Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Frightened Man" by Louise Bogan presents a narrative of regret and self-discovery through the lens of a failed relationship. It captures the universal human experience of attraction, fear, and the complexities that come with emotional intimacy. The speaker's initial fear "of the rich mouth" leads him to opt for what seems like a safer choice, only to discover that safety is an illusion.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB in each of its three quatrains, providing a structural balance that starkly contrasts with the emotional imbalances and uncertainties detailed in the poem. This is a classic case of form dissonant from function, serving to further underline the conflict at the heart of the poem.

In the first stanza, the speaker "kissed the thin" mouth out of "fear of the rich mouth," perhaps indicating a fear of the emotional or sensual richness that the latter offers. This action itself becomes "a trap," suggesting that the speaker's fear and his attempt to avoid emotional risk turn out to be his undoing. The term "trap" immediately imbues the poem with a sense of danger and regret.

By the second stanza, the tables have turned. The "frail, the scentless" woman he chose has "become strong, and proves relentless." This transformation casts the woman as a more complex figure than initially perceived. She is no longer the "safe" choice; she, too, comes with her emotional complexities and demands. The word "relentless" signifies her newly acquired emotional strength, something the speaker seems to find overwhelming.

In the last stanza, the speaker realizes the futility of his prior actions. The words "O, forget her praise" signal his disillusionment, not just with the woman he chose, but also with his own judgment and decision-making. He recalls how he "sought her / Through a hazardous maze / By shafted water," emphasizing the challenges he faced to win her affection. This suggests that even what appears to be the easier choice in love and life still involves its own difficulties and challenges.

What's compelling is how Bogan uses water as a metaphor for the emotional landscape, presenting it as "hazardous" and "shafted," or divided by obstacles. It serves as an environment that reflects the speaker's emotional state, fraught with uncertainties and dangers. Water is often associated with emotion, and the description here captures the shifting, often unpredictable nature of human feelings.

"Frightened Man" captures the intricate dance between fear and desire, between the choices we make to keep ourselves safe and the unexpected outcomes of those choices. It is a poignant reminder that the complexities of human emotions defy simple categorization, and what may initially seem safe can sometimes prove to be the most perilous choice of all. Louise Bogan articulates this nuanced emotional terrain in a brief yet evocative poem that resonates long after the reading.

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