Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem "Journey" is a moving exploration of emotional liberation and self-discovery. It paints a vivid picture of an unnamed protagonist's journey, both literal and metaphorical, from repression to authenticity. Field’s deft use of imagery and narrative transforms an ordinary day into a profound moment of realization.

The poem begins with a subtle shift in the protagonist's perception: "When he got up that morning everything was different." The use of "different" sets the tone for the transformative experience to follow. Although he enjoys the “bright spring day,” the protagonist is not fully conscious of this change yet, embodying the idea that transformation often begins subtly. As he walks down the street to the train station, he passes magnolia trees with “dying flowers like old socks,” an image that suggests decay and neglect. Despite this, he breathes “simply,” a sensation he hasn’t experienced in a long time.

Tears fill his eyes, but he holds them back because “men didn’t walk around crying in that town.” This reveals the societal expectations suppressing his emotions and creating a tension between what he feels and how he is expected to behave. On the platform at the station, he is overwhelmed by a “fear...of something terrible about to happen,” which he attempts to control by reciting the alphabet. The fear and the futile attempt to maintain composure underscore the fragility of his emotional state.

When the train finally arrives, "screeching in," the protagonist boards and tries to hide his emotions behind a newspaper. The normality of the journey — “People coming and going, telephone poles passing” — contrasts sharply with his internal turmoil. Unable to hold back his sobs, he focuses his eyes on “the rational weavings of the seat fabric” as a way to ground himself. The choice of the word “rational” suggests a desperate attempt to impose logic on his overwhelming emotions.

The protagonist’s breakdown marks a pivotal moment in the poem. He imagines violence but does not act on it, instead choosing to cry “for a long time.” This emotional release is both cathartic and transformative. The metaphor of a “place in him that had been closed like a fist was open” vividly conveys the unblocking of repressed emotions. The imagery of an opening fist suggests not only relief but also a newfound vulnerability.

When the train ride ends, the protagonist stands up and “got off that train,” symbolizing his departure from a life of emotional repression. This marks the beginning of a new journey. He walks through the streets, “himself at last, a man among men,” radiating a new authenticity and freedom that captures everyone’s attention. The “radiance” that makes people look up and wonder indicates a profound internal change that manifests outwardly.

Structurally, the poem follows a linear narrative, tracing the protagonist’s journey from suppression to liberation. Field’s use of free verse allows the emotions to flow naturally, mirroring the protagonist’s gradual release of pent-up feelings. The lack of rigid structure also reflects the unpredictability of emotional journeys and the personal nature of transformation.

In summary, "Journey" is a powerful poem about emotional liberation and self-discovery. Edward Field masterfully blends vivid imagery with a compelling narrative to depict a protagonist’s journey from repression to authenticity. The poem reminds readers of the transformative power of embracing one’s emotions and the joy that can come from finally being oneself.

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