
In “The Journey,” Mary Oliver conveys the message of individualism, achieved through certainty in one’s unique path and purpose in life. Aspects of transformation and authenticity are employed through polarization of the “outside” world and the protagonist.  Throughout the poem, Oliver maintains continuity through three to four word sentences and a lack of stanza breaks “pulling” the reader towards themes such as fear of the unknown and lack of confidence in one's own beliefs in an environment where one is expected to conform to societal norms. She suggests that although conforming to these norms are tempting; these urges must be converted into strong will and steadfastness in order to find our own voices and achieve success whilst doing so. Oliver develops this theme through literary devices such as metaphors and imagery, that at the end of the day no one can walk our journey for us and that we must respond to the call of our own self-conscious.

This free verse poem revolves around a sense of detachment; most people remain dependent on externalities and seek the help of others for the general conduct of their lives, creating a series of false mindsets. The poet says “though the voices around you / kept shouting / their bad advice” (lines 3-5), implying that advice and guidance from people around you are usually unreliable as these “voices” are people that have remained reliant on others for success and their advice may not apply to others.

Another idea that Oliver attempts to convey is a sense of detachment from aiding others. Oliver maintains, through her protagonist’s disregard for others, not just a lack of concern for others “advice”, but for their lives. This results in a sense of disconnectedness between the protagonist and the environment the poem generates, an environment characterized by a bleak atmosphere that seems almost overwhelming. However, the protagonist triumphs her environment at the end of the poem, generating a powerful sensation as the poem closes, sensations that are surely relatable to most humans as it evokes the most fundamental struggles of humanity. The poem’s protagonist is heckled by the cries of those too weak to care for themselves, yelling “Mend my life!” (10), as she walks on her path to find her own voice and life at the end of the poem. 

The intense emotions conveyed in the poem are only possible through Oliver’s use of vivid imagery. Oliver evokes a dreary environment that is hell bent on keeping the poem's protagonist down, one that is persistent but never successful in doing so. Oliver writes of the condition of the protagonist, saying that “It was already late / enough, and a wild night, / and the road full of fallen branches and stones” (lines 18-21). This quotation evokes a sense of helplessness and despair. The poem's protagonist has happened upon a scene of failure, a scene indicative of her fate if she fails in her quest. However, she is persistent, causing hope to reappear, as indicated when Oliver says “stars began to burn / through the sheets of clouds, / and there was a new voice which you slowly / recognized as your own” (lines 24-28). This quotation evokes a beautiful image of hope, in which the stars act as if they are lights at the end of a large, dark tunnel, stars that serve to finally indicate to the poem’s champion that her end goal is in sight, that it will finally be possible. As a result of the protagonist’s persistence, she is led to a deeper understanding of herself, as she finds a new voice which she slowly recognizes as her own, one that gives the protagonist the strength to strive and work harder. 

             In order to fully convey the struggle and eventual, victorious achievement of the poem’s protagonist, Oliver uses figurative language and metaphors in conjunction with her imagery. Oliver uses the extended metaphor of a physical journey as a metaphor for a solitary, spiritual journey towards individual change. Usage of figurative language include metaphors of a “tug at our ankles” (8) and a “road full of fallen / branches and stones” (lines 20-21), which reflect the obstacles that attempt to keep us from our destination, and personification in “the wind pried / with its stiff fingers” (lines 14-15).

          Finally, Oliver ties together the whole poem when she states, “as you strode deeper and deeper / into the world, / determined to do / the only thing you could do --- determined to save / the only life you could save” (lines 30-34). Here, Oliver chooses to use the word “could” instead of “would” in the line, suggesting that whose life we save has more to do with possibility rather than desire. Self-knowledge entails awareness of limitation, just as freedom entails responsibility for one’s actions.   Humanity is burdened by countless trials, and overcoming these trials does not depend on looking to others for support, but in reality wholly depends on inner strength and power. The protagonist, the embodiment of Oliver’s view of inner strength, is able to become truly independent and subsequently successful and happy in life, something that every human being wants and strives for.  
