Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "How We Did It" captures a moment of intense collective anticipation and decision-making among a group of dissenters preparing to present their demands to the Senate. The poem's narrative structure and free verse form highlight the emotional and intellectual turmoil experienced by the individuals involved. Through vivid imagery and dialogue, Rukeyser immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the night before a pivotal protest against the war.

The poem begins with a depiction of the group's assembly: "We all traveled into that big room, / some from very far away." This opening line sets the stage for a diverse gathering, unified by a common purpose. The phrase "big room" suggests a physical space large enough to accommodate many, but it also metaphorically represents the significant endeavor they are undertaking. The journey, both literal and metaphorical, underscores the sacrifices and commitments made by the participants.

As the group members reconnect, the mood is mixed with familiarity and tension: "we smiled at some we knew / we did not as we talked agree." This juxtaposition of smiles and disagreements illustrates the complexity of their relationships and the differing opinions within the group. The lines "our hearts went fast thinking of morning / when we would walk along the path" convey a sense of nervous anticipation and the weight of the forthcoming action.

Rukeyser's use of dialogue enriches the poem by bringing the characters to life and revealing their varying perspectives. The exchanges about their strategy reflect their anxiety and determination. Phrases like "We will be warned," "They will warn us and take us," and "We can speak and walk away" show the group's awareness of the potential consequences. The discussion shifts to symbolic acts of protest: "We can lie down as if in mourning" and "We can lie down as a way of speech, / speaking of all the dead in Asia." These lines emphasize the gravity of their message and the creative ways they consider to communicate their dissent.

The poem reaches a pivotal moment with Eqbal's contribution: "We are not at this moment / a revolutionary group, we are / a group of dissenters." Eqbal's words serve as a grounding force, acknowledging the group's current limitations while still encouraging individual acts of resistance. His suggestion, "Let each do what he feels at that moment / tomorrow," advocates for personal autonomy within the collective action. The description "Eqbal’s dark face" subtly introduces a visual and perhaps cultural element, enhancing the poem's richness and diversity.

The doctor's mention of "friendships made in jail" adds another layer of realism and camaraderie, suggesting that some members have previous experience with activism and its repercussions. The poem closes with a poignant image of the group members looking into each other's eyes before dispersing for the night: "We looked into each other’s eyes / and went all to our rooms, to sleep, / waiting for morning." This final scene encapsulates the blend of solidarity and solitude, hope and fear, as they prepare for the next day's events.

Rukeyser's free verse form mirrors the organic, unstructured nature of the group's discussion and decision-making process. The lack of a fixed rhyme scheme or meter allows the poem to flow naturally, capturing the conversational tone and the immediacy of their plans. The enjambment throughout the poem enhances the sense of continuity and urgency, propelling the reader forward as the group deliberates.

In "How We Did It," Muriel Rukeyser skillfully portrays the emotional and intellectual dynamics of a group of dissenters on the brink of action. Through a blend of narrative, dialogue, and imagery, she invites the reader to witness the complexities of their preparation, highlighting the courage and vulnerability inherent in acts of protest. The poem serves as a powerful testament to the collective and individual resolve in the face of social and political challenges.

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