Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Taking in Wash" is a poem by Rita Dove, published in her 1986 poetry collection "Thomas and Beulah". The poem tells the story of a woman named Beulah, who is washing clothes and reflects on her life and relationship with her husband, Thomas. Through the woman's perspective, the poem explores themes of gender roles, domesticity, and the complexities of marriage.

Explanation:

The poem "Taking in Wash" is a narrative poem that tells a story from the perspective of Beulah, a woman who is washing clothes. Through her thoughts and memories, we learn about her life and relationship with her husband, Thomas. As she works, Beulah reflects on the laboriousness of washing clothes by hand, and how it is often women's work. She remembers her mother, who also did laundry by hand, and how she always sang while doing it. However, Beulah doesn't sing while washing clothes because she is preoccupied with other thoughts.

As Beulah continues to wash clothes, she thinks about her marriage with Thomas. She remembers when they first met, and how she was shy and unsure of herself. She also thinks about how their marriage has evolved over time, and how she has come to accept Thomas's flaws and temper. Despite their difficulties, Beulah recognizes that their marriage has given her a sense of security and a place in the world.

Poetic Elements:

• Structure: The poem consists of five stanzas, each with varying numbers of lines. The stanzas are not uniform in structure, but each one focuses on a different aspect of Beulah's reflections.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and nostalgic. Beulah is looking back on her life and relationship with a sense of wistfulness and acceptance.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in sensory imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the laundry and washing process. The images of the "tangled sheets," "soap-roughened hands," and "cold, fresh, spring water" help to create a vivid sense of the labor involved in washing clothes by hand.
• Themes: The poem explores themes of gender roles, domesticity, and the complexities of marriage. Beulah's reflections on washing clothes and the memories of her mother highlight the ways in which domestic labor has traditionally been relegated to women. Meanwhile, her thoughts on her marriage reveal the complexity of human relationships and the compromises required for them to work.

Conclusion:

"Taking in Wash" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of domestic life and relationships. Through Beulah's reflections, Rita Dove invites us to consider the ways in which gender roles and social expectations shape our lives, and the challenges of navigating relationships with the people we love. The poem's vivid imagery and nostalgic tone create a powerful sense of longing and wistfulness, while its themes resonate with readers long after the poem has ended.

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