Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Wis?awa Szymborska's "Hatred" is a poignant and unsettling examination of the corrosive power of hate. This poem dissects the dynamics of one of humanity's most ruinous emotions, turning it almost into a persona that thrives on discord and division. Unlike many other explorations of hatred that treat it as a fleeting emotion or irrational outburst, Szymborska presents hatred as calculated, self-perpetuating, and deeply entrenched in the fabric of human society.

The poem begins by pointing out how "efficient" hatred is, a jarring description that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. Szymborska suggests that hatred is not a momentary lapse of judgment or a fleeting passion but an enduring and powerful force, capable of vaulting "the tallest obstacles." The notion that it "keeps itself in shape" insinuates that it is almost self-sustaining, requiring little fuel to continue its destructive path.

In a disturbing twist, Szymborska notes that hatred is unlike "other feelings." It is "both older and younger," an enigmatic phrase that evokes the timeless nature of hate, persisting across generations while constantly being rejuvenated. The poet also emphasizes its self-sustaining nature by stating that it "gives birth itself to the reasons / that give it life." This cyclical process suggests that hate doesn't need a rationale; it creates its own, rendering attempts to eradicate it even more difficult.

The poet goes on to explore the many catalysts that give rise to hate: religion, nationalism, even the concept of justice. The implication is that even noble concepts can be twisted to serve the ends of hatred, providing it with the momentum it needs to continue its devastating course. As if adding insult to injury, Szymborska describes the "erotic ecstasy" on hatred's face, a perverse enjoyment that further underlines its terrible power.

Szymborska then contrasts hatred with other, nobler feelings, dismissing them as "listless weaklings." She challenges the reader to think of instances where love, compassion, or doubt have had the transformative societal impact that hate often has. This sets up a provocative comparison: if these better aspects of human nature are so weak, what does that say about us? Are we more naturally inclined to destroy rather than build, to hate rather than love?

Toward the end, the poem dives into the aesthetic of hatred, pointing out how it can create a twisted form of beauty, from the "splendid fire-glow in midnight skies" to the "inspiring pathos of ruins." The allure of such destructive spectacle adds another layer to hate's power, enticing even as it annihilates.

"Hatred" closes on an ominous note. Far from being a blind force, it has "a sniper's keen sight" and looks "unflinchingly at the future." This vision of hatred as a methodical, calculating entity is perhaps the most unsettling aspect of the poem, as it implies that hate will continue to shape our future, unless actively combated.

Through a masterful blend of vivid imagery and incisive language, Szymborska's "Hatred" serves as a dark mirror held up to human nature and society. It forces us to confront the ugly truth that hatred is not an aberration but a fundamental part of our collective psyche, a force that has shaped history and will continue to do so, unless we find the courage and the means to dismantle it."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...