Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"History" by Rita Dove is a thoughtful and evocative poem that explores the intersections of personal experience, perception, and the broader narrative of history. Through the lens of a woman reflecting on her own bodily and emotional experiences, Dove critiques the notion that history is something that happens externally and suggests that personal experiences are also historical in their own right.

The poem opens with a reference to a "wise guy" who proclaimed that "Everything's a metaphor," to which his woman companion "nodded, wisely." This introduction sets a tone of skepticism about the supposedly profound realization that everything could be seen as symbolic. It points to a disconnect between theoretical or philosophical assertions and the lived experiences of individuals, particularly women.

Dove quickly moves from this philosophical musing to a much more intimate and personal perspective. The woman in the poem reflects on watching an embryo "track an arc / across her swollen belly from the inside" and contemplates the power of her own thoughts to influence what she carries within her. This vivid imagery not only personalizes history but also emphasizes the internal, often unseen processes that shape human life. The woman's conscious decision to think of the embryo as a "knee" rather than a "tumor or burrowing mole" highlights the role of perception and mindset in shaping reality, a subtle yet powerful act of will that underscores her agency.

The poem suggests that personal beliefs, fears, and desires ("Each craving marks / the soul") directly impact how individuals interact with the world and interpret their experiences. The reference to craving specific foods like ice cream and pickles during pregnancy is both literal and symbolic, representing the deep, sometimes inexplicable urges that drive human behavior. The "splashed white upon a temple" could be read as a mark of these desires manifesting physically and spiritually, highlighting the connection between body, mind, and soul.

Dove's use of the phrase "Every wish / will find its symbol" encapsulates a central theme of the poem: the personal is historical, and every individual's desires and fears contribute to the fabric of their historical existence. The woman in the poem, through her reflections and bodily experiences, creates her own narrative, challenging the notion that history is solely made up of external events and grand, documented changes.

Overall, "History" by Rita Dove is a profound meditation on the ways in which personal experiences and internal realities shape and are shaped by historical consciousness. The poem argues for a more inclusive understanding of history, one that acknowledges the significance of personal narratives and the internal landscapes that drive human action. Through this reflection, Dove invites readers to reconsider what constitutes history and whose stories are valued in the historical narrative.

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