Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Terminal Resemblance” is a poem by Louise Glück, first published in her collection “Ararat” in 1990. The poem explores the relationship between a mother and daughter and the complexities that come with it.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker observing her mother as they spend time together. The mother’s aging and declining health is apparent, and the speaker is struck by how much she resembles her mother. The speaker reflects on the pain of watching someone age and the inevitability of death. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the intense bond between mother and daughter, and the difficulty of letting go.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of six stanzas, each with three lines.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the physical and emotional weight of aging and the relationship between mother and daughter.
• Repetition: The phrase “she looks like me” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker’s recognition of their physical resemblance and the emotional ties between them.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is melancholic and reflective, conveying a sense of grief and acceptance.

Conclusion:

“Terminal Resemblance” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship and the inevitable pain of aging and death. The poem’s use of imagery and repetition adds depth and emotional resonance to the speaker’s reflections. The poem ultimately speaks to the enduring bond between mother and daughter, even in the face of mortality.

Poem Snippet:

“She looks like me, and the thought

comes with a crushing violence:

I am going to lose her.”

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