“Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Analysis

January 1867 Issue

Introduction: “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, published in his 1867 collection, May-Day and Other Pieces, grapples with themes of aging, the limitations of the human experience, and the inevitability of death. Yet, the poem also presents a message of finding acceptance and a sense of purpose within life’s finite journey.

Text: “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is time to be old,
To take in sail: —
The god of bounds,
Who sets to seas a shore,
Came to me in his fatal rounds.
And said, “No more!
No further spread
Thy broad ambitious branches, and thy root;
Fancy departs: no more invent,
Contract thy firmament
To compass of a tent.
There’s not enough for this and that,
Make thy option which of two;
Economize the failing river,
Not the less adore the Giver,
Leave the many and hold the few.
Timely wise accept the terms.
Soften the fall with wary foot;
A little while
Still plan and smile,
And, fault of novel germs,
Mature the unfallen fruit.

“Curse, if thou wilt, thy sires,
Bad husbands of their fires,
Who, when they gave thee breath,
Failed to bequeath
The needful sinew stark as once,
The Baresark marrow to thy bones,
But left a legacy of ebbing veins,
Inconstant heat and nerveless reins, —
Amid the Muses, left thee deaf and dumb,
Amid the gladiators, halt and numb.”

As the bird trims her to the gale,
I trim myself to the storm of time,
I man the rudder, reef the sail,
Obey the voice at eve, obeyed at prime:
“Lowly faithful, banish fear,
Right onward drive unharmed;
The port, well worth the cruise, is near,
And every wave is charmed.”

Annotations of “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Line Number	Text	Annotation
1-2	It is time to be old, / To take in sail:—	The speaker acknowledges the reality of aging, using a sailing metaphor to indicate slowing down or preparing for life’s end.
3-5	The god of bounds, / Who sets to seas a shore, / Came to me in his fatal rounds.	Introduction of Terminus, Roman god of boundaries. This suggests that time and mortality are unavoidable forces.
6-10	And said, “No more! / No further spread / Thy broad ambitious branches, and thy root; / Fancy departs: no more invent, / Contract thy firmament / To compass of a tent.	Terminus commands the speaker to cease striving and expansion. Youthful dreams and ambitions must make way for a more focused existence.
11-15	There’s not enough for this and that,/ Make thy option which of two; / Economize the failing river, / Not the less adore the Giver, / Leave the many and hold the few.	Acknowledges that time and energy are limited with age. Emphasizes the need to prioritize and appreciate what remains.
16-20	Timely wise accept the terms, / Soften the fall with wary foot; / A little while / Still plan and smile, / And, fault of novel germs, / Mature the unfallen fruit.	Suggests accepting decline gracefully while still finding value in the present. Focus on completing existing projects rather than starting new ones.
21-29	“Curse, if thou wilt, thy sires, / Bad husbands of their fires, / Who, when they gave thee breath, / Failed to bequeath… / …Amid the gladiators, halt and numb.”	Terminus suggests lamenting one’s ancestors for passing down physical decline, a lack of vitality compared to previous generations.
30-34	As the bird trims her to the gale, / I trim myself to the storm of time, / I man the rudder, reef the sail, / Obey the voice at eve, obeyed at prime: / “Lowly faithful, banish fear…”	The speaker resolves to adapt to the inevitability of aging like a bird adjusting to a storm. There’s a comforting voice promising a safe journey’s end.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Metaphor: A comparison of unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
   • “The god of bounds, / Who sets to seas a shore” (Lines 3-4). Compares the limitations of aging and death to the boundaries of the sea.
2. Extended Metaphor: A metaphor developed over several lines or throughout the entire poem.
   • The sailing metaphor: Lines like “take in sail,” “man the rudder,” and “reef the sail” suggest preparing for the end of life, likening it to a ship navigating a storm.
3. Symbolism: Using objects or concepts to represent abstract ideas.

• Terminus: The Roman god of boundaries symbolizes limitations, aging, and the end of life.

4. Personification: Giving inanimate objects or ideas human qualities.

• “Fancy departs” (Line 8) personifies imagination as something that leaves with age.

5. Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.
   • “The Baresark marrow to thy bones” (Line 25). Alludes to legendary Norse warriors (Berserkers) known for their strength and fury.
6. Imagery: Vivid language that appeals to the senses.
   • “Inconstant heat and nerveless reins” (Line 27) creates imagery of declining physical strength.
7. Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses.
   • “No more! / No further spread…” (Lines 6-7) emphasizes the finality of limitations.
8. Apostrophe: Addressing an absent or inanimate object as if present and listening.
   • “Curse, if thou wilt, thy sires…” (Line 21). The speaker directly addresses ancestors.
9. Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting ideas or images next to each other for emphasis.
   • “Bad husbands of their fires, / Who when they gave thee breath…” (Lines 22-23) contrasts ancestors’ vitality with the speaker’s perceived decline.
10. Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth.

