Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Parable," a poem by Richard Wilbur, tells a brief but potent tale that draws on the iconic character of Don Quixote. The poem uses an ABABCC rhyme scheme, which lends the piece a neat structure that contrasts with Quixote's indecisiveness. Wilbur's tale, although simple, invites readers to consider profound themes, like fate, choice, and the weight of dreams versus the pull of reality.

The poem begins with Quixote riding randomly, coming upon a crossroads-a symbol laden with significance in literature and life alike. Crossroads signify choice, and for Quixote, who lives by the "purity of chance," making a choice threatens his freedom to live in glorious uncertainty. The poem, then, underscores the irony of Quixote's approach to life: a man who values freedom and chance but becomes paralyzed at the prospect of making a decision that could route his future.

It's Quixote's decision-or rather, his avoidance of one-that ultimately tips the scales of fate. He chooses not to choose, delegating the decision to his horse. Here, Wilbur cleverly plays with the idea of destiny and choice. In deferring the choice to his horse, Quixote may believe he's keeping fate's slate clean, but in reality, he's making a significant choice. His desire for "glory" is eclipsed by his inability to make a decisive choice, revealing that fate often unfolds in the minutiae of everyday decisions.

The horse, whose shoes are "heavy," chooses the "stable," a space of comfort and confinement. Wilbur's use of the term "heavy" not only pertains to the horse's physical condition but metaphorically speaks to the gravitas of the choice, anchoring Quixote back to reality. The horse's choice to head for the stable is both literal and metaphorical: literal in the sense that a tired, heavy horse would naturally head for the stable for rest, and metaphorical in that choosing the 'stable' path often means opting for security over adventure, practicality over fantasy.

The final line, "Were heavy, and he headed for the stable," encapsulates the thematic essence of the poem. It's a poignant reminder that dreams and fantasies, however grand, must be reconciled with the concrete realities of life, much like how the weight of the horse's shoes brings Quixote back to earth. Wilbur leaves us pondering whether glory lies in embracing chance or if it's found in the stable-a secure but confined space that keeps us from getting lost but also from finding anything new.

"Parable" is a meditation on life's choices, the role of fate, and the consequences of indecision, all couched in a simple story with a layered meaning. Wilbur's clever rhyme scheme, thoughtful metaphors, and poetic concision make this short poem a profound commentary on human aspiration and the constraints that tether us to the tangible world.

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