Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Marriage" is a poem written by Anne Stevenson in 1976. Stevenson is a British-American poet known for her introspective and meditative poetry.

Context: 

“A Marriage" was written during the 1970s, a time of social and cultural change in both Britain and America. The poem reflects the changing attitudes towards marriage and family, as well as the ongoing struggle for personal and creative freedom.

Content:

 "A Marriage" is a poem that explores the complexities and challenges of marriage and intimacy. The poem examines the ways in which two individuals can come together and create a life together, while also acknowledging the difficulties and struggles that arise along the way. The poem is both introspective and meditative, and reflects on the changing nature of love and commitment.

Form: 

"A Marriage" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall story and atmosphere of the poem.

Poetic Elements:

 "A Marriage" makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. The poem uses the idea of marriage as a symbol of intimacy and connection, and explores the way that love can both unite and divide individuals. The use of vivid and evocative language creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and emphasizes the emotional complexities of human relationships.

Summary: 

"A Marriage" is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the complexities and challenges of marriage and intimacy. The poem's use of vivid and evocative language creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and emphasizes the emotional complexities of human relationships. While the poem may not be considered a masterpiece of literature, it is an important example of Stevenson's introspective and meditative poetry, and a reflection of the cultural and social changes of her time.

Poem Excerpt:

"Each day a life.

Each morning we must hold out the chalice

Of ourselves to receive, to carry,

To give back. It isn't the weight of the thing,

But the carrying of it that matters.

And sometimes we must cease to be, before we can begin to be anew."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...