Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"It Was the Lack of Certainty" by Stephen Dobyns delves into the human discomfort with uncertainty and the lengths to which individuals might go to mask their ignorance with the semblance of knowledge. Through a metaphorical narrative, Dobyns critiques the human tendency to equate articulate expression with wisdom, exploring the nuanced relationship between language, knowledge, and the perception of intelligence.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the protagonist's unease with the unpredictable and changeable nature of life. This instability, manifesting in mood, physical state, and emotions, highlights the inherent uncertainty that characterizes the human condition. The term "thing" becomes a symbol of the protagonist's frustration, embodying his struggle to comprehend and define the world around him. This initial setup underscores the poem's central theme: the quest for certainty in an inherently uncertain existence.

Dobyns employs the protagonist's efforts to refine his language as a metaphor for the human attempt to impose order and understanding on the chaos of life. By enhancing his speech, syntax, and the overall presentation of his ideas, the protagonist believes he can encapsulate and control the ambiguities that plague him. This process of linguistic refinement is depicted as a means of constructing a facade of knowledge—a treasure-house of discourse that dazzles rather than enlightens.

The poem critically examines the notion that eloquence and rhetorical skill can serve as substitutes for genuine understanding. The protagonist's "intensity and verbal glitter" create only the illusion of wisdom, masking his underlying ignorance. Dobyns suggests that society often mistakes this superficial brilliance for true insight, revealing a collective vulnerability to being misled by the appearance of knowledge.

The transformation of a street mongrel into a seemingly cultured dinner guest serves as a powerful allegory for the protagonist's own metamorphosis. Just as the dog's outward behaviors mimic those of a refined individual, so too does the protagonist's polished discourse mimic genuine wisdom. This comparison underscores the artificiality of the protagonist's constructed persona and the societal complicity in elevating form over substance.

Dobyns' poem is a contemplative critique of the value placed on certainty and the appearance of knowledge in a world riddled with ambiguity. By highlighting the discrepancy between eloquence and understanding, "It Was the Lack of Certainty" challenges the reader to question the foundations of perceived wisdom and the authenticity of self-presentation. The poem ultimately serves as a reflection on the human desire for stability and the lengths to which individuals will go to create an illusion of control in an uncertain world.

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