"Luke Have a Goal" by Edwin Arlington Robinson

General Overview

• A poem addressing a character named Luke Have a Goal.
• Themes of fate, destiny, and the journey towards a goal or destination.

Key Themes and Ideas

The Western Gate

• Significance:

  • The western gate is a recurring motif.
  • Suggests a place or goal that Luke must reach.
  • Associated with twilight and crimson vines, indicating transition and potential danger.

• Symbolism:

  • Represents the passage from one state to another.
  • Might denote the end of a journey or life, a place where one finds answers.

The Eastern Skies vs. Western Glooms

• Eastern Skies:

  • No dawn in the eastern skies to alleviate the "fiery night" in Luke's eyes.
  • Represents hopelessness or lack of clarity.

• Western Glooms:

  • The dark ending the dark—implies resolution through confronting darkness or adversity.
  • Suggests that understanding or peace lies westward.

Imagery and Symbolism

• Crimson Leaves:

  • The leaves whisper and convey messages from "her."
  • Symbolize change, decay, yet also communication from beyond.

• God and Hell:

  • "God slays himself with every leaf that flies"—suggests the transient nature of life and divine presence in mundane processes.
  • "Hell is more than half of paradise"—implies unexpected complexity in understanding life's trials.

The Grave and The Call

• Voice from the Grave:

  • The speaker claims to rise from a grave to convey important guidance.
  • The grave signifies both death and truth, linking the afterlife to revelation.

• The Call:

  • Luke must trust that he will hear "her" call if he listens closely.
  • Faith and trust are emphasized as critical to achieving the intended goal.

Final Stanzas

• Encourages action and trust in the face of uncertainty.
• Advises against overthinking or dissecting the meaning of events.
• Emphasizes the importance of faith and readiness to accept the call when it comes.