Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marilyn Hacker’s “Under the Arc de Triomphe: October 17” is a contemplative and evocative poem that delves into themes of missed connections, the passage of time, and the elusive nature of memory. The poem captures a moment in autumnal Paris, drawing on vivid imagery and introspective reflections to convey a sense of absence and longing.

The opening line, “The French clocks struck two-thirty, and above / autumnal Paris, itching with parades,” situates the reader in a specific time and place, setting the stage for the reflections that follow. The mention of “itching with parades” evokes a sense of restlessness and movement, contrasting with the stillness and introspection of the speaker. The image of “starlings darted in a blinding sky” adds a dynamic visual element, symbolizing fleeting moments and the passage of time.

The speaker’s acknowledgment, “And you did not stare after. Nor did I,” introduces a theme of missed opportunities or connections. This line suggests a mutual disengagement or perhaps a shared decision not to dwell on what could have been. The use of the past tense underscores a sense of finality and distance from the moment being described.

In the evening, the speaker finds themselves in a “chilly bed,” experiencing a fatigue that is not merely physical but also emotional and existential. The phrase “fatigued with seas I had not swum” captures a sense of exhaustion from unrealized ambitions or unfulfilled desires. Similarly, “stone-battered on the shores of missed Calais” evokes a feeling of being worn down by what was not achieved or experienced. These images of untraveled seas and missed destinations highlight the theme of missed opportunities and the lingering impact of what was left undone.

The speaker’s lack of dreams about “the air I had not flown” and not waking up “still trying to run late, panting, through the city” further emphasizes the disconnect from the active, bustling world outside. Instead of being engaged in these activities, the speaker remains passive and detached, reinforcing the sense of missed engagement with life.

The reflection on the birds that “would have flown, had we been there to see” adds another layer of melancholy. The hypothetical nature of this statement highlights the theme of absence—what might have been observed or experienced if circumstances had been different. The sky “that afternoon” remains unobserved, underscoring the poem’s preoccupation with missed moments and unfulfilled potential.

The speaker’s admission, “I cannot think with whom I spent the day / nor what I thought,” suggests a disconnection from their own experiences and memories. This line captures a sense of existential solitude, as the speaker grapples with the ambiguity of their past and the passage of time. The final statement, “I slept and woke alone,” brings the poem full circle, emphasizing the solitude and introspection that pervades the speaker’s existence.

“Under the Arc de Triomphe: October 17” is a poignant meditation on the themes of memory, absence, and the passage of time. Hacker’s use of vivid imagery and introspective reflections creates a rich tapestry of emotion and thought, inviting readers to contemplate their own experiences of missed connections and unfulfilled desires. The poem’s melancholic tone and reflective nature offer a profound commentary on the human condition and the complexities of navigating through life’s fleeting moments.

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