• “Soften the fall with wary foot” (Line 17). Suggests gently accepting decline while cautiously moving forward.

11. Oxymoron: A two-word phrase with contradictory elements.
    • “fault of novel germs” (Line 19) suggests a lack of new growth, a contradiction in itself.
12. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
    • “Bad husbands of their fires” (Line 22). The repetition of “h” sounds.
13. Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words.
    • “Trim myself to the storm of time” (Line 31). Repetition of short “i” vowel sound.
14. Diction: The author’s word choice.

• Use of words like “fatal,” “failing,” “ebbing,” and “halt” reinforces themes of decline, limitation, and mortality.

15. Tone: The attitude the writer conveys toward the subject and audience.
    • Emerson’s tone shifts from resignation to acceptance, with a touch of defiance toward the end.

Functions of Literary Devices in “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Creating Vivid Imagery and Emotional Resonance:
• Metaphors (like the sailing voyage) and vivid imagery of physical decline help readers visualize and emotionally connect with the themes of aging and limitations.
• Conveying Complex Ideas:
  • Symbolism (Terminus) and allusions (Berserkers) add a layer of meaning by representing complex ideas about mortality and the contrast between generations.
• Emphasizing Key Themes:
  • Anaphora (“No more!”) and juxtaposition of weakness with ancestral strength drive home the inevitability of accepting boundaries and physical decline as part of the aging process.
• Establishing Tone:
  • Personification (“Fancy departs”) contributes to a tone of both resignation and quiet sadness, while diction (words like “fatal” and “ebbing”) reinforces a theme of approaching mortality.

Themes in “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Theme	Details	References from the Poem
Aging and Mortality	* Inevitability of physical decline and approaching death. * Acknowledgment of limitations imposed by the natural order.	* “It is time to be old, To take in sail” (Lines 1-2) * “The god of bounds…Came to me in his fatal rounds” (Lines 3-5) * “Curse, if thou wilt, thy sires…Failed to bequeath The needful sinew…” (Lines 21 – 24)
Acceptance	* Shifting from ambitious striving to focusing on the present. * Finding peace within limitations.	* “No further spread Thy broad ambitious branches…” (Lines 7-8) * “Timely wise accept the terms, Soften the fall…” (Lines 16-17) * “Obey the voice at eve, obeyed at prime” (Line 33)
Prioritization	* Recognizing diminishing resources of time and energy. * Letting go of some things to focus on what matters most.	* “There’s not enough for this and that, Make thy option which of two” (Lines 11-12) * “Leave the many and hold the few” (Line 15)
Legacy & Completion	* Emphasis on completing existing projects rather than starting new ones. * Finding value in what has been accomplished.	* “And, fault of novel germs, Mature the unfallen fruit” (Lines 19-20)

Literary Theories and “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

·  Transcendentalism:

• Emphasis on the Individual: The poem focuses on the speaker’s internal struggle and acceptance of aging and their ultimate journey towards death.
• Connection to the Natural World: The sailing metaphors and reference to the “god of bounds” suggest a respect for the natural order governing human life.
• Intuition and Self-Reliance: The speaker ultimately relies on their intuition and inner wisdom to guide them through this transition (“Obey the voice at eve, obeyed at prime”).

·  Existentialism:

• Confronting mortality: The poem grapples with the inevitability of death and the limitations inherent to human existence.
• Finding meaning within limitations: Despite facing decline, the speaker finds a sense of purpose in focusing on what they can control and appreciating their finite time.

·  Formalism (New Criticism):

• Focus on literary devices: Analyzing how devices like metaphor, imagery, and symbolism create meaning and contribute to the poem’s thematic depth.
• Close reading: Paying close attention to the poem’s structure, diction, and tone to uncover how they support the themes.

·  Reader-Response Theory:

• The reader’s experience: Each reader would bring a unique perspective based on their personal experiences of aging, mortality, and acceptance.
• Ambiguity and Interpretation: The poem offers open-ended passages that allows for multiple interpretations and personal responses.

·  Psychoanalytic Theory:

• Unconscious desires: Examining how the poem might express the speaker’s subconscious fears or desires related to aging and death.
• Oedipal anxieties: Potentially interpreting the ancestor references as a Freudian struggle between generations and legacy.

