Bert Kessler by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Bert Kessler
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a character reflecting on a moment of hunting, capturing the tension between nature and the human experience. The protagonist recounts the act of shooting a quail, which symbolizes a fleeting moment of triumph that quickly turns into a confrontation with danger. The imagery of the bird soaring and then falling evokes themes of loss and the fragility of life. As the character approaches the fallen quail, the discovery of a rattlesnake introduces a stark contrast between the beauty of the hunt and the lurking threats in nature. The rattlesnake, with its menacing presence, serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and the consequences of one's actions. The protagonist's physical reaction—falling limp in the grass—suggests a moment of vulnerability and fear, highlighting the tension between man and the wild. The work delves into existential themes, exploring the relationship between humanity and nature, the inevitability of death, and the moments that define one's existence. The protagonist's experience becomes a reflection on mortality, the instinctual drive to hunt, and the sudden realization of one's own fragility in the face of nature's raw power. The vivid descriptions and emotional depth create a poignant meditation on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism · 227 words

First lines

I winged my bird, Though he flew toward the setting sun;

But just as the shot rang out, he soared Up and up through the splinters of golden light, Till he turned right over, feathers ruffled, With some of the down of him floating near, And fell like a plummet into the grass.

I tramped about, parting the tangles, Till I saw a splash of blood on a stump, And the quail lying close to the rotten roots.

I reached my hand, but saw no brier, But something pricked and stung and numbed it.

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Bert Kessler is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Realism, American Literature
Length: 227 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and metaphor typical of poetic expression.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes a natural setting and the interaction between the speaker and wildlife.
Symbolism — The imagery of the bird and the rattlesnake serves as symbols for broader themes of life, death, and the human experience.
Realism — The depiction of the hunting scene and the rawness of nature reflects a realistic portrayal of life.