Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Bitch" by Carolyn Kizer is a compelling exploration of the complexities of past relationships and the internal struggles they evoke. Through the extended metaphor of the "bitch" inside the speaker, Kizer vividly portrays the clash between rationality and emotional memory when encountering a former lover.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a meeting with an old acquaintance, setting the scene for the tension that follows. The initial command to the "bitch" inside, "don't start growling," introduces the internal conflict. The bitch represents the speaker's raw, unfiltered emotions and instincts, which are in stark contrast to the controlled, polite exterior she maintains. This duality is evident as the speaker's voice calmly says, "Nice to see you," while the bitch reacts hysterically, illustrating the dissonance between outward behavior and inner feelings.

Kizer skillfully uses the metaphor of the bitch to delve into the speaker's emotional history with the man. The bitch's reaction to the man is complex, shifting from hostility to yearning, reflecting the deep-seated memories of both affection and pain. The command, "Down, girl! Keep your distance / Or I’ll give you a taste of the choke-chain," highlights the speaker's need to restrain her emotions, to maintain control over the situation and herself.

The speaker's dialogue with the man is interspersed with the bitch's emotional outbursts, creating a dynamic interplay between the past and present. When the man speaks kindly or looks at her reminiscently, the bitch "begins to whimper," showcasing how easily old emotions can be stirred. The speaker's struggle to maintain composure is palpable as she tries to keep the bitch in check, reflecting the difficulty of reconciling past hurts with present civility.

The poem delves deeper into the history between the speaker and the man through the bitch's memories. The imagery of the bitch running to him each evening, laying at his feet, and looking up adoringly contrasts sharply with the man's indifference or casual cruelties. These memories evoke a sense of nostalgia mingled with bitterness, highlighting the emotional scars left by the relationship. The small acts of kindness, magnified by time and emotional need, compete with the larger narrative of neglect and ultimate rejection.

Kizer's use of vivid, visceral language enhances the emotional intensity of the poem. The physicality of the bitch's reactions, such as slobbering and groveling, captures the visceral nature of the speaker's internal struggle. The metaphor of the choke-chain, a tool used to control a dog's behavior, underscores the speaker's efforts to suppress her emotions and maintain dignity in the face of past wounds.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate the speaker's conflicted feelings. As she politely says goodbye and extends regards to the man's wife, the bitch gags, symbolizing the speaker's suppressed anger and pain. The act of dragging the bitch off by the scruff, forcing her to leave, represents the speaker's determination to move forward, to not be dragged back into the emotional turmoil of the past.

"Bitch" is a powerful exploration of the lasting impact of past relationships and the ongoing battle between reason and emotion. Carolyn Kizer masterfully uses the extended metaphor of the bitch to convey the intensity of the speaker's internal struggle, creating a poignant and relatable depiction of the complexities of human emotions. The poem's raw honesty and vivid imagery resonate deeply, making it a striking reflection on love, loss, and the enduring scars they leave behind.