Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Blown Apart" by Rita Dove is a poignant exploration of grief and social perception, presenting a stark portrait of a woman grappling with loss. Through this character's experience, Dove touches on themes of vulnerability, judgment, and the harsh scrutiny of conventional society.

The poem begins with a vivid depiction of a woman whose profound grief has led her to neglect societal norms of appearance and behavior: "Blown apart by loss, she let herself go— / wandered the neighborhood hatless, breasts / swinging under a ratty sweater, crusted / mascara blackening her gaze." This imagery starkly contrasts societal expectations with the raw, unvarnished reality of personal sorrow. Her disheveled appearance becomes a symbol of her internal turmoil, visually manifesting her emotional state.

The reaction of the neighborhood underscores a critical theme of the poem—the harsh judgment and lack of empathy often faced by those who do not conform to societal expectations. The local wives, adhering to their own standards of decorum, view her behavior as shameful and unsettling: "It was a shame, / the wives whispered, to carry on so." Their judgment is further exemplified by their acceptance of superficial appearances, such as "wearing foam curlers arraigned / like piglets to market was almost debonair," suggesting a preference for even comically poor attempts at grooming over genuine emotional expression.

The men in the neighborhood react differently, drawn to her "indifference" with a mix of curiosity and perhaps a predatory interest, highlighting different societal responses based on gender expectations and attitudes toward vulnerability.

As the poem progresses, the woman continues her solitary, mournful wanderings by the river, even as the cold of winter sets in, demonstrating her ongoing struggle with grief. The turning point comes when a man "with murmurous eyes pulled her down to size," a phrase loaded with implications of reducing her, diminishing her presence or coping mechanisms in a possibly aggressive or confrontational encounter.

The poem concludes with a damning judgment from Mrs. Franklin, the "ruling matron," who coldly states, "Serves her right, the old mare." This harsh condemnation starkly reveals the lack of compassion and understanding within the community, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards those who grieve openly or fail to 'recover' in a manner deemed appropriate or timely.

Overall, "Blown Apart" by Rita Dove poignantly critiques societal expectations surrounding grief and decorum, portraying the intense loneliness and isolation that can accompany loss, especially for those who find themselves unable to conform to expected norms of mourning. Dove’s careful crafting of character and setting highlights the often cruel intersection of personal tragedy and societal judgment.

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