Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anthony Hecht's poem "Imitation" is a delicate and eloquent exploration of admiration and longing, articulated through the lens of an observer captivated by the grace and beauty of a woman. Hecht employs rich imagery and classical poetic devices to convey the intensity of the speaker’s feelings and the ineffable qualities of the woman he describes.

The poem begins with an exhortation to "Let men take note of her, touching her shyness," inviting the reader to observe the subtle and enchanting aspects of the woman's demeanor. Her shyness is not a flaw but a feature that enhances her grace, suggesting a quiet dignity and allure that is both captivating and elusive.

Hecht describes how "grace informs and presses the brocade / Wherein her benefits are whitely stayed," using the imagery of brocade, a rich, decorative fabric, to emphasize the refinement and elegance of the woman. The use of "whitely stayed" implies purity and restraint, qualities that are beautifully preserved and accentuated by her grace.

The speaker then contrasts the woman's understated elegance with the "glittering enterprise, and highness / Of blood or deed" of men, suggesting that even the most illustrious achievements or noble lineage would be incomplete without the approval of her "wide approval of her mouth." This line highlights the power and influence of her presence, which transcends superficial accomplishments and confers a deeper sense of validation.

The imagery of drinking "all tankards to their dryness" in her name further illustrates the profound impact she has on those around her. This act symbolizes a collective admiration and reverence, where men willingly celebrate her virtues to the fullest extent.

The speaker acknowledges the limitations of language in capturing her "clear perfection," asking rhetorically, "how may tongues / Manifest what no language understands?" This admission underscores the inadequacy of words to fully convey the essence of her beauty and the profound effect it has on the observer.

However, Hecht does not leave the reader in despair over this linguistic inadequacy. He suggests that her beauty "commands / Even the tanager with tiny lungs / To flush all silence." The tanager, a small but vividly colored bird, becomes a metaphor for the natural world's response to her presence, breaking the silence with its song. This implies that her beauty inspires a spontaneous and universal expression of admiration, transcending the limitations of human language.

The final couplet, "May she by these songs / Know it was love I looked for at her hands," brings the poem to a poignant conclusion. The speaker hopes that through the poetic tribute, the woman will recognize the depth of his love and the sincerity of his admiration. This line encapsulates the longing for acknowledgment and the desire to be seen and understood by the object of his affection.

In "Imitation," Hecht masterfully combines classical form with rich, evocative imagery to explore themes of beauty, admiration, and the ineffable qualities that elevate the human experience. The poem is a testament to the power of art to capture and convey profound emotions, even when language itself seems insufficient.

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