The Judgment of Paris by WS Merwin - Essay Example

The author of the poem (Merlin) applies the technique to point out that the contest was not fair, probably rigged and whichever decision Paris makes leads to the destruction of the city of Troy.

    Accordingly, Merwin’s point is to demonstrate the idea that human beings are naturally imperfect and avoidance of self-destructive conduct is not an easy task. Imperfection and the self-destructive trait is essential component of human behavior that makes their actions exciting and unpredictable. Self-destructive behavior is an essential factor that implores individuals to seek redemption after the consequences of their actions. The poem ends with a picture of Helen picking up a yellow flower with roots that relieves pain. The essence is that humans often bring pain and suffering on themselves but the grief prompts compassion that upholds unity. The yellow flower is an indication of a human’s effort to relieve anguish and pain.

According to Brunner (1991), the implicit metaphor in the heading “the Carrier of Ladders indicates a change in Merwin’s attitude and orientation. Only humans are capable of carrying ladders, and they aim to climb or rise to a new level, even if such people are not aware of what they will find at the level of elevation. Accordingly, most of the poems in the volume build from such a premise. Similarly, some regard reading the works of Merwin as being similar to reading a puzzle and it is normally beneficial to put an effort to grasp the bottom line of the author’s logic. The carriers of ladders remind one of the old Icelanders’ Edda Kennings, who authored the objects in a roundabout, and playful manner. However, Merwin applies the approach to an individual’s spiritual and emotional life, with popular themes being loss, isolation, and death (Brunner 1991).

The critically applauded volumes The Carrier of Ladders and “The Lice” (Atheneum) remain powerful collections. Both poems apply classical legends as a technique of exploring both political and personal themes, including Merwin’s opposition to the Vietnam War. Consequently, the author received the Pulizer prize for work on the poem “The carrier of ladders” in 1971. Consequently, Auden reacted by way of a letter that the judges of Pulitzer had no connection to the American policy and were not a political party (Jean 2003).

Open Questions

How can one incorporate Merwin’s ideas in a real-life situation?

If you lived in the times when Merwin wrote the Carrier of ladders, would have done things differently? Explain.