Table of Contents

John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line

John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line-What did John Crowe Ransom write?,What is the ontological critic by Ransom?,How does Richards define the poem?,The Riverside poem by John Crowe Ransom skillfully tells the story of a sinner’s transformation and spiritual awakening through an encounter with God in a beautiful setting. Ransom describes a vision of a vast green meadow, a hidden water source, and willow trees bending elegantly with rich imagery and poetic words. The main character, a sinner, experiences a dramatic transformation in front of the powerful heavenly presence, going from scorn to amazement and love.John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line

John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary

“A GREAT green spread of meadow land,” – Describes a vast, green meadow, a symbol of abundance and life.
“(Must rest his weight on an ample base),” – Implies the importance of a solid foundation, suggesting that the observer must rest upon a stable base to appreciate the scene.
“A secret water moving on,” – Highlights the presence of a hidden stream or water source, adding an element of mystery to the landscape.
“A clean blue air for his breathing-space,” – Emphasizes the purity of the air, providing a fresh and clear environment.
“A pair of willows bending down,” – Describes two willow trees, perhaps symbolizing grace and humility.
“In double witness to his grace,” – Suggests that the willows bear witness to the grace or presence of someone.
“And on the rock his sinner sprawls,” – Introduces the sinner, positioned on a rock in the landscape.
“And looks the Strong One face to face.” – The sinner confronts a powerful or divine figure face to face, indicating a significant encounter.
“The sinner’s mocking tongue is dry,” – The sinner’s mocking or scornful speech ceases.
“Wonder is on that mighty jeerer,” – The sinner is filled with wonder or amazement, suggesting a transformative experience.
“He loves, and he never loved before,” – The sinner experiences love for the first time.
“He wants the glowing sky no nearer,” – Despite the positive transformation, there’s a hesitancy to draw closer to the divine or heavenly.
“He likes the willows to be two,” – The doubled willows are appreciated, possibly symbolizing a sense of harmony.
“He would not have the water clearer,” – The sinner appreciates the water in its current state, rejecting the idea of greater clarity.
“He thinks that God is perfect once:” – The sinner perceives God’s perfection in a singular, unique moment.
“Heaven, rejoice! a new God-fearer.” – The poem concludes with a call for rejoicing in heaven, as the sinner has become a new God-fearer, undergoing a significant spiritual transformation.
“And now each quiet thing awakes,” – The world comes to life as the sinner’s transformation affects everything around.
“And dances madly, wavers, dips;” – Nature responds with lively movements, suggesting a joyful and dynamic atmosphere.
“These are God’s motions on the air,” – The natural movements are attributed to God, indicating divine influence.John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line
“His Pulse for the sinner’s finger-tips,” – Nature reflects God’s pulse, connecting with the transformed sinner.John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line
“His arrows shot across the blue,” – Symbolizes God’s actions or influence across the sky.
“His love-words dropping from his lips,” – Suggests that expressions of love from God are manifest in the transformed sinner’s experience.
“And who ever heard such whisperings,” – Highlights the unique and profound nature of the divine messages or interactions.
“Who ever saw such fellowships?” – Emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the connections between the divine and the transformed sinner, as well as the broader harmony within nature.

Also Read-

John Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Poem

A GREAT green spread of meadow land,

(Must rest his weight on an ample base),
A secret water moving on,
A clean blue air for his breathing-space,
A pair of willows bending down
In double witness to his grace,
And on the rock his sinner sprawlsJohn Crowe Ransom’s Riverside Summary line by line
And looks the Strong One face to face.

The sinner’s mocking tongue is dry,
Wonder is on that mighty jeerer,
He loves, and he never loved before,
He wants the glowing sky no nearer,
He likes the willows to be two,
He would not have the water clearer,
He thinks that God is perfect once:
Heaven, rejoice! a new God-fearer.

And now each quiet thing awakes
And dances madly, wavers, dips;
These are God’s motions on the air,
His Pulse for the sinner’s finger-tips,
His arrows shot across the blue,
His love-words dropping from his lips,
And who ever heard such whisperings,
Who ever saw such fellowships?

Conclusion

John Crowe Ransom’s poem unfolds as a lyrical journey, depicting the transformation of a sinner who encounters a divine presence in the midst of a serene landscape. The poems show a dramatic change in perspective, moving from a sarcastic and ridiculing one to one of wonder, love, and renewed dedication.

Vibrant movements in nature signify a harmonious connection between the divine and the observer in response to this metamorphosis. In closing, the poem emphasizes how unique these divine encounters are, creating a deep camaraderie within the changed sinner and reverberating across the natural world.What did John Crowe Ransom write?,What is the ontological critic by Ransom?,How does Richards define the poem?,

FAQ:

1. What is the central theme of the poem?

The central theme revolves around the transformative power of a divine encounter. The poem explores the shift from skepticism to wonder, love, and newfound devotion, highlighting the impact of this transformation on both the individual and the surrounding natural world.

2. What is the significance of the meadow and landscape?

The meadow and landscape serve as symbolic settings for the encounter between the sinner and the divine. They represent the vastness of existence and the potential for transformation and revelation in the natural world.

3. How does the poem depict the change in the sinner’s attitude?

The poem portrays a significant shift in the sinner’s attitude—from mockery and skepticism to wonder and love. The sinner’s once mocking tongue becomes dry, and a newfound appreciation for the divine and the natural world emerges.

4. What role does nature play in the poem?

Nature serves as a backdrop and a participant in the transformative experience. The vibrant dance of natural elements symbolizes the response of the environment to the sinner’s changed perspective, suggesting a deeper connection between the divine, the individual, and the natural world.