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ROOTS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Roots" by William Meredith is a contemplative exploration of life, death, and the connections that bind us to the earth and each other. The poem, set in a casual conversation between the speaker and Mrs. Leamington, delves into themes of memory, identity, and the natural world's metaphysical dimensions. Meredith uses vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey a meditation on the cyclical nature of life and the unseen, yet ever-present, forces that shape our existence.

The poem opens with a whimsical image of Mrs. Leamington "standing on a cloud, / Quarreling with a dragon," immediately establishing an allegorical tone. This fantastical description, set "in May, when things tend to look allegorical," suggests a time of renewal and reflection. The speaker observes Mrs. Leamington from a distance, noting her as "scattered and sibylline," a description that hints at her enigmatic and prophetic nature. Her actions, such as hanging curtains and warning the speaker about various concerns "all for neighborhood," paint her as a nurturing, yet slightly eccentric figure.

As they engage in conversation, the speaker and Mrs. Leamington stumble upon a mysterious root in the garden. The speaker, joining her "like a knight in his good clothes," assists in investigating the root's origins. This moment highlights the connection between the mundane task of gardening and the deeper exploration of origins and identity. The root, described as a "yellow runner," is not easily identifiable, symbolizing the complexity of tracing one's roots or understanding the fundamental nature of things.

The conversation shifts to Mrs. Leamington's reflections on roots and the natural world. She mentions planting "potatoes," which she describes as "fat and tidy little roots." The act of planting, juxtaposed with the discovery of an unfamiliar root, serves as a metaphor for the cultivation of identity and the unexpected elements that arise in life. Mrs. Leamington's remark about the potatoes being a gift "from Canada" introduces the idea of connections that extend beyond immediate surroundings, hinting at the broader, interconnected nature of existence.

As they sit in her kitchen, Mrs. Leamington muses on the metaphorical and literal aspects of roots. She recalls her father's teachings about trees, particularly the idea that "a tree repeats its structure, up and down, / The roots mirroring the branches." This notion suggests a duality and symmetry in nature, reflecting the unseen, subterranean aspects of life that mirror the visible world. The reference to the painter Fragonard and his depictions of trees, "which don't look real" but "look like coral," further emphasizes the surreal and intricate beauty of the natural world.

The conversation then takes a philosophical turn, with Mrs. Leamington quoting Shelley and discussing the existence of "two worlds of life and death." This reflection on the duality of existence, above and below ground, resonates with the earlier imagery of roots and branches, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things. Her contemplation of death and burial, specifically her consideration of being buried "intact" among her ancestors, underscores the theme of continuity and the cyclical nature of life.

Mrs. Leamington's thoughts on her own mortality and the prospect of becoming part of the earth, with beech tree roots "holding up stones like blossoms," convey a sense of acceptance and peace with the natural order. Her mention of the tree-house as "a box in the ground where I meet my own image sleeping" suggests a reunion with oneself in death, a return to the earth that nurtures life. The imagery of being "raised aloft" by roots, where "aloft is down," encapsulates the poem's exploration of the inversion and duality inherent in existence.

In the closing lines, the conversation returns to the present moment, with Mrs. Leamington mentioning her potatoes and the everyday life that continues. Her casual invitation for a drink later symbolizes a return to normalcy and the simple pleasures of life, even as profound reflections linger.

"Roots" by William Meredith is a richly layered poem that meditates on the deep, often unseen connections between life, death, and the natural world. Through the character of Mrs. Leamington and her reflections, Meredith explores how our lives are intertwined with the earth and the past, and how understanding these connections can offer a sense of continuity and peace. The poem invites readers to consider the complexities and mysteries of existence, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world's subtle yet profound truths.


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