Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Forget How to Remember How to Forget" is a poem by John Hollander, an American poet, literary critic, and scholar who lived from 1929 to 2013. The poem reflects on the nature of memory and the ways in which our perceptions of the past can shape our present and future.

Context:

The poem was written during the latter half of the 20th century, a period of profound social, cultural, and political change in the United States and around the world. The poem reflects on the themes of memory, identity, and the complex relationship between the past and the present.

Content:

The poem is a meditation on the nature of memory, exploring the ways in which our perceptions of the past can shape our present and future. The poem reflects on the complexity and ambiguity of memory, and the ways in which our understanding of the past can shift and change over time. The poem also reflects on the importance of forgetting as a means of moving forward and embracing new experiences.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter. The poem's form contributes to its sense of naturalness and organic flow, reflecting the complexity and richness of the theme.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a range of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. For example, the poem uses the metaphor of a "scar" to describe the ways in which memories can linger and shape our perceptions of the world. The repetition of the phrase "forget how to remember how to forget" emphasizes the central theme of the poem and creates a sense of rhythm and musicality.

Summary:

Overall, "Forget How to Remember How to Forget" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex and often fraught relationship between memory, identity, and the past. Hollander's use of poetic techniques and devices creates a sense of richness and depth, reflecting the complexity and significance of the theme. The poem remains a valuable contribution to the canon of American literature and provides insight into the ways in which our perceptions of the past can shape our present and future.

Poem Excerpt:

"Forget how to remember how to forget,

And you'll remember how to recall

All that's old and all that's new

And think of them as one, for all."

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