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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
In "The Ferryer," Sharon Olds explores the complex and enduring relationship between a daughter and her deceased father, transforming him into a mythic figure who ferries souls across the river to the afterlife. The poem intricately weaves themes of death, familial bonds, and the unending nature of work and duty, infusing them with dark humor and poignant reflection. The narrative begins three years after the father's death, marking his return to "work" after a long period of unemployment. This metaphorical employment refers to his new role as a ferryman, a job that he approaches with enthusiasm and diligence. The description of him as a "sweet cox" in the prow of the boat positions him as a leader, guiding the souls to their final destination. His posture, "kneel[ing] upright, facing forward," suggests a mix of reverence and readiness, portraying him as a steady figure who has accepted his new responsibilities. The poem's tone is layered with irony and tenderness. The father, "dead, but able to kneel upright," embodies a calm and content presence, marked by the subtle details of his closed mouth and open eyes. The "black line that appeared there in death" under his iris adds a touch of eerie realism, grounding the fantastical elements of the narrative in the physicality of death. His calm demeanor and the description of him being "happy to be hired" reflect a peculiar blend of professional pride and a shared, macabre joke between him and the speaker. The speaker, presumably his daughter, takes on the role of delivering souls to her father. These souls are described as "someone I want to get rid of, who makes me feel ugly and afraid." This line reveals a deep-seated tension, possibly hinting at unresolved issues or negative emotions associated with certain individuals. The speaker acknowledges a parallel between these discarded souls and her feelings toward her father, suggesting a complex and perhaps strained relationship. The father's unwavering commitment to his task—"he does not look back, he takes them straight to hell"—implies a resolute acceptance of his duty, devoid of judgment or hesitation. As the poem progresses, the speaker contemplates the eventual reunion with her father. The idea that he "wants to work for me until I die" underscores the permanence of their bond, even beyond life. The imagery of the speaker joining him in the boat, helping him ashore, and embracing "like two who were never born" conveys a powerful sense of reconciliation and unity. The use of the phrase "naked, not breathing" suggests a return to a primal, pure state, free from the burdens of life and death. The final image of pulling "the dark blanket of earth" over themselves evokes a peaceful, restful conclusion to their shared journey, symbolizing the end of all struggles and the embrace of eternal rest. "The Ferryer" is a deeply evocative poem that masterfully blends elements of myth, personal history, and existential reflection. Olds uses the metaphor of the ferryman to explore the enduring connections between the living and the dead, the burdens we carry, and the ultimate peace that awaits at the end of life's journey. The poem's dark humor and the tender depiction of the father-daughter relationship add a layer of complexity, inviting readers to reflect on their own familial bonds and the ways in which we grapple with loss and the passage of time. Through its rich imagery and emotional depth, the poem offers a contemplative and nuanced exploration of mortality and the enduring nature of love and duty.
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