“The Journey” by Mary Oliver is a poem that depicts the trials and tribulations a boy faces as he leaves his home and pursues a new path in life. As the boy tries his hardest to leave the confinement of his house, he is pulled back by “voices” (line 3) shouting at him to give up and not focus on his own needs. In spite of the hardships the boy ventures out and finds his own place in the natural world where he can find his own voice. There are numerous literary elements used in this poem, but the most significant is the vocabulary that is used to indicate a shift in thought or stir an emotional reaction from the reader. The language used can be observed from multiple angles of thought, however there is one prominent deduction that can be made. In the poem, Oliver uses language relating to nature in systematic places to demonstrate that leaving home, and finding one’s voice in the world is a natural occurrence. The way Oliver personifies natural occurrences and objects is significant because it demonstrates the most powerful and impactful underlying themes of the poem.

In order to understand the theme that Oliver is trying to convey, one must recognize the different sections of the poem and their significance. In the first 11 lines there is vague indication that the main character has a goal that needs to be achieved. This is represented when Oliver states “One day you finally knew / what you had to do,” (1-2). The obvious indication being that be the boy now has an object to achieve. Additionally, the first section of the poem introduces the main conflict, the aforementioned voices. However, most of the information given throughout these lines is expository information. Throughout these lines there are very pessimistic undertones referring to how the mysterious voices are yelling at him, “Mend my life” (10) and how the main character is feeling the familiar “…old tug / at your [his]”. The passage is a clear indication that the voices are trying their hardest to inhibit the progress of the boy and tug him back to his original place. The line about mending lives can be interpreted as the voices trying to appeal to the boy’s guilty conscious. The voices are pleading for him to help them and not think about his own well-being. In this section of the poem there is no indication of hope or optimism for the boy. However, the seemingly drab scene of what seems to be a failed mission on part of the main character has a positive ending. The sequence is suddenly uplifted by the opening statement of the second section, lines 12-22. Oliver states, “But you didn’t stop.” (12). This phrase is significant because it is the first optimistic statement in the poem, which marks a clear division from the first 11 lines. While section one of the poem is mainly setting up the characters and background, section two differs by consisting of a boldly positive statement and a single prominent mention to nature. Oliver states “though the wind pried / with its stiff fingers” (14-15). This is the first instance in which Oliver personifies nature as a figure helping or hindering the boys journey. In this instance the wind is obviously restricting the boy but it is also personified as a stiff hand. The image created is used to initiate nature as a theme in the second half of this poem, but also demonstrate how nature is all controlling and can positively or negatively affect an innocent bystander. The symbol of a hand is often synonymous with control and manipulation. Oliver uses this reference to first ease readers in to the idea of nature as a fluid and surrounding theme. Continuing in the second section, Oliver states how there is a, “…road full of fallen / branches and stones.” (21-22). This image of nature quite clearly depicts the natural debris blocking the path of the boy. Yet another negative affect of natural occurrences creating restrictions on the boy’s progress and establishing another connection to natural objects. 

The second section follows the same pattern as the first, starting with a bold uplifting statement and then slowly cascading to focus on the difficulties that the boy has to face. And then, as if on cue, the third section (lines 23-36) intrudes with a small statement of hope for the boy, contradicting the assumption of failure. Oliver states “But little by little, / as you left the voices behind,” (23-24). This small signal of optimism for the boy demonstrates that it won’t be easy, but little by little triumph can be accomplished. Additionally, one can note that the beginning of sections two and three start with the same types of contradictory statements, beginning with “but” and uplifting the outlook for the upcoming scene. Throughout the third section, more examples of nature being used figuratively can be observed. As the pace in the writing begins to quicken and the tone becomes more triumphant, Oliver speaks about how “the stars began to burn / through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice” (25-27). This jubilant and borderline euphoric image clearly illustrates the positive possibilities of nature and its potential beauty. At this specific point in the poem, there is an overwhelming rush of relief and confidence that one can feel for this boy. There is light literally triumphing over darkness. This reference to nature is something that could happen any day but when you put it in to context with the struggles of the boy, you realize the significance of natural events that can occur at any time.

Nature as a theme in this poem is demonstrated as a very fluid and reactive element. In multiple instances, the natural object or element of nature is characterized according to situation in which it is applied. An example of this is the stones and branches being synonymous with fortitude or a wall blocking a path. Oliver uses nature as an instrument to naturalize what is happening in the poem. What at first seems unnatural and very foreign for the boy (leaving home and venturing out in to the world) soon becomes much more natural and ultimately beautiful. One can witness this progression throughout the three sections of the poem. Initially in the first section, there is no mention of nature and the outlook seems very bleak. Continuing on to the second section, nature is mentioned two times, but in negative relation to the main character. This is the first time Oliver introduces nature in to the poem and in order to build suspense and establish a potentially wide spectrum of emotion related to it, Oliver depicts it very sparsely and in a negative fashion. The third section begins with a statement very similar to the second, establishing a pattern of emotionally peaks and troughs. In this final section, Oliver uses very vivid and descriptive language about nature to quite literally show the bright side of things. 

Nature is a powerful force that dictates how everyone lives their everyday lives. Oliver very cleverly uses that attribute to depict the trials and tribulations associated with branching out and finding your own way in the world. Not only does the boy struggle with voices of doubt ensuring his failure, but he struggles with the voice in his subconscious saying “Turn back, you can’t do this.”. Oliver uses these voices as a tool to demonstrate how we can sometimes fall victim to the naturally chaotic mindset of self-doubt and fear. Much like nature, our emotions, thoughts, and journeys can change dramatically at any moment. However, one constant is that there will always be highs and there will always be lows. The only significant factor is the meaning we individually find, and the way we personally choose to react to it.
