Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Inquiry" by Weldon Kees presents a haunting and introspective dialogue that delves into themes of fear, worth, and the inevitability of suffering. Through a series of stark questions and responses, Kees explores the existential dread and the fragile nature of human existence.

The poem opens with a direct and provocative question: "Do you wear a web over your wasted worth?" This line suggests a sense of entrapment and futility, as if the speaker's value is obscured or diminished by a web, a symbol of entanglement and decay. The respondent admits to this condition, affirming, "I wear a web."

The next question, "You fear the keyhole's splintered eye?" introduces the imagery of surveillance and vulnerability. The "keyhole's splintered eye" implies a fragmented and invasive gaze that instills fear. The repetition of "I fear the eye" emphasizes this anxiety, underscoring the respondent's sense of being watched and judged.

Kees continues with, "Can you hear the worthless morning's mirth?" The word "worthless" paired with "mirth" creates a dissonance, suggesting that even moments of joy or laughter are perceived as hollow or devoid of value. The respondent's simple affirmation, "I hear it," conveys an acceptance of this bleak reality.

The following question, "The broken braying from whitening skies?" extends the theme of discord and chaos. "Broken braying" evokes harsh, jarring sounds, while "whitening skies" might symbolize the approach of something ominous or inevitable. The repetition of "Yes I hear it yes" conveys a resigned acknowledgment of this cacophony.

The poem shifts to a broader reflection on the human condition: "To spend the end and feed the fire is day's insistence, night's demand: to pay the unrequested fare and wave the wavering wand." This line encapsulates the relentless demands of life, where individuals are compelled to endure and contribute despite not seeking these burdens. The imagery of paying "the unrequested fare" and waving "the wavering wand" suggests a performative aspect of existence, where actions are dictated by external forces beyond one's control.

Kees then presents a vivid and foreboding image: "The streets are full of broken glass, sparkling in this frenzied noon." The broken glass symbolizes danger and fragility, and its sparkling quality adds an ironic beauty to the scene, highlighting the juxtaposition of peril and allure. The "frenzied noon" suggests a heightened state of chaos and activity, intensifying the sense of urgency and distress.

The poem concludes with a chilling prophecy: "With naked feet and bandaged eyes you'll walk them-not just now, but soon." This final line encapsulates the inevitability of suffering and the blindness with which individuals must navigate their precarious paths. The "naked feet" imply vulnerability and exposure, while "bandaged eyes" suggest a lack of clear vision or awareness, making the impending journey even more perilous.

"The Inquiry" by Weldon Kees masterfully employs a dialogic structure to explore profound themes of fear, worthlessness, and the harsh realities of human existence. Through its stark imagery and existential questioning, the poem evokes a sense of inescapable dread and highlights the fragility of the human condition. Kees's use of repetition and vivid descriptions creates a powerful and unsettling atmosphere, leaving readers to contemplate the deeper implications of the inquiry and their own responses to life's relentless demands.

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