Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Rachel Hadas's poem "The Chorus" artfully explores the enduring relevance of Greek tragedy, the role of the chorus in these ancient plays, and the parallels between those theatrical conventions and contemporary life. Through reflective and evocative language, Hadas draws connections between the grand themes of classical drama and the seemingly mundane events of daily existence, suggesting that the narratives which once unfolded on ancient stages continue to play out in the ordinary world.

The poem begins with a reference to a Greek employer’s observation: "A Greek I worked for once would always say / that tragedies which still appall and thrill / happen daily on a village scale." This perspective underscores the universality of tragic themes, positing that the intense emotions and dire events of classical tragedy are mirrored in the everyday lives of people in small communities. By reversing the statement—"dark doings in the sleepiest small town / loom dire and histrionic as a play"—Hadas emphasizes the dramatic nature of even the most seemingly insignificant human experiences.

Hadas introduces the "old women sitting in the sun, / the old men planted in cafes till noon / or midnight taking in the human scene" as modern-day equivalents of the Greek chorus. These elders, "connoisseurs of past-passing-and-to-come," observe and interpret the unfolding dramas of their communities. Their wisdom and experience allow them to "locate in their repertory / mythic fragments of some kindred story / and draw them dripping out of memory’s well." This imagery suggests that these elders possess a deep, almost mythical understanding of human nature, capable of recognizing patterns and parallels in the stories they witness.

The poem explores the chorus's function in Greek tragedy, describing their role in "find[ing] a larger context, match[ing] and patch[ing] and mend[ing]." The chorus helps to place individual actions and events within a broader narrative framework, providing commentary and insight that deepen the audience's understanding of the story. This role is likened to the work of spectators who "comb the tangles of a tale, / compare, remember, comment." Hadas suggests that this process of interpretation and contextualization is timeless, continuing to this day in the way people engage with and make sense of the stories around them.

Hadas reflects on the nature of poetry, particularly her own, drawing a parallel between the chorus's role and the poet's. She notes that her poetry, which once focused intently on personal experience ("me me me"), has evolved to seek broader meaning: "having had its fill of 'I,' / tries to discern, despite its vision’s flaws, / a shape. A piece of myth. A pattern. Laws." This shift reflects a maturation in perspective, moving from a self-centered view to one that looks for universal themes and connections.

The chorus is described as being "at a point midway between / the limelight and the audience," both "seen / and unseen." This liminal position allows the chorus to offer a unique vantage point, providing insight without overshadowing the main action. Hadas likens the chorus to "Lady chaperones at balls / once sat on brittle chairs against the walls," whose presence, though not central, was essential to the social fabric of the event. These chaperones, much like the chorus, offer a steadying, guiding presence.

In "The Chorus," Hadas masterfully intertwines classical allusion with contemporary observation, illustrating how the themes of Greek tragedy continue to resonate. The poem suggests that the human experience is a tapestry of interconnected stories, each one a fragment of a larger, universal narrative. By recognizing and interpreting these stories, whether as part of a Greek chorus or as a poet, we gain a deeper understanding of the patterns and laws that govern our lives. The poem invites readers to see the mythic in the mundane, to appreciate the timeless nature of human drama, and to find meaning in the patterns that emerge from the tapestry of life.

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