Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Gradus Ad Parnassum" is a reflective and somewhat ironic meditation on life choices, success, and the paths not taken. The poem juxtaposes the speaker's current situation with that of a seemingly more successful and contented contemporary, Sylvia Beerman. Through this comparison, Rukeyser explores themes of regret, ambition, and the different measures of fulfillment.

The poem opens with a resigned acknowledgment: "Oh I know / If I’d practised the piano / I’d never be so low / As I now am." These lines set a tone of self-reproach and wistfulness, suggesting that the speaker believes their current state of dissatisfaction could have been avoided through different choices, specifically the disciplined practice of piano.

The speaker then shifts focus to Sylvia Beerman, a symbol of success and stability: "Where’s Sylvia Beerman? / Married, rich and cool / In New Rochelle / She was nobody’s fool." Sylvia represents the conventional path to success—wealth, marriage, and social standing. The mention of New Rochelle, a prosperous suburb, further emphasizes her comfortable and secure lifestyle.

The contrast between Sylvia and the speaker is stark: "She didn’t write in verse / She hardly wrote at all / She rose she didn’t fall / She never gave a damn." Sylvia's practicality and lack of concern for artistic pursuits are highlighted, suggesting that her pragmatic approach to life shielded her from the struggles faced by the speaker. The repetition of "She" at the beginning of each line underscores Sylvia's seemingly effortless ascent.

Sylvia's disciplined routine is epitomized by her early morning practice: "But got up early / To practise Gradus / Ad Parnassum—she / Feels fine. I know." The reference to "Gradus Ad Parnassum," a classical piano exercise book, symbolizes the disciplined and structured approach to achieving mastery and success. The speaker acknowledges that this discipline has led to Sylvia's well-being and contentment, contrasting sharply with their own sense of inadequacy.

The poem's closing lines, "I know. I know," echo the opening, reinforcing the speaker's sense of regret and resignation. This repetition suggests a deep, lingering awareness of the choices that might have led to a different, perhaps more fulfilling, life.

"Gradus Ad Parnassum" encapsulates the tension between artistic aspirations and conventional success. Through the figure of Sylvia Beerman, Rukeyser presents a life that, while lacking in creative pursuits, is marked by stability and societal approval. In contrast, the speaker's path, implied to be more artistic and less conventional, has led to a sense of unfulfillment and regret.

Rukeyser's poem poignantly captures the complexities of life choices and the often unspoken comparison between ourselves and those we perceive as more successful. It speaks to the universal human experience of wondering about the paths not taken and the different measures of success and happiness. Through its reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate their own choices and the diverse ways in which fulfillment can be achieved.

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