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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Howard Nemerov's poem "Answering Back" engages directly with a question posed by W. B. Yeats: "Does the imagination dwell the most / Upon a woman won or a woman lost?" In his response, Nemerov humorously yet poignantly asserts that the imagination dwells far more on the woman lost. Through a conversational tone and relatable domestic imagery, Nemerov explores the nature of romantic love and the allure of what is unattainable. Nemerov begins with a playful address to Yeats, calling him "silly Willie," which immediately sets a light-hearted, almost teasing tone. This casual dismissal of Yeats' inquiry opens the way for Nemerov's argument that the woman lost captivates the imagination much more than the woman won. The poem then contrasts the mundane reality of the "woman won" with the mysterious allure of the "woman lost." The woman won is depicted in a domestic setting, "sitting in the inglenook / Across from you, knitting or reading a book / Or come your teatime doing the toast and bacon." These everyday activities highlight the predictability and comfort of a settled relationship, suggesting a sense of routine and stability. The imagery is warm and familiar, evoking a peaceful domestic life, but one that lacks the spark of romantic imagination. In stark contrast, the woman lost is characterized by her elusiveness and the uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts and circumstances: "God knows where / In the world, and with whom, if not by now a ghost." This line captures the profound mystery and infinite possibilities associated with a lost love. The uncertainty of her situation fuels the imagination, as she could be anywhere, with anyone, or even no longer alive. This ambiguity maintains a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire, which is central to romantic love. Nemerov further emphasizes the enduring impact of the woman lost by noting that she remains "Past yours or anyone's love, though still you care / Lest she be by another bespoken or taken." This enduring concern for the lost woman, despite the passage of time and the logical cessation of the relationship, underscores the persistent grip of lost love on the heart and mind. The fear that she might be "bespoken or taken" by another keeps the imagination alive with jealousy and unfulfilled passion. The concluding line, "For what's romantic love unless forsaken?" succinctly encapsulates Nemerov's argument. Romantic love, according to this view, thrives on the unattainable, the unfulfilled, and the lost. It is the very act of forsaking or being forsaken that intensifies the emotions associated with love, transforming it into something profound and enduring. "Answering Back" by Howard Nemerov thus provides a witty and insightful response to Yeats' question, emphasizing that the imagination is far more captivated by the woman lost than by the woman won. Through relatable imagery and a conversational tone, Nemerov explores the nature of romantic love, highlighting the allure of the unattainable and the enduring power of unfulfilled longing. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss, and the ways in which imagination and memory shape their perceptions of romance.
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