Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon’s poem “Thinking of Madame Bovary" is a poem written by American poet Jane Kenyon. The poem was published in 1990, and is a reflection on the life of the titular character of Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary".

Explanation:

In "Jane Kenyon Thinking of Madame Bovary," Jane Kenyon offers a poignant and introspective meditation on the complexities of human desire and the struggle for meaning in life. Through her haunting imagery, elegiac tone, and powerful use of language, Kenyon explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality, weaving together the stories of both Emma Bovary and the poet herself in a deeply moving work of art. This poem is a testament to Kenyon's skill as a poet and her ability to imbue her work with a deep sense of humanity.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse.
• Theme: The theme of the poem is the futile quest for happiness and the consequences of         romanticism and the desire for escape.
• Imagery: The poem uses images of nature, sickness, and death to create a haunting atmosphere.
• Tone: The tone is melancholic and introspective.
•  Sound: The poem features internal rhyme and repetition, creating a musical quality to the  lines.
• Language: The language is simple yet impactful, with Kenyon's imagery and word choice steering the emotions of the reader.
• Figurative language: The poem features metaphors and personification, with the rain and snow standing in for the despair and futility of Emma's life.
• Structure: The poem is structured in two parts, the first examining the character of Emma Bovary and the second reflecting on the poet's own life.
• Symbolism: The poem uses the character of Emma Bovary as a symbol for the emptiness and limitations of romantic fantasies.
• Emotion: The poem is a deeply emotional reflection on life and mortality, infused with a sense of sadness and inevitability.

Conclusion:

In "Jane Kenyon Thinking of Madame Bovary," Jane Kenyon offers a poignant and introspective meditation on the complexities of human desire and the struggle for meaning in life. Through her haunting imagery, elegiac tone, and powerful use of language, Kenyon explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality, weaving together the stories of both Emma Bovary and the poet herself in a deeply moving work of art. This poem is a testament to Kenyon's skill as a poet and her ability to imbue her work with a deep sense of humanity.

Poem Snippet:

 "The novels on the shelf, 

the teacup on the windowsill, 

the bittersweet of life itself, 

I hear a violin." 

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