Nelly Sachs’s O the Chimneys is a poignant collection of free-verse poems that vividly express the horrors of mass murder. Each poem is enveloped in a thematic narrative, capturing a journey from deep sorrow to a weary acceptance that such tragedies defy explanation. Interwoven with powerful imagery, the poems serve as a stark testament to the turbulence of World War II and the Jewish experience during this era.

Thematic Exploration and Structure

The overarching theme of the collection is encapsulated in titles like “In the Habitations of Death,” “Eclipse of the Stars,” and “And No One Knows How to Go On.” These titles underscore a gradual shift towards resignation and acknowledgment of inexplicable loss. Individual poems, each bearing descriptive titles, further delve into this complex emotional landscape. One standout piece is the verse drama, Eli: A Mystery Play of the Sufferings of Israel, which was brought to the stage in 1962.

Examining "O the Chimneys"

The titular poem introduces the collection, setting the tone with its gripping reflection on tragedy. Other thematic sections include “O the night of the weeping children,” “Even the old men’s last breath,” “A dead child speaks,” and “Chorus of the Unborn.” “O the night of the weeping children” splits into two segments, employing paradox and stark contrast to heighten its impact. It juxtaposes the notion of night with sleeplessness and contrasts nurturing figures with those who, instead, propagate fear, replacing care with terror.

Richly detailed, the poem evokes a poignant sense of innocence lost through items like "the doll with cheeks derouged by kisses" and forsaken toys, culminating in an image of abandoned nightgowns swaying over hair that remains unkempt. The repetition of the word "death" reinforces the overarching theme of loss and despair.

Stylistic Elements and Imagery

Sachs’s free verse is characterized by uneven cadences and strophes, flowing without rhyme. Her work frequently incorporates rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and dramatic questions, creating a rhythmic and resonant effect. Word positioning is deliberate, emphasizing meaning at the beginning and end of stanzas.

The poems brim with vivid imagery, echoing biblical tones and classical allusions, such as references to oracles and Mars, the god of war. Animal imagery—wolves, dragonflies, and symbolic butterflies—is prevalent, as are celestial and botanical references. Metaphors of time, like "the clock face of ages," dust, and sands, are woven throughout, alongside symbolic family dynamics.

Influence and Recognition

Despite the scarcity of prominent female voices in German literature before the late 20th century, Sachs emerged as a significant figure. In 1966, she shared the Nobel Prize in Literature with Israeli writer S. Y. Agnon, marking her profound impact on German and Jewish literary traditions. Though her influence within the German lyrical tradition is limited, she stands as a powerful voice for the Jewish plight during and after World War II.

Analyzing "Eli: A Mystery Play of the Sufferings of Israel"

Written in 1943 amidst the atrocities of Nazi Europe, Eli comprises seventeen scenes filled with unnamed voices and a few distinct characters. It mirrors her poetry's themes, using dreamlike dialogues and fragmented memories to depict a Polish village's devastation. The play embodies elements of mysticism, music, and dance, characteristic of mystery plays.

Aligning with expressionist and post-war drama styles, Eli narrates the tragic death of an innocent child and the journey to find the murderer. The rebuilding of a war-torn village symbolizes hope and restoration, suggesting a return to a moral societal order.

Holocaust Reflections

The poems in O the Chimneys are dedicated to the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust, making Sachs a prominent Holocaust poet. Her work...