Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Karen Fleur Adcock’s “Framed” explores themes of memory, identity, and marital dynamics through the contemplation of two ancestors, Sam Adcock and Eva Eggington, whose lives are encapsulated in photographs. The poem juxtaposes the visible and invisible aspects of their relationship, examining how objects and images shape the way we remember and interpret the lives of those who came before us.

The poem begins with a direct question: “What shall we do with Grandpa, in his silver frame?” The question sets the tone for a reflective and slightly humorous exploration of family legacy. The silver frame elevates Grandpa, Sam Adcock, to a position of prominence, suggesting his pride in his appearance and his deliberate effort to present himself as someone to be admired. His “solemn curlicues” of a moustache symbolize not only a personal aesthetic but also a kind of performative masculinity tied to his identity as a barber and his involvement in public institutions like “the Lodge, the Church, the Mechanics’ Institute, [and] the Temperance Movement.” His moustache, a recurring motif in the poem, represents the care and effort he put into crafting his public persona.

In contrast, Grandma, Eva Eggington, remains “shyly veiled in her tissue paper and photographer’s cardboard.” The metaphorical and literal veiling of her image suggests a quieter presence, one overshadowed by her husband’s extroverted personality and public-facing role. Yet, the poem hints at an ironic reversal: while Sam’s moustache serves as his defining feature, it is Eva’s beauty that initially captivated him. The revelation that he “fell in love with her portrait” in a photographer’s window emphasizes the power of visual representation in shaping relationships and memories.

Adcock delves into the complexities of their relationship, using photographs to trace their shared history. The poem notes the “seven years of engagement, fifty more together,” compressing a long and presumably eventful marriage into a few lines. Through these decades, the evolution of Sam’s moustache becomes a visual metaphor for their marriage’s changes and challenges. The moustache, described as “elaborate” in its prime and later “droop[ing] and sag[ging]” in the harsh conditions of New Zealand, mirrors Sam’s own journey from optimism to a more tempered reality. His dissatisfaction with life on a dairy farm—“how those cattle depressed him”—hints at unfulfilled expectations, a subtle reminder of how dreams often clash with reality.

Eva’s transformation over time is equally poignant. Despite her striking features—her “eyes and the bone structure and that tilt of the head”—she chose to “be plain,” adopting practical hairstyles and understated accessories like “wire-framed glasses.” This decision contrasts with Sam’s efforts to appear distinguished, highlighting a possible tension in how they each approached aging and self-presentation. Adcock’s observation that Sam “never [went grey]” and may have used “some preparation” adds a touch of humor while emphasizing the performative nature of his appearance.

The poem’s structure mirrors the act of examining a photograph, moving back and forth between close details and broader reflections. Adcock shifts from specific descriptions of the framed portrait to broader considerations of the couple’s lives and choices. This layered narrative style invites the reader to engage in their own act of interpretation, piecing together fragments of history from the evidence provided.

The tone throughout is a blend of affectionate nostalgia and critical inquiry. Adcock treats her subjects with a gentle humor, acknowledging their quirks and contradictions while avoiding judgment. For instance, Sam’s apparent vanity is balanced by his commitment to public service and his enduring love for Eva, while Eva’s decision to embrace plainness is framed as a quiet assertion of her individuality.

The poem concludes with a snapshot of the couple in their later years, captured in a “5os Polyfoto.” Sam, still defined by his moustache, wears a “jubilant grin,” suggesting a man content with his life or, perhaps, still clinging to his carefully crafted persona. Eva, in contrast, retains her “shy smile,” embodying a quiet resilience. This final image encapsulates the complexity of their partnership: two individuals with distinct identities, bound by love and shared history.

“Framed” is a meditation on how we remember and represent the past. Through its focus on photographs, the poem explores the interplay between appearance and reality, the public and the private, and the personal and the historical. Adcock’s attention to detail—whether it’s the texture of a moustache or the tilt of a head—renders her ancestors vivid and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own family histories and the ways in which we construct narratives about those who came before us. Ultimately, the poem affirms the enduring power of memory and the intimate connections that link us to the past.

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