Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"This Is a Photograph of Me" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem by Margaret Atwood, first published in 1966. The poem explores themes of memory, identity, and self-perception through the lens of a photograph.

Explanation:

The poem begins with a description of a photograph that appears to be of a peaceful lake, but as the narrator continues, it becomes clear that the photograph also contains an image of the narrator herself, drowned in the lake. Through this haunting image, the poem explores the ways in which our memories and perceptions of ourselves can be distorted and fragmented, and the difficulty of truly knowing and understanding oneself.

Poetic Elements:

• Imagery: Atwood's use of vivid and descriptive imagery creates a haunting and eerie atmosphere throughout the poem, particularly in the depiction of the drowned narrator.
• Symbolism: The photograph serves as a powerful symbol of memory and self-perception, representing the ways in which our memories and perceptions of ourselves can be distorted or obscured.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is introspective and melancholic, reflecting the narrator's struggle to understand herself and her own identity.
• Structure: The poem is written in free verse and does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. It consists of four stanzas, each with varying numbers of lines, which create a sense of fragmentation and disorientation.

Conclusion:

"This Is a Photograph of Me" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores themes of memory, identity, and self-perception in a unique and thought-provoking way. Atwood's use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and introspective tone creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that lingers long after the poem has been read.

Poem Snippet:

It was taken

some time ago.

At first it seems to be

a smeared