Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Elegy for My Father" is a poem by Mark Strand, first published in 1978. It is a personal and emotional exploration of the speaker's relationship with his deceased father.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker recounting a dream in which his father appears to him. The speaker is surprised by the sudden appearance, as he has not seen or thought of his father in a long time. The dream leads the speaker to reflect on his father's life and their relationship, particularly the distance and emotional barriers between them. The speaker then imagines a conversation with his father, in which they discuss their past and try to understand each other's perspectives.

Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with feelings of guilt and regret for not having a closer relationship with his father while he was alive. He also explores the universal themes of loss, mortality, and the complexity of human relationships.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Family relationships, mortality, loss, regret
• Imagery: Dreams, memories, conversations, nature (e.g. "the sky", "the sea")
• Tone: Reflective, melancholic
• Sound: Repetition of "you" and "I", use of enjambment
• Language: Simple and direct, with occasional metaphors and figurative language
• Structure: Divided into three sections, with the dream sequence, conversation, and final reflection
• Symbolism: The dream represents the speaker's attempt to come to terms with his father's death and understand their relationship.

Conclusion:

"Elegy for My Father" is a poignant and introspective poem that delves into the complexities of family relationships, mortality, and regret. Through the speaker's dream and imagined conversation with his father, the poem offers a glimpse into the universal struggle to come to terms with loss and understand our loved ones. The simplicity of the language and structure, combined with the use of imagery and sound, make for a powerful and emotional reading experience.

Poem Snippet:

"In my dream, my father appears

With the keys to his life

And to mine, and I take them

And turn them in my hands”

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