Elijah Browning by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Elijah Browning
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The work presents a journey of transformation and self-discovery, encapsulating the experiences of a character who transitions from innocence to a profound understanding of existence. Initially, the protagonist is surrounded by children, embodying a carefree spirit, dancing at the foot of a mountain. This idyllic scene is disrupted by a breeze that symbolizes change, leading to a series of mystical and surreal encounters. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist experiences a shift from innocence to conflict, represented by wrangling figures and the mocking presence of authority, depicted through figures in gold and with symbols of power. This moment signifies a loss of childhood naivety and the intrusion of adult complexities. The encounter with a woman, marked by a passionate kiss, introduces themes of desire and the bittersweet nature of human connection. The taste of salt and the blood left on the protagonist's lips evoke a sense of both pleasure and pain, highlighting the duality of experience. The ascent continues, but the journey becomes fraught with challenges, as the protagonist faces coldness and isolation, symbolized by the mist and iceberg. This struggle reflects the internal conflict between the desire for transcendence and the weight of earthly burdens. Ultimately, the protagonist reaches a pinnacle, where clarity and enlightenment emerge. The imagery of the solitary star represents ultimate truth and aspiration. The act of touching the star signifies a complete surrender to the quest for knowledge and understanding, culminating in the character's disappearance, suggesting a transcendence beyond the physical realm. The work encapsulates themes of growth, the tension between innocence and experience, and the pursuit of higher truths, ultimately portraying a journey that leads to liberation through self-realization.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical · 355 words

First lines

I was among multitudes of children Dancing at the foot of a mountain.

A breeze blew out of the east and swept them as leaves, Driving some up the slopes. All was changed.

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Elijah Browning is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1915 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1915 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical, Romanticism, Modernism
Length: 355 words
Structure: 1 section, 21 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.
Symbolism — The text uses symbols such as the mountain, star, and figures to convey deeper meanings and themes of aspiration and transcendence.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about truth, freedom, and the human experience.
Romanticism — The work reflects romantic ideals of nature, emotion, and the sublime, particularly in the depiction of the mountain and the mystical experiences.