Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Elinor Wylie’s poem "The Pebble" delves into complex themes of conflict, perception, and the nature of enmity. Through the lens of a biblical allusion to David and Goliath, Wylie explores the intricate dynamics between personal identity, admiration, and the inability to sustain hatred. The poem’s narrative unfolds as a meditation on the challenges of confronting an adversary and the transformation of perception over time.

The poem begins with a reference to the biblical story of David and Goliath, a tale of bravery and triumph over a formidable foe. Wylie, however, subverts the traditional narrative by expressing reluctance to cast a stone. The speaker wishes to be like David, the "lovely shepherd, brave and vain," yet acknowledges a "maggot in the brain" that distorts reality. This maggot, representing obsession or fixation, grows into a giant within the mind, suggesting that perception can alter the scale and nature of conflicts.

The speaker's legendary fate is marked by "rage, but never hate," indicating a distinction between momentary anger and enduring animosity. This distinction underscores the poem’s exploration of the power of perception and the ability to see virtue even in an enemy. The speaker’s vision of Goliath becomes tinged with admiration, as "the features of the Philistine" shine "like the lights of evening," revealing a beauty that causes the speaker’s spirit to falter.

Wylie introduces a tension between the idealized shepherd-king, who can "detest the gross and dull" with righteous indignation, and the speaker’s inability to embody such purity of purpose. The shepherd-king’s scorn sanctifies his actions, lending a divine justification to his conflict. In contrast, the speaker admits to being "false and fickle" in hatred, lacking the consistency to sustain enmity. This self-awareness highlights the internal struggle between the desire to oppose and the inclination to empathize.

The speaker’s admission of cruelty towards those who "hate me with devotion" reveals a paradoxical response to hostility. Unable to reciprocate the passion of hatred, the speaker’s heart offers "a poor return," finding kinship instead of animosity. This "sad perversity" of mind leads the speaker to see commonality with the enemy, blurring the lines between friend and foe.

Wylie’s exploration of perception culminates in the speaker’s realization that adversaries are transformed into figures of admiration. The "Philistine and shepherd-king" become heroes and saints, their initial appearances as giants and heathen princes giving way to complex, multifaceted identities. This transformation signifies the collapse of the speaker’s resolve to oppose, as they are "bound and given over / To be no better than a lover." The metaphor of breaking the sling and stealing the pebble symbolizes the futility of conflict when admiration supersedes animosity.

In the poem’s conclusion, the speaker resigns from the role of antagonist, acknowledging the inability to cast stones. The repeated refrain, "If any have a stone to throw / It is not I, ever or now," underscores the speaker’s acceptance of their nature, embracing empathy over enmity.

"The Pebble" is a poignant reflection on the nature of conflict and the complexities of perception. Through her masterful use of biblical allusion and symbolic imagery, Elinor Wylie invites readers to consider the transformative power of empathy and the challenges of sustaining animosity. The poem’s meditation on identity and admiration underscores the nuanced interplay between love and hate, inviting readers to reflect on their own perceptions of adversaries and the potential for reconciliation within the human experience.

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