Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Raisin" by Donald Hall is a tender and poignant portrayal of a man's life, capturing the complexity of his character and the profound impact of aging and loss. Through a series of vivid vignettes, Hall delves into the life of Harry, revealing his strengths, weaknesses, and the inevitable decline that accompanies old age.

The poem begins in a somber setting: "I drank cool water from the fountain / in the undertaker's parlor / near the body of a ninety-two-year-old man." This opening situates the reader in a moment of reflection, with the act of drinking water serving as a ritualistic pause before delving into Harry's story.

Harry is introduced as a hardworking man: "Harry loved horses and work. / He curried the flanks of his Morgan; / he loaded crates twelve hours—to fill in / when his foreman got drunk— / never kicking a horse, / never kind to a son." These lines paint a picture of a man dedicated to his labor, finding solace and identity in his work with horses. However, his inability to show kindness to his son hints at a complexity in his character, suggesting a hardness or emotional reserve.

The poem moves through different phases of Harry's life, revealing moments of vulnerability and change. After the death of his wife, Sally, Harry is shown in a state of profound grief: "He sobbed on the sofa ten years ago, / when Sally died." Yet, Harry's life takes unexpected turns as he finds solace and companionship in new relationships: "We heard of him dancing with / widows in Florida, cheek / to cheek, and of scented / letters that came to Connecticut / all summer." These lines illustrate a man seeking connection and comfort, navigating the loneliness of widowhood.

Harry's later years are marked by an emotional openness that contrasts with his earlier stoicism: "When he was old he made up for the weeping / he failed to do earlier: / grandchildren, zinnias, / Morgans, great-grandchildren. / He wept over everything." This shift highlights the evolution of Harry's emotional life, as he becomes more attuned to the joys and sorrows around him. His advice to "Keep your health" underscores the wisdom he has gained through his experiences.

A poignant moment in the poem recalls an encounter forty years prior, where Harry's son witnesses him in a tender, intimate moment: "Forty years ago his son / who was parked making love in the country / noticed Harry parked making love / in a car up ahead." This anecdote adds depth to Harry's character, illustrating a shared humanity and the complexities of father-son relationships.

As Harry's health declines, his desire for death becomes evident: "When he was ninety he wanted to die. / He couldn't ride or grow flowers / or dance / or tend the plots in the graveyard / that he had kept up / faithfully, since Sally died." These lines convey the profound sense of loss and futility that can accompany extreme old age, as Harry can no longer engage in the activities that gave his life meaning.

The poem concludes with a stark image: "This morning I looked into the pale / raisin of Harry's face." This final metaphor encapsulates the transformation of Harry's once vigorous presence into a frail, shrunken visage, evoking the natural process of aging and the poignant reality of life's end.

"The Raisin" by Donald Hall is a moving tribute to the complexities of a man's life, capturing the interplay of strength, vulnerability, and the inexorable passage of time. Through its detailed imagery and emotional depth, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own connections to family, work, and the enduring impact of love and loss.

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