Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Karen Fleur Adcock’s "Folie à Deux" explores the dynamics of a relationship steeped in shared eccentricities and rituals, weaving a delicate interplay between intimacy, avoidance, and transformation. Through the metaphor of consuming "alien tastes" and engaging in symbolic acts, the poem portrays a couple navigating their unique connection, oscillating between moments of estrangement and communion. The title, French for "madness shared by two," encapsulates the theme of mutual complicity in both their unconventional behaviors and their eventual reconciliation.

The poem begins with a reference to "pica," a condition marked by cravings for non-nutritive substances. This "ranging after alien tastes" is literalized through the couple?s consumption of "acorns" and "moonlit roses," which are described in sensory detail—"perfumed lettuce, rather unpleasant." These strange, almost surreal culinary choices set the tone for a relationship defined by its peculiarities. The act of "rins[ing] them from our teeth with wine" suggests both indulgence and an effort to cleanse or move past their odd appetites, hinting at a deeper undercurrent of dissatisfaction or unease. The shared nature of this act—“It seems a shared perversion, not just a kink of mine”—underscores their complicity, yet the strangeness of their habits signals avoidance, a diversion from confronting something more significant.

The poem’s shift to the present—"Tonight you are here early"—marks a departure from their past behaviors. The atmosphere is "quiet, unhurried," a stark contrast to their earlier "manic with words" dynamic. This change in tone reflects a maturation or reevaluation of their relationship. The sensory detail of "whisky...a smoky tang, like dark chocolate" adds depth to the moment, signaling a grounding in reality and tangible pleasures, in contrast to the whimsical and symbolic acts of the past.

The mention of "ceremony" and "something to celebrate" introduces a religious or ritualistic undertone. The sudden intrusion of "church bells" and the speaker?s fear of "blasphemy" injects a moment of tension, highlighting the weight of what they are about to undertake. This hesitation and naming of blasphemy is striking, as it suggests a recognition of the gravity or sanctity of their shared connection—a turning point from frivolous rituals to something more profound and meaningful.

In the ensuing moments, the couple chooses to defer their "ritual," opting instead for a more grounded form of connection: "sit face to face across a table, talk about places we have known and friends who are still alive and poems (not our own)." This act of honest conversation, stripped of pretense, contrasts sharply with their previous "fey" exchanges, where their "fountains of images" and "manic with words" may have served to obscure genuine vulnerability. By focusing on shared memories, mutual connections, and external subjects, they establish a foundation of trust and authenticity, moving beyond the performative aspects of their relationship.

The pivotal moment—"We rise, and touch at last"—signals a breakthrough in their dynamic. The act of touch, delayed and weighted with significance, becomes the culmination of their journey from estrangement to unity. The use of the word "sacrament" imbues this act with a sense of sacredness, marking it as a transformative and purifying experience. The couple, now "fasting, and in our right minds," approaches their intimacy with clarity and intention, free from the distractions and avoidances that previously defined their interactions. This final moment of connection is devoid of artifice, representing a genuine and mutual surrender.

"Folie à Deux" masterfully captures the complexities of a relationship defined by both shared eccentricities and profound emotional depth. The progression from the surreal and symbolic to the grounded and sincere mirrors the couple’s journey toward a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. Adcock’s use of rich sensory imagery and shifting tones underscores the tension between avoidance and connection, culminating in a moment of genuine communion. The poem ultimately celebrates the power of intimacy, not as a theatrical or ritualistic act, but as a sacred and transformative experience.

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