|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
In "The Pitcher," Annie Finch invites readers into a moment of serene domesticity that is ultimately shattered, exploring themes of memory, routine, and the tension between the ordinary and the sublime. Through vivid imagery and a narrative that shifts between the present and the future, Finch pays homage to the painter Johannes Vermeer while simultaneously subverting the idyllic stillness that characterizes his work. The poem begins by setting the scene with a clear, direct invitation: "A sunny afternoon; think of Vermeer." By referencing Vermeer, Finch evokes images of tranquil interiors bathed in soft light, where ordinary objects are rendered with meticulous attention. This imagery is reinforced by the objects she describes: "Here is the apple, here the rounding side / of the blue pitcher." These simple items—a common fruit and a blue ceramic pitcher—form a still life reminiscent of Vermeer's compositions. The poem continues by zooming in on the pitcher, which is placed on a scrubbed wooden surface: "On the scrubbed wood just here, / she puts the pitcher down, so that the slide / of drops against its lip catches what light / there is for pitchers here this afternoon." The pitcher is placed carefully, and the light catches on the drops of water clinging to its lip, illuminating the mundane object with a touch of grace. The specificity of "what light there is for pitchers here this afternoon" suggests the uniqueness of the moment, as if the interplay between the light and the pitcher is a rare occurrence worth noticing. However, the poem reveals that the woman "does not really see the drops, or quite / attend the blue. A common thing." Despite the beauty of the scene, she is detached, treating the pitcher as a utilitarian object rather than an artistic one. This detachment reflects the familiarity of routine, where even the most beautiful moments can be overlooked due to their everyday nature. The narrative shifts to a broader perspective: "But soon / the tide will turn, and salty smells will rise / to circle in the street, and to her ears / will come the voices." The mention of the turning tide introduces a sense of change and impending disruption. The "salty smells" and the "voices" hint at the passage of time and the inevitability of daily life intruding upon this quiet moment. The use of sensory imagery—smell and sound—deepens the sense of immediacy, suggesting the immersion of the woman in her environment. This intrusion of the outside world prompts memories: "Then doorways to her eyes, / then other days than this—afternoons, years." The woman is suddenly drawn into the past, recalling other afternoons and years through the metaphorical "doorways" to her eyes. The present moment dissolves into a collage of memories, emphasizing how fragile and fleeting each moment can be. In the final couplet, Finch delivers a poignant twist: "She will stop to hold this moment near, / and drop the pitcher, and betray Vermeer." The woman, in trying to savor the moment, inadvertently destroys it. Dropping the pitcher shatters both the physical object and the tranquil stillness of the scene, thus "betray[ing] Vermeer" by disrupting the harmony and permanence that his paintings represent. This act also reflects the fragility of memory and how even a small interruption can disrupt the delicate balance between past and present. Structurally, "The Pitcher" adheres to the form of a sonnet, with its 14 lines and traditional rhyme scheme. However, Finch’s choice to use enjambment and avoid rigid adherence to iambic pentameter creates a more conversational and fluid tone. This allows the narrative to flow naturally, mirroring the transition from present to past and back again. Ultimately, "The Pitcher" is a meditation on the tension between the ordinary and the sublime, the fleeting and the permanent. Finch captures the beauty of stillness while acknowledging the inevitability of change, offering a nuanced reflection on how we experience and hold onto moments of grace amidst the distractions of daily life.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
| |