by The Philosopher," suggests a self-reflective and introspective tone. It implies that the poem is written by the philosopher about himself. The repetition of the word "philosopher" as both the author and the subject emphasizes a deep connection between the persona of the philosopher and the reflective, contemplative nature of the verses.

The title sets the stage for a poetic exploration of the philosopher's life, thoughts, and perhaps a philosophical journey. It suggests that the words within the poem are not only a creative expression but also a self-portrait, a reflection on the philosopher's own existence, beliefs, and experiences. This self-naming emphasizes a direct, personal engagement with the themes and ideas presented in the poem.

Tone and mood

The tone of "The Philosopher by The Philosopher" is contemplative, introspective, and at times, reverential. The poet, assuming the persona of the philosopher, reflects deeply on life, memory, and the passage of time. The language used to describe the philosopher's experiences and reflections carries a sense of thoughtfulness and self-awareness.

The mood of the poem is somber and reflective. There's an underlying sense of melancholy as the poem delves into the philosopher's solitude, aging, and being forgotten. The mention of the sea emptying its "cup of wounds" and the description of the old man's desolate memory contribute to a mood that is both introspective and tinged with a sense of loss.

Overall, the tone and mood work together to create a poignant atmosphere, inviting readers to engage with the deeper reflections on life and the self presented by the philosopher in the poem.

Image .  

""The Philosopher by The Philosopher" paints vivid and evocative images throughout the verses, offering readers a glimpse into the philosopher's contemplations and experiences. Here are some notable images from the poem:

1. **Stones Were Green:**

   - *Who lived here when the stones were green:* The image of stones being green suggests a time of vitality and life, possibly alluding to a bygone era or a period of flourishing.

2. **Reptilians Marched Like Men:**

   - *Verdigris of age when the reptilians marched like men:* This metaphorical image combines the aging process (verdigris) with a surreal depiction of reptilian creatures, creating a mysterious and symbolic atmosphere.

3. **Sea Emptying Its Cup of Wounds:**

   - *Before that morning the sea emptying its cup of wounds like a chasm of revolt:* This metaphorical image portrays the sea as a wounded entity, pouring out its troubles like a chasm in an act of rebellion.

4. **Old Man Keeping Books in a Cave:**

   - *Like a castaway an old man kept his books in a cave:* This image conjures the solitude of an old man, preserving his books in a cave, emphasizing a sense of isolation and detachment.

5. **White Beard as a Book:**

   - *I consecrate him seer, his beard was a white book:* This metaphor transforms the philosopher's beard into a book, symbolizing wisdom and a repository of knowledge.

6. **Moon Dripping Its Sea of Red Blood:**

   - *To write what history the moon already dripping its sea of red blood:* This vivid and symbolic image describes the moon as bleeding, hinting at historical events and the recording of history.

7. **Whirlwind Licking Over the Body:**

   - *The whirlwind that licked over your body:* This tactile and dynamic image suggests a whirlwind as a force, touching or engulfing the philosopher's body.

8. **Word Nailed at Crossroads:**

   - *Flagellant at crossroads where the word was nailed:* This image of the word being nailed at crossroads carries symbolic weight, representing pivotal moments or decisions.

9. **Neologist Dressing the World in Verse:**

   - *Neologist who dressed the world in hendecasyllabic verse:* This image presents the philosopher as a wordsmith, adorning the world with a specific form of poetic expression.

10. **Man Returning as a Phoenix:**

    - *Transformed into phoenix you return the man:* This transformative image symbolizes the philosopher's renewal, returning from shadow to phoenix, rising from his own experiences.

These images contribute to the richness of the poem, creating a tapestry of visual and symbolic elements that enhance the reader's engagement with the philosopher's reflections.ent with the philosopher's reflections.

  Symbolism.   

Metaphors and simile

"The Philosopher by The Philosopher" employs metaphors and a simile to convey profound ideas and create vivid imagery:

1. **Metaphor:**

   - *his beard was a white book:* This metaphorical expression likens the philosopher's beard to a book, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and a repository of experiences.

2. **Metaphor:**

   - *planners of the ruins astride our stormy conscience:* The metaphor "planners of the ruins" implies individuals who shape or influence the outcomes of destruction or decay. The phrase "astride our stormy conscience" further emphasizes the impactful and tumultuous nature of these planners.

3. **Simile:**

   - *like a castaway an old man kept his books in a cave:* The simile compares the old man to a castaway, emphasizing his isolation. The act of keeping books in a cave adds a layer of solitude and preservation to the imagery.

4. **Metaphor:**

   - *moon already dripping its sea of red blood:* This metaphorical expression likens the moon to a bleeding entity, suggesting historical events and the metaphorical "sea of red blood" as a symbol of the bloodshed associated with history.

