Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "Willkie in the Gulliver" is a poignant reflection on the themes of defeat, perseverance, and the pursuit of a common humanity. The poem invokes Wendell Willkie, a significant political figure who, despite facing defeat, exemplified a spirit of resilience and dedication to the greater good. Rukeyser uses Willkie’s experience as a metaphor for a broader human condition, exploring the journey through loss towards renewed purpose and connection.

The poem opens with the imagery of "the screens of the evening of defeat," suggesting a moment of contemplation and reflection in the aftermath of loss. This setting is one of withdrawal, a retreat into a "remote clean air," where one can think clearly and consider the implications of their experiences. The directive to "think of him" immediately centers the reader's focus on Willkie, a figure who "was like many of us. He had lost." This identification with the reader establishes a shared human experience, emphasizing that defeat is a common part of life.

Rukeyser continues by describing Willkie's response to his defeat: "He flew to the many, making a crisis of choice / Lead toward the solving of barriers." This act of reaching out to others and confronting challenges head-on illustrates a transformative process. Willkie's journey is portrayed as one of learning and crossing "Level after level of process," a metaphor for the continuous effort required to overcome obstacles and grow. This progression leads "to ourselves, to the voiceless many who never in time / Choose against life," highlighting the importance of resilience and the collective struggle for survival and dignity.

The poem touches on the significance of finding "the direct voice," a clear and honest expression that emerges from recognizing and remembering "limits, in the days of death." This acknowledgment of mortality and constraints serves as a catalyst for deeper understanding and empathy. The "faring that follows our first sight of the face / Of all things beginning again past deepest defeat" suggests a renewal and a new beginning that arise from the depths of despair.

Rukeyser calls on the reader to "think now all of us of our loved and great," urging a collective reflection on those who have faced adversity and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. These individuals, including Willkie, are "Traveling new to make human the bonds of breath / After defeat; for all men; by God’s grace." This final invocation underscores the idea of universal human connection and the grace that enables individuals to overcome defeat and contribute to the common good.

The poem’s structure, with its flowing lines and contemplative tone, mirrors the introspective journey it describes. Rukeyser’s use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a rich tapestry that captures the complexity of human experience. The repeated references to defeat and renewal emphasize the cyclical nature of struggle and growth, suggesting that each setback is an opportunity for transformation and a deeper understanding of one's purpose.

In "Willkie in the Gulliver," Rukeyser not only pays homage to Wendell Willkie but also extends his narrative to encompass a broader human experience. The poem is a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for individuals to find their voice and purpose in the face of adversity. Through its reflective and evocative language, the poem invites readers to consider their own journeys of defeat and renewal, and the ways in which they can contribute to a shared humanity.

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