Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Death by Aesthetics" is a poem written by Mona Van Duyn. It was first published in her collection titled "Firefall" in 1992. The poem explores the idea of beauty, its power, and its ability to destroy. The speaker reflects on a woman who, obsessed with creating a perfect garden, ends up ruining her life and ultimately dying as a result.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker describing a woman who is obsessed with creating a perfect garden. She spends all her time and money on it, and even hires a landscape architect to help her achieve her vision. The speaker notes that the garden is indeed beautiful, but at what cost? The woman neglects everything else in her life, including her husband and children, to focus on her garden.

As the poem progresses, we see the woman becoming increasingly isolated and unhappy. She spends all her time in her garden and seems to have lost touch with the outside world. Her husband leaves her, and her children no longer visit. She is left alone, with only her garden to keep her company.

The turning point of the poem comes when a storm hits and destroys the garden. The woman is devastated, and the speaker notes that "her life had been arranged / for the sake of the garden, and she was destroyed / by its beauty." The garden, which had been her whole world, is now gone, and she is left with nothing.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the power of beauty, noting that it can be both wonderful and destructive. The woman, in her pursuit of beauty, ended up destroying herself.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the garden. The speaker paints a picture of a beautiful, lush landscape that is both alluring and dangerous.
• Metaphor: The garden serves as a metaphor for the woman's life. She pours all her energy and resources into it, to the detriment of everything else in her life.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative, with a sense of sadness and regret underlying the speaker's observations.

Conclusion:

"Death by Aesthetics" is a powerful exploration of the dangers of obsession and the destructive power of beauty. The poem's vivid imagery and metaphorical language make it a poignant and thought-provoking work that encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with beauty and the things they value in life. The poem serves as a warning about the dangers of becoming too focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else, and a reminder that true happiness comes from balance and perspective.

Poem Snippet:

"She made her garden from the sand,

and many wonders bloomed.

But for its sake her house and lands

were sold, her husband doomed.

And now her face is stiffened in

a paroxysm of tears:

her life had been arranged

for the sake of the garden, and she was destroyed

by its beauty."

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