Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Infidelity" is a poem by Stanley Plumly, first published in his collection "Orphan Hours" in 2012. The poem explores the themes of desire, temptation, and betrayal within a relationship.

Explanation:

The speaker of the poem describes his infidelity towards his partner, and the internal conflict and guilt he feels as a result. He describes his desire for another person and the temptation he feels to act on it, but also the love and commitment he feels towards his partner. He is torn between these conflicting emotions and the fear of the consequences of his actions.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Infidelity, desire, temptation, guilt, love
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid images to convey the emotions and conflict of the speaker, such as "the body / trembling to be held," "the locked face / of the beloved in memory," and "the dark side of the body."
• Tone: The tone is conflicted and introspective, conveying the speaker's inner struggle and guilt.
• Sound: The poem uses repetition, such as the repetition of "the body," to create a sense of longing and desire. It also employs enjambment to create a sense of flow and movement.
• Language: The language is straightforward and direct, using everyday language to convey complex emotions.
• Figurative language: The poem uses metaphors and similes to explore the speaker's emotions, such as "the dark side of the body / like a river flowing in secret" and "a wrecked ship / in some bottle or dream."
• Structure: The poem consists of three stanzas of varying lengths, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme.
• Symbolism: The body and physical desire are recurring symbols throughout the poem, representing the speaker's temptation and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Emotion: The poem conveys a complex range of emotions, including desire, guilt, fear, and love.

Conclusion:

"Infidelity" is a poignant exploration of the conflicting emotions and internal struggle that can arise within a relationship. The use of vivid imagery and figurative language creates a powerful sense of longing and desire, while the straightforward language and structure convey the speaker's inner turmoil. Ultimately, the poem is a reminder of the complexity and fragility of human relationships, and the importance of staying true to one's commitments and values.

Poem Snippet:

"The body

trembling to be held, the dark side of the body

like a river flowing in secret, the locked face

of the beloved in memory, a wrecked ship

in some bottle or dream."

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