Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Elizabeth Jennings was an English poet known for her introspective and reflective style. "Absence" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the pain of separation and the longing for someone who is no longer present.

Context:

"Absence" was published in 1958, a time when Britain was still recovering from the aftermath of World War II. The poem reflects the emotional and psychological impact of the war on individuals and their relationships.

Content:

"Absence" is a poem that explores the pain of separation and the longing for someone who is no longer present. The speaker reflects on the emotional intensity of their feelings and the ways in which the absence of the loved one has affected their life. The poem explores themes of loss and the enduring power of love.

Form:

"Absence" is a short poem consisting of three stanzas. Each stanza follows an ABAB rhyme scheme and is written in iambic tetrameter, giving the poem a musical and flowing rhythm. The use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of unity and balance within the poem.

Poetic Elements:

Jennings employs a variety of poetic techniques in "Absence," including metaphor and imagery. The use of metaphor helps to convey the intensity of the speaker's feelings, while the use of imagery helps to create a vivid and evocative picture of the emotional landscape.

Summary:

"Absence" is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the pain of separation and the enduring power of love. The use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid and evocative picture of the speaker's emotions, while the use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical and flowing rhythm. The poem's exploration of themes of loss and longing make it a relevant and engaging work that continues to resonate with readers today.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...