Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Opening Her Jewel Box" explores themes of memory, introspection, and the passage of time through the seemingly simple act of a woman opening her jewel box. This mundane action becomes a catalyst for a flood of recollections and emotions, capturing the complexities of the human experience.

The poem begins with the woman discovering "a finish of dust on the felt drawer-bottoms," indicating that a significant amount of time has passed since she last engaged with these personal items. The accumulation of dust symbolizes neglect, both of the objects within the box and perhaps of aspects of her own life. This detail sets the tone for a reflective journey, as the woman confronts the passage of time and the fading of once-important elements of her identity, such as wearing lipstick—a symbol of youth and vitality.

The woman's internal world is revealed through her response to being asked what she is thinking about. Startled, she defaults to saying "Nothing," a common deflection that masks the depth of her thoughts. Matthews then delves into these hidden thoughts, contrasting mundane images like "a mug with a bite-shaped chip" with more intense memories, such as euthanizing a cat "for love of a medical student." The juxtaposition of these memories underscores the unpredictability and variety of human recollection. The memory of the cat's death is particularly vivid, described with stark, unsettling imagery: the "ball of fur in a taut lung" and the cat growing "slack and then grew stiff." This memory is charged with emotion, revealing a moment of moral ambiguity and the visceral reality of death.

The poem shifts to a contemplation of the woman's past experiences, particularly those that are "erotic memories." Matthews captures the persistence of such memories, noting that they often "survive" despite needing "a sentimental past for a context." The metaphor of these memories as "chunks of space debris / turning in an icy light" suggests their isolated, disconnected nature—fragments of a past that no longer has a cohesive narrative. This portrayal reflects the often fragmented and elusive nature of memory, particularly those tied to intense emotions.

The woman's realization of the speed of life, marked by her correction to "Nothing in particular," highlights a sense of being overwhelmed by time's relentless passage. This moment of self-awareness contrasts with her younger self, who once "used to curse boredom" and urge her father to drive faster. The impatience of youth gives way to a more somber acknowledgment of life's brevity.

As the poem progresses, the woman decides to brush her hair, a mundane but intimate act. Her hair, described as pouting "in clumps," and being "thin, slow to unsnarl," mirrors the tangled nature of her memories and emotions. The care she takes in brushing her hair, reminding herself "Easy does it," suggests a gentle acceptance of her current state, a recognition of her own vulnerabilities and imperfections.

The poem concludes with the woman beginning to sing, "softly at first." This final image suggests a return to a simpler, more innocent form of expression, perhaps a small act of self-soothing or a way to reclaim a sense of presence amidst the weight of her memories. The act of singing symbolizes a moment of self-care and the potential for renewal, even in the face of life's complexities and regrets.

"Opening Her Jewel Box" is a poignant exploration of the interior life of a woman reflecting on her past. Through detailed imagery and a careful balance of mundane and intense memories, Matthews captures the essence of the human condition—marked by loss, guilt, nostalgia, and the small comforts found in everyday rituals. The poem eloquently portrays how objects and memories, both cherished and painful, shape our identities and the narratives we construct about our lives.

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