5. **Metaphor:**

   - *amulet of season playing fangs on the translucent word:* The metaphorical use of "amulet of season" suggests a protective charm associated with the changing seasons. The phrase "playing fangs on the translucent word" introduces a vivid image of the amulet interacting with the elusive and symbolic nature of language.

6. **Metaphor:**

   - *flagellant at crossroads where the word was nailed:* The metaphor of being a flagellant at crossroads evokes a sense of self-inflicted suffering or discipline. The phrase "where the word was nailed" introduces a symbolic image of the word being affixed or pivotal at these crossroads.

7. **Metaphor:**

   - *transformed into phoenix you return the man:* The metaphor of transformation into a phoenix represents renewal, rebirth, and a cyclical return from ashes to a new form. This metaphor symbolizes the philosopher's resilience and rejuvenation.

These metaphors and simile contribute to the poetic richness of the verses, allowing the poet to convey complex ideas and create vivid images that enhance the overall depth and impact of the poem.

. Language  structure.

The language and diction in "The Philosopher by The Philosopher" are rich, symbolic, and contemplative, reflecting the depth of the philosophical themes explored in the poem. Here are some notable aspects of the language and diction:

1. **Symbolic Language:** The poet employs symbolic language throughout the poem, such as referring to the philosopher's beard as a "white book" and describing the moon as "dripping its sea of red blood." These symbols add layers of meaning and invite readers to interpret the verses on a symbolic level.

2. **Elevated Diction:** The language used is often elevated and sophisticated, contributing to the overall reflective and philosophical tone of the poem. Words like "verdigris," "consecrate," and "hendecasyllabic" demonstrate a careful selection of diction.

3. **Allusion to Historical and Philosophical Concepts:** The poem makes references to historical and philosophical concepts, including the imagery of ruins, planners of ruins, and the act of consecrating the philosopher as a seer. These references contribute to the intellectual and contemplative nature of the poem.

 Syntax.

The syntax in "The Philosopher by The Philosopher" is varied, utilizing different sentence structures to convey the complex ideas and contemplative nature of the poem. Here are some aspects of the syntax:

1. **Parallel Structure:**

   - The repetition of phrases like "Who lived here when the stones were green" and "like a castaway an old man kept his books in a cave" establishes a parallel structure. This repetition emphasizes key themes and creates a rhythmic pattern.

2. **Complex Sentences:**

   - The poem incorporates complex sentences that convey intricate thoughts and details. For example, "To write what history the moon already dripping its sea of red blood" combines different ideas about writing history, the moon, and the symbolic imagery of a sea of red blood.

3. **Fragmented Sentences:**

   - The poet occasionally uses fragmented sentences for emphasis. For instance, "Transformed into phoenix you return the man" is a short, impactful sentence that highlights the transformative theme of the poem.

4. **Descriptive Detail:**

   - The syntax is employed to provide descriptive details, creating vivid images and enhancing the reader's engagement. For example, "amulet of season playing fangs on the translucent word" uses descriptive language to convey a striking image.

5. **Inversion:**

   - There are instances of inversion, where word order is reversed for emphasis or poetic effect. An example is, "O monk saddened when you consecrated the word in body," where the conventional word order is altered.

6. **Interrogative Sentences:**

   - The poet employs interrogative sentences to pose questions and provoke thought. For example, "Who lived here when the stones were green" initiates a contemplation on the past.

7. **Imperative Sentences:**

   - Imperative sentences are used for emphasis and to convey a sense of command or urgency. An example is, "Transformed into phoenix you return the man," where the imperative form accentuates the transformative action.

8. **Rhetorical Questions:**

   - Rhetorical questions are used strategically to engage the reader and prompt reflection. For instance, "to write what history the moon already dripping its sea of red blood" poses a rhetorical question about the moon's role in recording history.

The varied syntax in the poem contributes to its poetic and contemplative nature, allowing the poet to convey intricate philosophical ideas and create a nuanced exploration of the philosopher's experiences and reflections.

 Context

1. **Philosophical Themes:** Given the title and the content of the poem, it is likely that the work explores philosophical themes. This could include reflections on the nature of existence, the passage of time, or the role of a philosopher as a thinker and seer.

2. **Cultural and Historical Context:** The poem may be influenced by the cultural and historical context of the poet. Depending on the author's background and experiences, there could be references or allusions to specific cultural elements or historical events.

3. **Personal Reflections:** Poets often infuse their work with personal reflections and experiences. The poem might be a self-reflective piece, contemplating the poet's own journey, struggles, or observations.

4. **Literary Influences:** Poets are often influenced by literary traditions, movements, or the works of other poets. The language and style of the poem might reflect certain literary influences.