Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Discordants: 3" by Conrad Aiken is a complex and emotionally charged poem that delves into themes of temptation, inner conflict, and the struggle between physical desire and spiritual or emotional fidelity. The poem is rich in imagery and metaphor, creating a vivid portrayal of the speaker's internal battle.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a seductive figure, described with a "Vermilioned mouth, tired with many kisses, / Eyes, that have lighted for so many eyes." This figure is portrayed as alluring yet weary from numerous romantic encounters. The speaker questions whether this figure is tired of "countless lovers" and expresses reluctance to be yet another conquest.

In the second stanza, the speaker resists the temptation posed by this figure, asking them not to draw his glance or set his heart racing. The figure's physical allure is acknowledged, yet the speaker is determined to resist, showing a conflict between physical desire and a deeper, more meaningful connection he yearns for.

The poem then reveals the speaker's internal struggle as he admits being drawn to this seductive figure "like wind," indicating a powerful, almost instinctual attraction. Yet, he wishes to remain focused on "one face like fire, and holier than fire," suggesting a longing for a more profound, perhaps spiritual or emotionally significant connection.

As the speaker walks beneath the trees in darkness, he muses about someone from his past, indicating a deep emotional bond that still affects him. The seductive figure, with "cat-like step," represents a present and physical temptation that contrasts with the distant and possibly idealized memory of a past love.

The intensity of the temptation is vividly described in the stanza where the speaker imagines succumbing to physical passion. This imagined surrender is depicted with raw and visceral imagery, suggesting a complete loss of control and a merging of the bestial with the divine.

Despite this imagined surrender, the speaker questions whether he would be able to return to his former state of emotional fidelity and love for the person from his past. The seductive figure's transient presence and the lingering perfume serve as metaphors for the fleeting nature of physical temptation and the lasting impact it can have on one's psyche and emotions.

In summary, "Discordants: 3" is a powerful exploration of the tension between physical desire and emotional loyalty, the allure of the present versus the hold of the past, and the human capacity for both base and exalted feelings. Aiken masterfully uses rich and evocative imagery to convey the speaker's turmoil, creating a deeply resonant and thought-provoking poem.

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