Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Parallel Invention" delves into the complexities of human progress, creativity, and the interconnectedness of societal developments. Through a series of reflective and probing questions, Rukeyser challenges the reader to consider the origins, purposes, and impacts of inventions, while also exploring the broader implications of these advancements on communication, social structures, and individual roles.

The poem opens with an assertion of the modern affinity for progress and innovation: "We in our season like progress and inventions. / The inventor is really the invention." This suggests that inventors and their creations are inseparable, each defining and reflecting the other. However, Rukeyser quickly complicates this idea by asking, "But who made the inventions? To what uses / Were they put, by whom, and for what purposes?" These questions invite the reader to look beyond the surface of innovation to examine the intentions and consequences of these creations.

Rukeyser continues with a meditation on the transmission and development of ideas: "You made an innovation and then / did you give it to me without writing it down? / Did you give it to her, too? / Did I develop it and give it to him, / or to her, or to them?" This sequence of questions emphasizes the collaborative and often undocumented nature of innovation, suggesting that ideas are shared, adapted, and expanded upon across time and individuals.

The poem then shifts to a broader discussion of communication and control: "Did you quicken communication, / Did you central-control? And war? And the soul? / Let’s not talk about communication / any more." Here, Rukeyser highlights the dual potential of inventions to either facilitate understanding and connection or to exert control and perpetuate conflict. The abrupt dismissal of further discussion on communication underscores the complexity and perhaps the futility of trying to fully comprehend its impacts.

Rukeyser explores the evolution of human relationships and social structures through a series of contrasts: "did we subsequently grow— / in strength? in complexity? / Or did we think of doing the same things / at the same time and do them to each other?" These lines suggest a tension between genuine progress and mere repetition or imitation, questioning whether advancements truly enhance our lives or simply mirror existing behaviors in new forms.

The poem then delves into the origins of social hierarchies and cultural developments: "And then out of our lovemaking / emergence of priests and kings, / out of our smiles and twists / full-time craft specialists, / out of our mouths and asses / division into social classes." Rukeyser presents a somewhat ironic view of how intimate and mundane human interactions give rise to complex societal institutions and divisions. The juxtaposition of "lovemaking" with "priests and kings" and the transformation of simple actions into "social classes" highlights the intricate and often unexpected pathways through which societies evolve.

In the subsequent lines, Rukeyser links artistic and intellectual pursuits to emotional experiences: "art and architecture and writing / from meditation and delighting / from our terrors and our pities." This connection suggests that human creativity is deeply rooted in our emotional lives, with fear and compassion serving as catalysts for cultural expression and innovation.

Rukeyser then reflects on the development of urban centers: "“of course,” you say, “the growth of cities.” / But parallels do not imply / identities—there is no iron law; / we are richly variable / levels of heaven and levels of hell; / ripples of change out from the center / of me, of you, of love the inventor." These lines emphasize the diversity and variability of human experiences and developments. The "parallels" of progress do not necessarily mean uniformity; instead, they reflect a rich tapestry of possibilities and outcomes. The "ripples of change" originating from individuals highlight the profound impact of personal and collective actions on the broader world.

"Parallel Invention" by Muriel Rukeyser is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of progress, the interconnectedness of human endeavors, and the profound influence of individual and collective creativity. Through her incisive questions and vivid imagery, Rukeyser invites readers to reflect on the complexities of innovation, communication, and societal evolution, ultimately celebrating the rich variability and transformative potential of human life.

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