Mary Oliver’s poem “The Journey” utilizes vague symbols to express the spiritual and personal development of an individual. Oliver employs such symbols as wind, a house, the night and clouds to outline the general experiences people have in developing self sufficiency and individuality. Oliver effectively communicates broad themes by simplifying events that all individuals encounter through the use of the second person, repetition and inspirational language. The poem uses these devices to examine topics of personal determination, the juxtaposition of individual & societal willpower as well as triumph to symbolize the general experience of all humans.

The most commonly recurring theme expressed in the poem is the elimination of obstacles or influences that could lead to negative personal development. Oliver emphasizes the focus on oneself instead of catering to the needs of others, suggesting conformity and vulnerability to the influence of others could prevent a person from succeeding or achieving personal happiness. The repetitive reference of this subject is marked by the use of three distinct symbols— voices, wind and clouds,— all which seem to indicate a gradual descent in severity of the conflict of the poem. The voices are a clear and persuasive and are the most threatening to the protagonist; the wind represents the remaining presence of harmful influences but Oliver indicates the individual prevails more easily; finally the clouds seems to represent the persistence of other people’s influence once the individual has become fully developed and is no longer susceptible to impulsive decisions. Oliver concludes in describing her protagonist as “determined to do the only thing you could do--determined to save the only life you could save” (Oliver). Although these lines conclude the poem on somewhat of a cliched note, they communicates a wise message. If a person does not resolve his or her personal issues and fails to effectively tend to certain responsibilities, the person will not be able to assist others with similar problems, inevitably resulting in the worsening of his or her condition.

Oliver also stresses the importance of determination and its intrinsic relation to success and living one’s life in a wholesome manner. The poem’s progression can be divided into three tiers, all of which reiterate the ideas expressed in the previous section. Symbols in the poem alternately describe internal and external forces acting on the individual, juxtaposing personal and external in such lines as,“you knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers” (Oliver). The quote implies that a person is always aware of his or her will, but determination requires that, despite external pressure, the person must invariably choose what most benefits his or her condition. Thus, determination is the capacity to focus solely on individual needs to accomplish a goals that may temporarily be self serving, but will ultimately have utilitarian benefits. 

The poem also the significance of the triumph  of the protagonist which, in the poem, culminates in the individual being self focused and individually determined. Although the poem does not detail specific events (but rather offer obscure descriptions of experiences), several lines in the poem describe moments of relief or small victories of the protagonist. For example, Oliver writes, “little by little, as you left their voices behind,” or “there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own” (Oliver); these successes might not seem substantial since they provide no immediate benefit, material or otherwise. However, these moments in the poem best underscore its spiritual message since the poem observes life in a general, long-term context. Oliver allows the reader to relate to this cathartic triumph through her use of the second person. This perspective makes provides the poem with a greater sense of intimacy and also removes barriers established by the concept of the fourth wall. 

“The Journey” works superficially as a solid inspirational piece which promotes healthy choices and individual decision-making. However, when analyzed, it is clear that each element of the poem is purposed with making the poem’s message more accessible to the reader. Although this can be seen as an oversimplification of worthy themes, the use of symbolism merits the vagueness of the writing. Furthermore, the poem offers consolation to those unsure of of the significance of every individual, as well as a sense of hope that personal achievement can be controlled and worked toward definitively. While this work often ignores certain complexities that are not useful to explain in poetry, it does a good job of creating a general template for successful decision making as well as solid defense for the importance of individuality. 