Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Fish Oil" by Sharon Olds offers a vivid, sensory narrative that explores themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth. The poem captures a seemingly mundane moment—coming home to a kitchen filled with the strong smell of fish—and uses it as a metaphor for the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of love.

The poem begins with a stark description of the setting: the speaker arrives home at midnight to an apartment that "reeked of fish boiled in oil." The detailed imagery of "all the windows were shut, and all the doors were open" creates a sense of claustrophobia and confinement, despite the paradox of open doors. The "thick helix of cod and olive" rising from the kitchen evokes a strong, pervasive scent, suggesting an overwhelming sensory experience. The husband's presence, sleeping amidst this scene, contrasts with the speaker's immediate reaction to cleanse the space, as she "opened the windows and shut the doors and put the plates in the sink."

The following day, the speaker expresses her frustration to a friend, referring to her complaints as "fishwifed." The friend's response—that "someone might live with that, and come to savor the smell of a fry"—introduces a turning point in the poem. This comment prompts the speaker to reconsider her perspective. The evening reflection, where she looks at her husband and feels touched "in the core of my heart," signifies a moment of profound realization and emotional clarity. It is a recognition of the husband's simple, unpretentious nature and an acceptance of his quirks.

In response, the speaker chooses to embrace the situation. She seeks out "extra-extra virgin" olive oil and a "recipe for sea fillet in olive-branch juice," intentionally recreating the fishy atmosphere that had initially disturbed her. This act symbolizes a shift from rejection to acceptance, a deliberate effort to find beauty and pleasure in what once seemed unpleasant. The "swirls of finny perfume" filling the rooms become a symbol of this newfound appreciation.

The poem then delves into a deeper layer of meaning, drawing a parallel between the fish and the early Christian symbol of the fish, "the outlines in the sand." This symbol, representing safety and shared identity ("me too"), contrasts with the speaker's childhood memories of her parents' disdain for anything beyond their strict norms— "the Calvinist shudder, in that house, at the sweet grease of life." The speaker reflects on her past, describing herself as "a shocked being, agog, a salt dab in his creel, girl in oil, his dish." This imagery conveys a sense of innocence and vulnerability, highlighting her transformation from a rigid upbringing to a more open and accepting mindset.

The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of love and acceptance. The speaker realizes that "one could approve of someone entirely," a profound acknowledgment of unconditional love. The phrase "one could wake to the pungent day" suggests a new beginning, an awakening to the full spectrum of life’s experiences without judgment. The realization that "one could awake from the dream of judgment" marks a liberation from her past constraints and a deep acceptance of her partner and their life together.

"Fish Oil" is a meditation on the journey from judgment to acceptance, illustrating how love can transform one's perception and bring about a deeper understanding of oneself and others. Sharon Olds captures the complexities of domestic life and the small, everyday moments that can lead to significant personal growth. Through vivid sensory details and introspective narrative, the poem celebrates the power of love to dissolve barriers and foster genuine connection.

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