Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Fable" reinterprets a classic fairy tale with a focus on the often-overlooked moments and elements that contribute to the miraculous. The poem explores the significance of unnoticed details and accidents, emphasizing that the extraordinary often stems from mundane or unexpected events. Through this reimagining, Rukeyser underscores themes of perception, serendipity, and the deeper roots of miracles.

The poem begins with an affirmation: "Yes it was the prince’s kiss. / But the way was prepared for the prince. / It had to be." This opening acknowledges the traditional fairy tale ending but immediately suggests that the prince's role is part of a larger, more complex series of events. The repetition of "It had to be" implies a sense of inevitability and predestination, setting the stage for the exploration of the underlying factors that led to the miraculous revival.

Rukeyser then shifts focus to the attendants carrying the seemingly dead woman: "When the attendants carrying the woman / —dead they thought her lying on the litter— / stumbled over the root of a tree." This moment, usually glossed over in the fairy tale, becomes crucial in Rukeyser's retelling. The stumbling over a tree root, a simple accident, dislodges the "bit of deathly apple in her throat," freeing her from the state of suspended animation. This act of stumbling, often seen as a mistake or error, is reframed as a pivotal moment leading to the woman's revival.

The poem emphasizes the accidental nature of this event: "It was an 'accident' they hardly noticed." This line highlights the irony that such a significant event could go unnoticed by those involved. The attendants' lack of awareness is contrasted with the profound impact of their actions, suggesting that miracles can arise from the most unremarkable circumstances.

Rukeyser continues to explore the theme of unnoticed significance: "The threshold here comes when they stumble. / The jolt. And better if we notice, / However, their noticing is not / Essential to the story." These lines suggest that while it may be beneficial for individuals to recognize the importance of such moments, their awareness is not necessary for the miracle to occur. The "threshold" represents the point of transformation, marked by the stumble and the jolt, which catalyze the miraculous event.

The poem delves deeper into the nature of miracles: "A miracle has even deeper roots, / Something like error, some profound defeat." Rukeyser posits that miracles often emerge from errors or defeats, challenging the conventional notion that they are solely the result of deliberate, positive actions. This perspective highlights the complexity and unpredictability of life, where even mistakes can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate this theme: "Stumbled-over, the startle, the arousal, / Something never perceived till now, the taproot." The act of stumbling, typically associated with clumsiness or failure, is reinterpreted as a moment of awakening and discovery. The "taproot" symbolizes the underlying foundation of the miracle, suggesting that its origins are deeply embedded in the fabric of reality, often hidden from view until revealed by chance or accident.

In "Fable," Muriel Rukeyser masterfully reimagines a familiar story to highlight the often-unseen elements that contribute to miraculous events. Through her exploration of accidents, errors, and unnoticed moments, Rukeyser challenges readers to reconsider the nature of miracles and the complex interplay of circumstances that lead to extraordinary outcomes. The poem invites reflection on the hidden roots of transformation and the significance of the seemingly mundane, offering a profound meditation on the unexpected sources of wonder and change.

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