Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Protestor," Sharon Olds delves into the themes of moral conviction, patriotism, and the personal costs of political decisions. The poem narrates a conversation between the speaker and a man reflecting on his experiences during the Vietnam War era, revealing deep insights into his moral choices and their implications.

The poem begins with a description of a car journey "driving north, through the snow," setting a contemplative and introspective tone. The man recalls turning 21 during the Vietnam War, a pivotal age when he was classified as "1-A," meaning he was eligible for the draft. The road's curves, laden with snow-covered branches, mirror the complexities and weight of the decisions he faced. His choice not to flee to Canada, a common escape route for draft evaders, signifies his moral stance. Instead of avoiding the draft entirely, he chose to face the consequences of resisting military service, which could lead to imprisonment—a decision marked by the grim acceptance of potential rape in prison, as he prioritizes the preservation of life over his own safety and dignity.

This choice, described with stark clarity, "if it was their life or your ass, it was your ass," highlights the man's deep-seated belief in nonviolence and his unwillingness to kill. The heavy, silent snowfall during their drive parallels the heavy silence that follows his revelation, underscoring the gravity of his decision and the burden of carrying such convictions.

The speaker then reflects on her own feelings of patriotism, sparked by the plight of those who had to leave America and could never return. This love is embodied in the natural imagery of "every American needle on every American tree," symbolizing a deep connection to the country's landscape and ideals. However, the speaker grapples with the notion of being violated ("taken and used") and admits that such an experience would shatter her spirit and end "the work of my life." This vulnerability contrasts with the man's resolute stance, emphasizing the different ways individuals perceive and react to threats against their autonomy and moral beliefs.

The man's defiant statement, "This is the work of my life, to say with my body itself You fuckers you cannot tell me who to kill," captures the essence of his protest. It reflects a powerful assertion of personal agency and a refusal to be complicit in state-sanctioned violence. The idea of a "spirit free of the body, safe from it" suggests an aspiration for a moral existence untethered from physical constraints and dangers, though the reality of physical consequences looms large.

As the conversation shifts, the man speaks about his family, starting not with himself but with his grandparents and moving backward through history, "deeper and deeper into Europe." This exploration of ancestry, including the mention of the Torah being "buried sometimes in the garden, sometimes swallowed and carried in the ark of the body itself," connects his personal story to a broader historical and cultural narrative. It underscores a heritage of survival and moral resilience, possibly alluding to Jewish traditions of protecting sacred texts during times of persecution. This familial and cultural background enriches his moral convictions, providing a context for his strong stance against participating in violence.

"The Protestor" is a profound exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during times of conflict. Sharon Olds examines the complexities of personal integrity, the cost of standing up for one's beliefs, and the nuanced expressions of love for one's country. The poem's reflective tone and vivid imagery convey the emotional weight of these decisions and the deep sense of connection to cultural and familial histories. Through this narrative, Olds captures the tension between the physical body and the moral soul, highlighting the enduring struggle for autonomy and ethical consistency in a world that often demands compromise.

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