Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon’s poem “Killing the Plants” explores the speaker's complex relationship with her houseplants, using them as a metaphor for broader themes of neglect, existential contemplation, and the delicate balance between life and death. Through a candid and introspective narrative, Kenyon delves into themes of responsibility, ambivalence, and the quiet, persistent value of life.

The poem opens with the speaker acknowledging the virtues of plants as companions: “they don't / argue, they don't ask for much, / they don't stay out until 3:00 A.M., then / lie to you about where they've been....” This light-hearted comparison sets the stage for the deeper reflections that follow, highlighting the reliability and simplicity of plants in contrast to the complexities of human relationships. The plants' quiet, undemanding presence contrasts sharply with the speaker’s own feelings of inadequacy and neglect.

The speaker's lack of motivation to care for the plants is evident: “I can't summon the ambition / to repot this grape ivy, or this sad / old cactus, or even to move them out / onto the porch for the summer.” This confession reveals a sense of inertia and disconnection, as the speaker acknowledges that simple actions could significantly improve the plants' lives, yet she remains unable to take those steps. The plants receive only “a grudging dash of water,” symbolizing minimal effort and care, reflecting the speaker's internal struggle with responsibility and motivation.

Kenyon then introduces a darker element to the poem, as the speaker considers the possibility of disposing of the plants: “I wonder if they suspect / that like Hamlet I rehearse murder / all hours of the day and night, / considering the town dump / and compost pile as possible graves....” The reference to Hamlet, a character known for his existential musings and contemplation of life and death, adds a layer of complexity to the speaker’s thoughts. This comparison suggests that the speaker is grappling with deeper existential questions and the morality of choosing to let something live or die.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the inherent value of the plants: “The truth is that if I permit them / to live, they will go on giving / alms to the poor: sweet air, miraculous / flowers, the example of persistence.” This acknowledgment highlights the quiet, persistent contributions of the plants, despite their neglect. The “sweet air” and “miraculous flowers” symbolize the life-giving and aesthetic benefits that the plants provide, serving as a metaphor for the small, yet significant, ways in which life persists and offers beauty and sustenance.

In “Killing the Plants,” Jane Kenyon masterfully weaves together themes of neglect, existential reflection, and the understated value of persistence. Through her candid and introspective narrative, she invites readers to consider the ways in which small, seemingly insignificant lives can hold profound meaning and value. The poem's exploration of the speaker’s ambivalence and contemplation of life and death provides a poignant commentary on the human condition, highlighting the quiet yet persistent presence of life even in the face of neglect and disconnection. Kenyon's ability to convey complex emotions and themes through simple, everyday experiences makes “Killing the Plants” a deeply resonant and thought-provoking work.

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