Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans Cross)" by Madeline DeFrees is a reflective and deeply empathetic portrayal of the celebrated novelist George Eliot, born Mary Ann Evans. Through the lens of the poet's personal engagement with Eliot's work and life, DeFrees explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the solitary pursuit of intellectual fulfillment. The poem weaves together the historical perception of Eliot, as encapsulated in the critical view of Lady Jebb, with the poet's own narrative of finding solace and inspiration in Eliot's stories during adolescence.

The poem begins with a quote from Lady Jebb, highlighting the societal tendency to judge individuals, particularly women, based on their physical appearance. This quote sets the stage for an exploration of George Eliot's struggle with her own self-image and the societal expectations of beauty. Eliot, despite her intellectual prowess and contribution to literature, felt the need to cultivate her appearance to be more attractive, underscoring the pervasive influence of societal norms on women's self-perception.

The speaker's personal narrative of "drown[ing] the sorrows of adolescence" in Eliot's complex stories reflects a profound connection to the author, not just through her literary output but through the shared experience of seeking solace in intellectual and creative endeavors. The speaker admires Eliot's ability to live a life dedicated to the mind, suggesting a form of rebellion against the conventional domestic roles prescribed to women of her time.

Eliot's preference for "subdued colors" and her desire to blend into the "tasteful décor of the drawing room" serve as metaphors for her attempt to navigate the societal spaces that valued women primarily for their aesthetic appeal. Despite her efforts to conform to these expectations in appearance, Eliot's intellect and passion for ideas set her apart, enabling her to carve a significant path through intellectual circles of her time.

The poem also touches on Eliot's unconventional personal life, hinting at her relationship with George Henry Lewes and later marriage to John Cross, through the lines "Married or not, no matter." This suggests that Eliot's true identity and worth were not defined by her marital status or adherence to societal norms but by her intellectual contributions and the depth of her character.

DeFrees introduces a moment of humor and self-reflection with Eliot's anecdote about wearing "grey moiré antique," perhaps as a means of adhering to societal expectations of femininity, following a lecture from Owen Jones. This illustrates Eliot's awareness of the contradictions between societal expectations and personal authenticity.

The poem concludes with the haunting image of the "long-banished nun" in the speaker's "dressing room mirror," a metaphor for the internalized conflict between societal expectations and personal truth. This image, coupled with the mention of a "worst recurrent nightmare," encapsulates the ongoing struggle with societal constraints and the quest for self-acceptance.

"George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans Cross)" by Madeline DeFrees is a poignant meditation on the challenges faced by women of intellect and ambition in a society that often values appearance over substance. Through her exploration of George Eliot's life and work, DeFrees invites the reader to consider the enduring relevance of these themes and the ways in which individuals navigate the space between societal expectations and personal authenticity.

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