Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a tender greeting to the typewriter, acknowledging its once cutting-edge status. The "thick cord and the battered plug" serve not only as physical descriptors but as symbols of the typewriter's age and the many years of service it has provided. The speaker reminisces about the "slow and deliberate characters" it produces, a nod to a time when writing was perhaps more thoughtful and considered, in contrast to the fast-paced, instantaneous nature of modern word processing.

Blumenthal then poses a question that is at the heart of the poem: "Shall we go on together as before?" This question is not just about choosing between an old typewriter and a new word processor; it is about the choice between clinging to the familiar past and embracing the uncertain future. The mention of "the cold dittos of conviction and habit" suggests that our attachments to the old ways are not just about comfort but about a deeper resistance to change.

The speaker contemplates abandoning the old typewriter for "some new technology of ease and embellishment," highlighting the seductive nature of the new and improved. Yet, this contemplation is tinged with guilt and a sense of betrayal, as the typewriter is personified as an "aged Puella of the battered keys," a faithful partner who has grown old alongside the speaker. The metaphor of marriage further emphasizes the depth of the bond between the speaker and the typewriter, suggesting a loyalty that is difficult to break.

As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the inevitability of obsolescence. The "next young filly" represents the continuous advancement of technology, always ready to replace the old with something newer and more efficient. Yet, there is a palpable sense of loss in this transition, a mourning for the "crate of my practised strokes" and the unique relationship forged through years of use.

In the closing lines, the speaker makes a passionate plea to the old typewriter, urging it to "make the tides come in once more" and to "be wet, sweet toy, with your old ink." These lines are a call to rekindle the creative spark, to find beauty and vitality in the old ways despite the allure of the new. The poem ends on a note of defiance and affirmation, embracing the old typewriter not as an obsolete relic but as a cherished instrument of creativity.

"Back from the Word Processing Course, I Say to My Old Typewriter" is a deeply reflective piece that speaks to the human condition. It reminds us that our connections to the tools of our trade, whether they be typewriters, pens, or computers, are imbued with personal history and emotion. Blumenthal invites us to consider the value of these connections in a world that too often prioritizes efficiency over sentiment. Through this dialogue with an old typewriter, the poem celebrates the enduring power of creativity and the timeless nature of the written word.

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