Exploring Human Nature in "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" and "Blackbird"

Introduction

The title of Wallace Stevens' poem, "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," might initially seem limiting, but beyond the thirteen perspectives on a blackbird, the poem offers profound insights into the human thought process. Interestingly, "Blackbird," composed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, shares more than just a title with Stevens' work. Both pieces employ various poetic conventions to convey their ideas, utilize the symbolism of a blackbird to mirror aspects of human nature, and employ imagery as a powerful tool in communicating their messages.

Poetic Conventions: Crafting a Harmonious Flow

Poets often leverage different conventions to enhance the flow of their works. In "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," Wallace Stevens employs assonance, the repetition of vowels with different consonants, to create a pleasing sound and rhythm. For instance, in stanza three:

The blackbird whirled in the autumn winds.

It was a small part of the pantomime.

The repetition of the vowel "i" in "blackbird," "whirled," "in," and "winds" contributes to the melodic quality of the poem.

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On the other hand, McCartney and Lennon use anaphoras, repeated phrases at the beginning of a verse, in "Blackbird." Lines like "Blackbird singing in the dead of night" and "You were only waiting for this moment to..." not only stand out prominently but also captivate the reader's attention, leaving a lasting impression.

Unlike Stevens' poem, "Blackbird" incorporates end rhyme and half rhyme to enhance its lyrical quality:

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Such rhyming schemes serve to emphasize key phrases, making the poem more engaging for the reader. The unique structure of "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," resembling separate haiku poems, aligns with the natural theme of the poem, further distinguishing it stylistically.

The Blackbird as a Symbol: Reflecting Human Complexity

Both Stevens and The Beatles use the symbol of a blackbird to delve into the intricacies of human nature. In the second stanza of Stevens' poem:

I was of three minds

Like a tree

In which there are three blackbirds.

Here, Stevens draws a parallel between the human mind and a tree with three blackbirds, portraying the internal conflicts and varying perspectives within individuals. This concept is further explored in stanza five:

I do not know which to prefer;

The beauty of inflections

Or the beauty of innuendoes,

The blackbird whistling

Or just after.

These verses vividly illustrate the conflicting opinions within a person's mind, akin to three bickering blackbirds in a tree. The Beatles echo this theme in "Blackbird," urging listeners to embrace opportunities despite the inherent fear:

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Stevens then delves into the realm of human imagination in addressing the inhabitants of Haddam:

O thin men of Haddam

Why do you imagine golden birds?

Do you not see how the blackbird

Walks around the feet

Of the women about you?

This prompts reflection on the tendency of humans to obscure reality with imagination, a paradoxical interplay often observed in our cognitive processes. The imagery of a glass coach in stanza eleven adds a layer of complexity, leaving readers questioning the nature of perception and reality.

Imagery: Painting Pictures with Words

Imagery, a potent tool in the hands of poets, is wielded masterfully by Stevens and The Beatles. Stevens' poem provides a striking example in stanza six:

"Icicles filled the long window

With barbaric glass

The shadow of the blackbird

Crossed it, to and fro..."

This vivid imagery evokes a sense of enclosure, with icicles resembling bars on a jail window. The shadow of the blackbird, though unseen through the window, suggests the beauty of inflections or the subtleties of human expression that remain hidden. This poignant portrayal reflects how individuals often confine themselves to personal preferences and opinions.

Likewise, "Blackbird" by The Beatles employs imagery to create mental pictures:

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night,"

Here, the conflict of contrasting thoughts is encapsulated in a simple yet evocative image. In both works, imagery serves as a gateway for readers and listeners to connect emotionally with the themes explored.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Depths of Human Experience

In conclusion, the comparative analysis of Wallace Stevens' "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" and The Beatles' "Blackbird" reveals a nuanced exploration of human nature through poetic expression. The distinctive use of poetic conventions, the symbolic representation of blackbirds, and the evocative power of imagery contribute to a rich tapestry of insights.

Stevens, Lennon, and McCartney, each in their unique style, invite readers and listeners to contemplate the complexities of the human mind, the conflicts within, and the interplay between imagination and reality. These timeless works continue to resonate, urging us to look beyond the surface and embrace the multifaceted nature of our existence.