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Neither memories nor magic

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

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Neither memories nor magic

Concealed, my many angers lay in my heart before
this hour as brown seeds ripen within the apple-core,
and I was always certain that, sword in hand, a friendly
strong angel followed behind me, an angel to defend me.
But when, one wild dawn, waking, you see your whole world crumbling
to dust and must go forward confused, a phantom fumbling
and all but naked, your few belongings left behind,
then you will find arising in your lightened heart, a refined
and musing, humble yearning, laconic and mature --
if still you can rebel, it’s not over your own sorrow
but for a glowing, distant, sweet freedom for tomorrow.

Positions and possessions I’ve never held and won’t,
but spare a moment’s thought for this wealthy life: I don’t
concern myself with vengeance, my heart is free of rage,
the world will be rebuilt -- and, although this ugly age
has banned my words, they will yet ring out beneath new walls;
alone I must live through all that in my time befalls
me knowing that neither memories nor magic can defend me;
I will not glance behind me -- above, the sky’s unfriendly,
and should you see me yet, turn away, my friend, and go on.
Where in the past a mighty protector stood behind me,
the angel might be gone.
                                                - Miklós Radnóti, 1944

Radnóti, Miklós. “Neither Memory nor Magic” Nine Holocaust Poets, translated by Jim Doss. Loch Raven Press, Maryland, 2024. p. 321.

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Guiding Questions:

1.      Why does the speaker compare his anger to apple seeds ripening? What does this reveal about his emotional state?

2.      What had the speaker always imagined guarded his life?

3.      Why does he feel the desertion of this protective force?

4.      How did the speaker suddenly become a “phantom?”

5.      Once he is stripped of life’s comforts and possessions, what become his more mature thoughts and wishes?

6.      What does the speaker claim is the status of his heart? How does this help him survive?

7.      The speaker chooses to endure, “knowing that neither memories nor magic” can save him. The sky is “unfriendly” and his angel has deserted him,
         but he has one hope: his poetry. How could poetry become his legacy after this “ugly age” passes?