Now Sets his Foot

Name: Now Sets his Foot
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of cosmic existence, human consciousness, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality. It begins with the imagery of celestial bodies, specifically Aldebaran and the Pleiads, symbolizing the vastness of the universe and the journey of knowledge. The speaker reflects on humanity's quest for understanding, suggesting that this pursuit leads to both enlightenment and existential dread. As the poem progresses, it warns against the dangers of this exploration. The "void" represents the unknown, and the "questioning mind of Man" risks losing itself in the chaos of existence. The imagery of "swooning eye" conveys the overwhelming nature of such realizations, hinting at the fragility of human perception when faced with the infinite. The poem shifts to a more somber tone, addressing humanity directly. It cautions against complacency and the potential for self-destruction, emphasizing the precariousness of life. The phrase "anonymous death" suggests a loss of identity in the face of the universe's vastness, while "whistling space" evokes a sense of isolation. Ultimately, the work culminates in a stark reminder of the inherent conflict within humanity, particularly the destructive tendencies that arise in interpersonal relationships. The closing lines encapsulate the tension between existence and annihilation, underscoring the idea that humanity's greatest threats often come from within. The poem serves as a meditation on the duality of human experience—our aspirations for knowledge and the existential risks that accompany them.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 144 words

First lines

Now sets his foot upon the eastern sill

Aldebaran, swiftly rising, mounting high, And tracks the Pleiads down the crowded sky, And drives his wedge into the western hill; Now for the void sets forth, and further still, The questioning mind of Man. that by and by

From the void's rim returns with swooning eye, Having seen himself into the maelstrom spill. O race of Adam, blench not lest you find

In the sun's bubbling bowl anonymous death, Or lost in whistling space without a mind

What this Textopian page supports

Now Sets his Foot is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Romanticism, Modernism
Length: 144 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Now Sets his Foot by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Now Sets his Foot?
How does this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of humanity's existence.
Nature — The imagery of celestial bodies and the natural world is prominent throughout the poem.
Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, focusing on emotion, nature, and the human experience.