Essays, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Essay Question	Thesis Statement
How does Emerson utilize symbolism and metaphor in “Terminus” to explore the complex themes of aging and mortality?	Emerson employs powerful symbols like Terminus and extended metaphors of sailing to depict the inevitability of physical decline and the necessity of accepting one’s limitations as part of the natural order of life.
Analyze the shift in tone throughout “Terminus.” How does this shift reflect the speaker’s evolving attitude towards aging and death?	Emerson’s “Terminus” reveals a complex emotional journey, with the speaker shifting from initial resignation and a touch of defiance to a final acceptance and a sense of peace within his limitations.
In what ways does “Terminus” reflect the core principles of Transcendentalism?	Emerson’s “Terminus” embodies Transcendentalist ideals through its emphasis on individual experience, respect for the natural order, and a focus on finding meaning within one’s journey of self-reliance and intuition.
Discuss how the literary devices of juxtaposition and imagery in “Terminus” contribute to the portrayal of physical decline and its emotional impact.	Emerson utilizes contrasting imagery and stark juxtapositions to vividly illustrate the experience of physical decline associated with aging, highlighting its emotional weight and the inevitability of change.

Short Question-Answer about “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Question:What is the central metaphor in “Terminus”?

Answer:

• The central metaphor is aging as a sea voyage approaching its end.
• This is evident in the sailing imagery: “take in sail,” “man the rudder,” and “reef the sail.”
• These actions suggest a slowing down, a preparation for limitations and the eventual end, mirroring the process of aging.

·  Question: Who is Terminus, and what does he represent?

Answer:

• Terminus is the Roman god of boundaries, symbolizing limitations and finality.
• In the poem, he represents the inevitability of aging and death.
• His command, “No more!”, highlights the end of youthful ambition and the need to accept boundaries on one’s life and potential.

·  Question: How does the tone shift in the poem?

Answer:

• Initial Resignation: The poem begins with acceptance of aging (“It is time to be old”)
• Touch of Defiance: This shifts to a brief moment of lamenting physical decline and ancestral strength (“Curse, if thou wilt, thy sires…”)
• Final Acceptance: Ultimately, the speaker finds peace in accepting limitations and focusing on the present (“Timely wise accept the terms”).

·  Question: What does the speaker resolve to do at the end?
Answer:

• Adapt to Change: The speaker resolves to adjust to inevitable decline, mirroring a sailor trimming their sails in a storm (“trim myself to the storm of time”)
• Focus on the Present: They prioritize completing existing endeavours over starting new ones (“Mature the unfallen fruit”)
• Find Solace: A comforting voice promises a worthwhile end to the journey, suggesting peace and acceptance (“The port, well worth the cruise, is near”)

Literary Works Similar to “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Poetry:

• ·  “Sailing to Byzantium” by William Butler Yeats: Similar focus on aging, the desire to transcend the physical body, and the search for meaning in life’s later stages.
• “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Shares a defiant tone against the inevitability of death, though focused more on the fight against mortality rather than acceptance.
• Sonnets by William Shakespeare (particularly those focused on time and aging): Explore the fleeting nature of time, beauty, and the anxieties of aging.
• “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: While the speaker is defiant and eager for adventure, it shares a contemplative tone on aging and the limits it brings.

·  Prose:

• Ecclesiastes (from the Bible): Reflections on the cyclical nature of life, the futility of worldly pursuits, and finding meaning within inevitable limitations.
• “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway: Though focused on a physical struggle, it touches on themes of resilience, limitations, and the human spirit facing decline.

·  Other Transcendentalist Works

• Essays by Henry David Thoreau (like “Walden”): Emphasize living simply, drawing wisdom from nature, and finding purpose within oneself.

Suggested Readings: “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scholarly Resources:

• Cavitch, Max. “Emerson’s ‘Terminus’.” The Explicator , vol 63, no. 4, Summer 2005, pp. 202-205.
• Focus: This article offers a direct analysis of “Terminus.”
• Access: Likely requires access through an academic library or database subscription.
• Porte, Joel. Representative Man: Ralph Waldo Emerson in His Time. Oxford University Press, 1979.
• Richardson, Robert D. Emerson: The Mind on Fire. University of California Press, 1996.
• Focus: These biographies provide broader contextualization of Emerson’s life, philosophy, and the period in which he wrote “Terminus.”

Additional Resources:

• The Poetry Foundation Website (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/): Explore resources on Emerson and Transcendentalism for background knowledge relevant to “Terminus.”
• The Ralph Waldo Emerson Society Website: Consult their website for potential essays, articles, or links to further analysis of the poem.