Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "On Getting Out of Vietnam," Howard Nemerov uses the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur to draw a powerful parallel to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. Through this allegory, Nemerov critiques the cyclical nature of conflict and the tendency of societies to perpetuate destructive patterns, even after ostensibly overcoming a particular threat.

The poem begins by invoking Theseus, the hero who is famously known for defeating the Minotaur. However, Nemerov immediately casts doubt on the certainty of this event by stating, "it's hard to say, that may have been a myth." This line introduces the idea that historical narratives, especially those involving heroism and triumph, are often constructed or mythologized, thereby questioning their reliability and the lessons they supposedly impart.

Nemerov points out that Theseus was "careful not to close the labyrinth," suggesting that even after the Minotaur was defeated, the underlying structure that facilitated such a horror remained intact. The labyrinth here symbolizes the complex, entangled nature of geopolitical conflicts and the institutions that sustain them. By not dismantling the labyrinth, Theseus ensures that the potential for future entrapments and conflicts persists.

The line "So After kept on looking like Before" encapsulates the poem's central theme: despite supposed victories and resolutions, fundamental issues remain unchanged. This continuity is further illustrated by the elders in Athens who "still the elders sent / Their quota of kids to Knossos." This act of sending children to Knossos, despite the defeat of the Minotaur, reflects a societal willingness to continue sacrificing the young to a system that demands bloodshed and suffering.

The elders' confidence that the children "would find something to die of, and for" underscores a cynical acceptance of perpetual conflict and sacrifice. This fatalistic outlook suggests that the reasons for war and sacrifice are often interchangeable and that societies are adept at finding new justifications for old patterns of violence.

Nemerov's use of classical mythology to comment on contemporary events like the Vietnam War adds a layer of timelessness to his critique. By drawing on the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, he underscores the recurring nature of human folly and the difficulty of breaking free from entrenched cycles of violence and sacrifice. The poem implies that merely exiting a conflict, such as withdrawing from Vietnam, does not address the deeper, systemic issues that lead to such conflicts in the first place.

Structurally, the poem is concise, its brevity mirroring the starkness of its message. The language is clear and direct, avoiding elaborate descriptions in favor of a straightforward recounting of the myth and its implications. This simplicity allows the weight of the historical and mythological parallels to resonate more powerfully with the reader.

"On Getting Out of Vietnam" by Howard Nemerov is a poignant reflection on the nature of conflict and the persistence of destructive societal patterns. Through the allegory of Theseus and the Minotaur, Nemerov critiques the superficial resolution of wars and the failure to address the underlying causes that perpetuate cycles of violence. The poem serves as a reminder that true change requires dismantling the systems and structures that give rise to conflict, rather than merely defeating a single manifestation of it.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...