Discussion of the poem Astronauts by Robert Hayden.

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Adriana Dunne

Astronauts

The poem “Astronauts” by Robert Hayden is the portrayal of an outer space mission and man’s journey to the unknown. This is then contrasted with life back on our world and the expectations and awe that is placed upon the astronauts by those on Earth. Hayden challengers the reader with the thought of what we expect of ourselves and others, and what we hope to accomplish and gain from life.  With man’s fear of the unknown, the astronauts’ journey symbolises the journey of life with all its hardships and doubts but also its discovery.

The poem depicts the expedition of a group of astronauts as they travel into space. As they land on the moon, there amazement of what they discover is expressed “And Wow, they exclaim; oh boy, this is it” (Line 9). The team begin to sing (Line 11) as they investigate a whole new place that is untouched by man and is yet to be explored. The poem also introduces the theme of God “And God’s radar-watching eye?” (Line 20) This explores the possibility of God and man’s need to know whether he is with them throughout the journey of life. While on the moon, they “labour at gathering proof of hypothesis...” (Line 22) so that they may learn wonders that mankind has yet to discover. This is the point at which Hayden poses the question “What is it we wish them to find for us?” (Line 27) referring to those back on earth watching from their screens (Line 29). By asking this question, Robert Hayden positions the readers to think why it is people are innovated to search for new things and why they have a need to discover throughout life.    

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“Astronauts” is set in outer space on the vast terrain of the moon “Shadow of moonscape” (Line 5).  The poem is set in free verse as it has no regular metre. It is arranged in lines but has no fixed metrical pattern or expectation. The first stanza sets a mood of seriousness and by describing each action separately, “Armoured in oxygen, faceless in visors...” (Line 1) it suggests purposefulness. The second stanza creates a mood of joy and the astronauts’ abilities to be proud of what they’ve achieved “They sing, exulting (though trained to be wary of “emotion and philosophy”)” ...

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