Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lycanthropy Revisited" by Donald Hall is a vivid and unsettling exploration of transformation and desire, framed through the lens of the werewolf myth. The poem delves into the psychological and physical changes that occur as the protagonist succumbs to his lycanthropic nature, weaving together themes of predation, sensuality, and duality.

The poem opens with an eerie scene set in the realm of dreams: "When it is truly the moon that he sees in the dead of sleep, then the tall night-mair shakes wolf-bane on him, and his breath hurries." This line sets the stage for the supernatural transformation, with the moon serving as the catalyst for the protagonist's metamorphosis. The "tall night-mair" personifies the nightmare that brings about this change, sprinkling wolf-bane, a plant traditionally associated with werewolves and transformation, hinting at the impending shift from human to beast.

As the transformation begins, the protagonist is initially unaware of what is happening to him: "He twists in his dream at first, not knowing what is becoming of him. Then he is content to lie beneath the slow changing that starts from every pore." This gradual acceptance of the transformation signifies a surrender to his primal nature. The detailed description of his physical changes—curved nails, pointed teeth—paints a vivid picture of his shift into a werewolf, highlighting the visceral and corporeal aspects of this metamorphosis.

Hall’s use of language evokes a sense of both horror and fascination. The phrase "Virgins, despair" captures the predatory nature of the werewolf, preying on innocence and purity. The protagonist's delight in "finding her whitely asleep, sweet to morsel the jaws, unrecking of his rip" emphasizes his malevolent intentions and the pleasure he derives from his predatory acts. The sensuality in his "thorough-going depravity of frightfully evil wishes" contrasts sharply with the horror of his actions, creating a complex portrait of a creature who is both charming and terrifying.

The poem then shifts to the aftermath of his nocturnal escapades. As dawn approaches, the werewolf sheds his monstrous form: "Now, versatile, the hair falls out, the long eye teeth loosen, and he straightens to enter the hotel for breakfast." This return to human form is marked by a mundane act—going to a hotel for breakfast—underscoring the duality of his existence. The predator becomes a seemingly ordinary man, capable of blending into society unnoticed.

However, even in his human guise, the protagonist's predatory instincts linger. He admires a girl from Washington, "quietly admires the meat of her rump," while thinking of his next transformation. The juxtaposition of his civilized behavior with his underlying predatory desires highlights the thin veneer of humanity that covers his true nature.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the cyclical nature of his transformations: "Desires, to be fulfilled are made theatrical. / So he eats toast, and quietly admires the meat of her rump, and thinks of the call of the night-mair another month, looming, to assume his werewolf suit, assume all / relish of evil, wolf in wolf's clothing." This ending reinforces the idea that his lycanthropy is not just a physical transformation but a deeply ingrained part of his identity. The mention of "theatrical" desires suggests that his actions are not just driven by primal instincts but also by a conscious embrace of his dark side.

"Lycanthropy Revisited" masterfully blends horror with psychological complexity, using the werewolf myth to explore themes of transformation, desire, and the duality of human nature. Hall's rich imagery and evocative language create a haunting portrayal of a man caught between his human facade and his monstrous impulses, ultimately questioning the boundaries between good and evil, civility and savagery. The poem’s exploration of these themes leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to reflect on the darker aspects of their own nature.

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