Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles Reznikoff’s poem "During the Second World War" presents a poignant narrative that captures the quiet despair and eventual relief experienced by an old man during one of history’s most devastating conflicts. The poem's simple, direct language belies the depth of emotion and the understated complexity of the human experience it conveys. Through a brief encounter between the narrator and an old Italian shopkeeper, Reznikoff explores themes of fear, loss, hope, and the small acts of kindness that signify deep human connection.

The poem begins with the narrator describing a chance visit to a small fruit store late at night during World War II. The setting is somber, with all the stores closed except for this one, creating an atmosphere of isolation and quietness. Inside, the old shopkeeper’s sadness is immediately apparent, prompting the narrator to inquire about the cause. The shopkeeper’s response, delivered in a monotone and without eye contact, reveals the source of his sorrow: "My son left for the front today and I'll never see him again." The certainty in the old man’s voice is striking; it reflects a deep resignation to the potential loss of his son, a common fear during wartime when countless young men were sent to the frontlines, many never to return.

The narrator attempts to offer reassurance, insisting, "Of course, you will!" but the shopkeeper remains unconvinced, repeating his belief that he will never see his son again. This exchange captures the pervasive anxiety of the era, where the prospect of losing loved ones was a constant reality. The old man’s grief is palpable, yet he expresses it with a subdued acceptance, a reflection perhaps of the stoicism required to endure such uncertain times.

The poem then shifts to a post-war scene, where the narrator finds himself once again on the same street, late at night, and encounters the same old man in the fruit store. This time, the old man’s demeanor has changed; his face is described as "grim but not particularly sad," suggesting that time has passed and with it, perhaps, the intensity of his earlier sorrow. The narrator inquires about the shopkeeper’s son, and the old man’s response is almost anticlimactic: "Yes, he answered. He was not wounded? No. He is all right." The brevity and simplicity of his answers reflect a subdued relief, as if the old man can scarcely believe that his worst fears did not come to pass.

The shopkeeper's actions—removing a rotting apple and replacing it with a good one, then later swapping a small apple for a larger one—carry symbolic weight. These gestures of care and attention to detail, seemingly mundane, are imbued with significance. They suggest the old man’s desire to offer something of value in return for the narrator’s concern, a small act of generosity that speaks to the human need for connection and reciprocity. It also underscores the shopkeeper’s quiet gratitude, not just for the safe return of his son, but perhaps also for the simple kindness shown to him by the narrator during his time of distress.

The poem concludes with the old man reflecting on his son’s return at Christmas, a time traditionally associated with family reunions and the celebration of life. His gentle acknowledgment—"Yes, it was wonderful"—captures the understated joy of a man who has endured great emotional strain and is now finally able to feel some measure of peace. The repetition of the word "wonderful" by both the narrator and the shopkeeper reinforces the significance of this moment, turning what could have been a tragic tale into one of quiet, restrained happiness.

Reznikoff’s use of minimalistic language and everyday imagery in "During the Second World War" allows the emotional weight of the poem to emerge naturally, without the need for overt sentimentality. The interaction between the narrator and the shopkeeper is rendered in such a way that it feels both intimate and universal, a reflection of the shared human experiences of fear, hope, and kindness during times of great uncertainty.

In summary, "During the Second World War" is a powerful exploration of the human condition under the shadow of war. Through the lens of a simple encounter in a fruit store, Reznikoff illuminates the profound emotions that lie beneath the surface of everyday life, revealing how even in the darkest times, small acts of care and connection can bring light and hope. The poem’s quiet elegance and emotional depth make it a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

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