Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Five Accounts of a Monogamous Man" by William Meredith is a reflective and introspective exploration of the complexities of fidelity, desire, and the human experience within the bounds of monogamy. The poem, divided into five distinct sections, delves into various aspects of the speaker's life and thoughts, offering a nuanced portrayal of his emotional and psychological landscape.

I. He Thinks of the Chinese Snake Who Is the Beginning and the End

The opening section uses the metaphor of the Ouroboros, the ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail, to explore themes of eternity and renewal. The speaker contemplates the cessation of desire following death: "If you or I should die / That day desire would not renew / Itself in any bed." The imagery of the snake, which "would spit it out / And ease off through the grass / Like a piece of music," suggests the transient nature of desire and life's cycles. The speaker questions whether, in the absence of one partner, the cycle of desire would resume, pondering the continuity of life and passion beyond individual existence.

II. He Marvels at the Persistence of Passion

In the second section, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the persistence of passion despite aging. The personification of hours as "black duennas" who "read our lips and watch our thighs" implies an omnipresent scrutiny and judgment. The years, depicted as "pederasts," metaphorically wait for youth to pass, highlighting the inevitable aging process. The speaker juxtaposes this with the cool detachment of "children... cool astronomers" who observe the older generation's decline with scientific curiosity. Despite these observations, the speaker acknowledges a continued physical desire: "And yet sometimes I have to shave / And brush my teeth at dawn to keep / My healthy middle-aged alive / Hands off you where you lie asleep." This line captures the struggle to maintain a respectful distance while grappling with enduring desire.

III. Sometimes He Contemplates Adultery

The third section confronts the theme of infidelity. The speaker admits to a brief, unconsummated affair of the heart: "for a week my heart ran with another love." He imagines a different life "down to its books and bed," indicating a deep, albeit temporary, emotional involvement. The speaker's return to his committed relationship is described as a resigned acceptance: "I am led home—cold, grave, / Contractual as a dog—by my scurrilous head." This metaphor highlights the conflict between emotional impulses and rational commitments, portraying the speaker's return to fidelity as a dutiful but dispassionate choice.

IV. His Hands, On a Trip to Wisconsin

In this section, the speaker reflects on the physical separation from his partner while traveling. The focus shifts to the speaker's hands, which "lie awake and are aware of themselves," emphasizing a heightened self-awareness and a sense of loss. The hands, which "traced honor" in their actions, are personified as they contemplate their past movements and the meaningful gestures they have made, such as waving goodbye or handling the physical world. The speaker muses on the inevitability of aging and the changes it will bring to his body and his partner's: "Ahead of them some years of roving / Before the white landscape of age checks them." The imagery of "laced hunks of flesh" conveys a mix of tenderness and resignation, acknowledging the eventual decline in physical abilities and the impact on their relationship.

V. Lines from His Guest-book

The final section reflects on the social aspects of relationships and the nature of hospitality. The speaker draws parallels between the lives of famous literary figures, such as Shelley and Yeats, and his own experiences. He notes the peculiar nature of domestic arrangements and the hosting of guests, suggesting that "We are most our own strange selves when we are hosts." The act of welcoming others into one's home and life is portrayed as an extension of love, despite its occasional absurdity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment, recognizing that "Keeping house is the instinct of love; it is always a little ridiculous." This sentiment captures the earnest yet sometimes awkward efforts to maintain relationships and offer hospitality.

In "Five Accounts of a Monogamous Man," William Meredith offers a multifaceted exploration of monogamy, desire, and human connections. Through a blend of introspective contemplation and vivid imagery, the poem delves into the complexities of fidelity, the persistence of passion, and the inevitable changes brought by time. The speaker's candid reflections provide a rich, nuanced portrayal of the emotional landscape of a monogamous relationship, capturing both its challenges and its enduring significance.

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