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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Jane Kenyon’s poem “Portrait of a Figure Near Water” captures a deeply introspective moment where the protagonist, rebuked and angry, seeks solace in an empty barn. Through rich imagery and a contemplative narrative, Kenyon explores themes of anger, resilience, and the soothing power of nature. The poem begins with a vivid depiction of the protagonist's immediate reaction to a rebuke: “Rebuked, she turned and ran / uphill to the barn.” This swift, physical response highlights the intensity of her emotions and the need to escape. The metaphor of “Anger, the inner arsonist, held a match to her brain” powerfully conveys the consuming and destructive nature of her anger, suggesting a fierce internal struggle. As she reaches the barn, the poem shifts to a quieter, more reflective tone. The barn, devoid of animals, symbolizes a space of emptiness and solitude. The presence of a swallow and bats in the rafters adds a touch of life and movement to the otherwise still and deserted environment. The imagery of the “roof sagged between” suggests a sense of decline and neglect, mirroring the protagonist’s internal state. Kenyon’s attention to the protagonist’s breath becoming steady marks a turning point: “Her breath became steady / where, years past, the farmer cooled / the big tin amphoræ of milk.” This detail introduces a nostalgic element, connecting the present moment of calm to a past filled with routine and sustenance. The stone trough filled with water becomes a focal point for the protagonist’s contemplation: “she watched it / and received its calm.” The water symbolizes tranquility and renewal, offering a counterbalance to the fiery anger she initially felt. The final stanza delves into the universal experience of retreating in anger: “So it is when we retreat in anger: / we think we burn alone / and there is no balm.” Kenyon acknowledges the isolating nature of anger, the belief that one’s suffering is solitary and unsoothable. However, she introduces the idea of water as a silent healer: “Then water enters, though it makes / no sound.” This imagery suggests that calm and clarity can gradually infiltrate and soothe the mind, much like water quietly filling a space. In “Portrait of a Figure Near Water,” Jane Kenyon masterfully blends vivid imagery with deep emotional insight. The poem’s rich descriptions and contemplative narrative create a poignant exploration of anger and its resolution. Through the protagonist’s journey from rage to calm, Kenyon highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the restorative power of nature. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of anger and the quiet moments of solace that can bring healing and peace.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BE ANGRY AT THE SUN by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE ANGRY MAN by PETER JOHNSON THE ANGRY MAN by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY A FOREIGN COUNTRY by JOSEPHINE MILES THE GLASS ESSAY by ANNE CARSON IN ORDER TO SPEAK by AIME CESAIRE |
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