Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mrs. Krikorian" by Sharon Olds is a reflective and powerful poem that intertwines the personal redemption of the speaker with the historical and cultural background of her influential teacher. The poem is a tribute to Mrs. Krikorian, a sixth-grade teacher who profoundly impacted the speaker's life, steering her away from a potential path of trouble and guiding her towards the world of books and learning. Through vivid imagery and deep introspection, Olds explores themes of education, redemption, and the hidden stories behind those who shape our lives.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling how Mrs. Krikorian "saved [her] bacon." Arriving in the sixth grade with a reputation as a "known criminal," the speaker encounters Mrs. Krikorian, who sees potential rather than delinquency. Described as a "tall woman, deep-breasted, with a mass of dark hair," Mrs. Krikorian embodies a figure of strength and nurturing. Her calm demeanor contrasts with the chaotic potential of the speaker's actions, as symbolized by the devil metaphorically finding the speaker "empty, a house standing open."

Mrs. Krikorian's intervention comes in the form of a "special library pass," a small card that symbolizes a gateway to another world. This pass allows the speaker to escape from the monotony and temptation of the classroom to the enriching environment of the library. The library becomes a sanctuary where the speaker immerses herself in books, transitioning from looking up words like "spank" and "breast" to exploring the lives of Abe Lincoln and Helen Keller. This shift represents a journey from curiosity about the corporeal to a fascination with historical figures and ideals.

The narrative continues with Mrs. Krikorian further encouraging the speaker by inviting her to write and direct a Christmas play. Despite the speaker's initial failure and subsequent hiding in a closet out of embarrassment, Mrs. Krikorian offers a small act of kindness—a peppermint cane. This gesture, described with vivid, almost visceral imagery ("the worm will come up out of the bowel to get it"), signifies a moment of comfort and acceptance. It represents the teacher's ability to reach out and provide reassurance, further "emptying" the speaker of her mischievous tendencies and filling her with positive influences.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the realization that Mrs. Krikorian was Armenian, prompting a deeper consideration of her teacher's past. This revelation opens a new dimension to the poem, as the speaker contemplates the history of the Armenian people, particularly the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide. The imagery of Turks "like a thresher flailing its blades" evokes the brutal and systematic violence faced by Armenians. The questions "who saved Mrs. Krikorian?" and "who saved her to save the one who saved Mrs. Krikorian?" highlight the interconnectedness of individual lives and the generational impact of survival and kindness.

The speaker acknowledges a debt of gratitude not only to Mrs. Krikorian but also to the broader Armenian community and the unnamed individuals who helped her survive. This reflection underscores the idea that the influences in our lives are often the result of a complex web of historical events and personal sacrifices. The final image of the speaker lying under the bed, amidst the "dust-balls...round and silver," captures a moment of contemplation and recognition of the nuanced nature of human existence—"neither good nor evil."

"Mrs. Krikorian" is a richly layered poem that celebrates the transformative power of education and the deep, often unacknowledged stories behind those who impact our lives. Sharon Olds masterfully blends personal narrative with historical reflection, creating a poignant tribute to the enduring influence of a compassionate teacher. The poem invites readers to consider the broader context of the individuals who shape us and to recognize the unseen connections that bind us to the past and to each other. Through her evocative language and introspective voice, Olds emphasizes the importance of kindness, resilience, and the shared humanity that transcends generations and cultural boundaries.

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