Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dido of Tunisia" is a poem by Phyllis McGinley, first published in 1954. The poem is a dramatic monologue from the perspective of Dido, the Carthaginian queen who falls in love with Aeneas in Virgil's epic poem, "The Aeneid."

Explanation:

The poem begins with Dido reflecting on her past, specifically her passion for Aeneas and the pain she felt when he left her. She speaks of the way she has been portrayed in literature as a "pitiful woman," but asserts that she was a queen who ruled with strength and authority before her encounter with Aeneas. Dido describes her love for Aeneas as a "thorn in my heart," one that she cannot remove despite her attempts to move on.

As the poem progresses, Dido speaks directly to Aeneas, addressing him as if he were present. She expresses anger at his abandonment of her and accuses him of being a coward. She acknowledges that she is now dead and beyond his reach, but tells him that he will never be able to forget her.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse and is structured as a dramatic monologue.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, particularly in its depiction of Dido's emotional turmoil. For example, she describes her love for Aeneas as a "thorn in my heart."
• Personification: Dido personifies her emotions, describing them as if they are separate entities that she must contend with.
• Allusion: The poem alludes to Virgil's "The Aeneid," specifically the story of Dido and Aeneas.

Conclusion:

"Dido of Tunisia" is a powerful poem that explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal. Through Dido's voice, McGinley presents a complex portrait of a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, passionate and wounded. The poem's use of vivid imagery and allusion to classical literature creates a sense of timelessness and universality, making it a poignant meditation on the human experience.

Poem Snippet:

"I was no pitiful woman,

With a thorn in my heart,

Washing blood from my hands

And brushing the flies away from the faces

Of dead sailors who broke against

The rocks of my coast."