Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Silence" by Marianne Moore was first published in 1919 as part of her collection "Poems."

Explanation 

"Silence" is a poem that explores the paradoxical nature of the concept of silence. Moore describes silence as a "baffling crime" and a "strange garment," acknowledging its mysterious and elusive qualities. She also acknowledges that silence can be a source of power, as it can be used to conceal or to convey a deeper meaning. However, Moore ultimately suggests that silence can never truly be complete or absolute, as even in silence there is the suggestion of sound and meaning.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse with irregular line lengths.
• Theme: The main theme of the poem is the paradoxical nature of silence and the ways in which it can be used to convey or conceal meaning.
• Imagery: Moore uses a variety of vivid and surprising images throughout the poem, including "a rabbit with a cottontail," "a sea-beast fished up," and "an oasis of horror in a desert of boredom."
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and introspective, with a sense of wonder and awe at the mystery of silence.
• Sound: Although the poem is about silence, Moore uses sound in a powerful way, with repeated "s" and "sh" sounds that evoke the whispering of secrets.

Conclusion:

"Silence" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader's assumptions about the nature of silence. Through her use of vivid imagery and musical language, Moore suggests that silence can be both beautiful and terrifying, and that it is never truly empty or meaningless. The poem encourages us to explore the power of silence and to question our own assumptions about what it means.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...