Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur’s "Three Riddles from Symphosius" offers a witty and contemplative reimagining of three classical riddles attributed to the Roman poet Symphosius. Through these concise, carefully crafted verses, Wilbur examines the enigmatic qualities of the phoenix, sleep, and the bookworm (tinea), highlighting the paradoxes and mysteries inherent in their natures. Each riddle blends playful language with philosophical undertones, reflecting Wilbur’s characteristic ability to balance lightness and depth.

PHOENIX

The first riddle explores the mythical phoenix, a creature that symbolizes cyclical regeneration and immortality. The paradox of the phoenix’s existence is encapsulated in the lines: “My death is life; when born, I am unmade.” The juxtaposition of life and death underscores the creature’s unique nature, as it is simultaneously destroyed and reborn through fire. The phrase “Ere life can kindle in me, I must fade” reinforces the idea that the phoenix’s rebirth is predicated on its prior destruction, making its existence an eternal cycle of self-renewal. The closing line, “Thus I alone am fathered by a shade,” introduces a poetic twist, suggesting that the phoenix owes its life to its own ashes—a “shade” of its former self. This riddle captures the phoenix’s mystical and self-contained nature, embodying themes of renewal and transformation.

SOMNUS

The second riddle, about sleep (personified as Somnus), delves into the paradoxical and elusive nature of this universal human experience. The opening line, “I come when good and ready,” emphasizes sleep’s unpredictability and autonomy, highlighting its resistance to control or summoning. The phrase “I glut / Men’s eyes with myriad forms and phantoms” reflects the vivid and often surreal imagery of dreams, which populate the mind during sleep. However, the riddle’s twist lies in the condition for experiencing these visions: “None makes them out unless his eyes are shut.” This paradox—seeing while the eyes are closed—captures the dreamlike quality of sleep, where perception and consciousness operate in ways fundamentally different from waking life. By presenting sleep as both a giver of visions and a force that demands surrender, the riddle underscores its mysterious and dual nature.

TINEA

The final riddle focuses on the bookworm, a literal consumer of books but a figure often interpreted metaphorically as one who engages with knowledge superficially. The opening lines, “Illiterate, on letters have I dined; / I’ve lived in books, but not improved my mind,” establish the humor and irony of the riddle. The bookworm consumes the written word physically but remains untouched by its intellectual or artistic value. The playful phrase “Devoured the Muses, and still am unrefined” encapsulates the creature’s paradoxical existence: it is surrounded by the highest expressions of human creativity yet remains untransformed. This riddle serves as a witty commentary on the idea of shallow engagement with knowledge, contrasting the richness of literary and intellectual life with the literal consumption of books.

Analysis and Themes

Wilbur’s rendering of these riddles showcases his mastery of economy and wit, distilling complex ideas into just a few lines. Each riddle invites readers to engage with the paradoxes and ironies of its subject, blending playful language with deeper philosophical reflections. The phoenix represents the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of renewal through destruction, sleep embodies the duality of vision and blindness, and the bookworm illustrates the gap between physical proximity to knowledge and intellectual enlightenment.

Structurally, the riddles follow a classical form, with tight, rhymed tercets that lend themselves to memorability and rhythmic precision. The formal elegance of Wilbur’s verse mirrors the timeless quality of the riddles themselves, linking the contemporary reader to an ancient tradition of intellectual play.

Conclusion

Three Riddles from Symphosius exemplifies Richard Wilbur’s ability to blend wit, elegance, and philosophical insight into compact poetic forms. Through his reimagining of these classical riddles, he invites readers to grapple with the paradoxes and mysteries of existence, challenging them to think beyond the surface of words. The riddles’ brevity and precision make them both accessible and thought-provoking, offering a delightful exercise in both language and meaning. By engaging with themes of transformation, perception, and the limits of understanding, Wilbur enriches these ancient puzzles with his own distinctive voice.

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