Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Rusks" by Rita Dove is a reflective and somewhat sardonic poem that explores themes of weariness, resignation, and the search for contentment amidst life’s persistent challenges. Dove uses a personal and introspective tone to delve into feelings of emotional exhaustion and the desire to escape from burdensome expectations.

The poem opens with a direct statement, "This is how it happened," setting the stage for a personal revelation or confession. Dove describes the irritation caused by the season of spring, which is typically associated with renewal and joy. Instead of feeling uplifted, the speaker is annoyed by the "wheezing and dripping" of the natural world, indicating a disconnect from the typically positive reactions others have during this time. This contrast is further highlighted by her observation of others who are productively engaged in their gardens, "reaped compost and seemed / enamored most of the time."

The rhetorical question "Why should I be select?" reflects a moment of self-questioning and the realization that perhaps there is no reason to feel different from others who find joy in simple pleasures. This marks a turning point where the speaker begins to acknowledge her own expectations and pressures, leading to a decision to stop "tearing myself down." This line reveals a struggle with self-criticism and the exhaustion that comes from constantly measuring oneself against an internal standard of how one should feel or act.

The speaker's decision to relinquish the "throne of blues" symbolizes a deliberate step away from wallowing in sadness or self-pity. There's a sense of wanting to break free from a cycle of negativity, to allow "someone else" to bear the weight of these emotional burdens. This shifting of responsibility is not about abdicating emotional duty but rather about finding relief in letting go of the need to always carry it oneself.

Dove incorporates a piece of wisdom from the speaker’s mother, which serves as a thematic linchpin for the poem: "half a happinnes is better / than none at all." This aphorism suggests a pragmatic approach to life’s imperfections and challenges. It’s a recognition that wholly fulfilling or perfect states of happiness are rare, and that one should appreciate and accept partial happiness instead of none. This philosophy encourages a more forgiving and less absolutist attitude towards personal emotional states, advocating for a kind of acceptance that can lead to greater peace of mind.

"Rusks" closes without resolving the speaker's discontent but offers a shift in perspective that hints at a path forward through acceptance and a recalibration of expectations. Rita Dove’s use of conversational language and the portrayal of internal conflict provide a deeply relatable exploration of how individuals cope with the discord between their internal world and the expectations imposed by the external environment. The poem resonates as a contemplation on adjusting one's outlook to find solace in imperfect realities.

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