Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "Obedience (The Nuns)" offers a contemplative exploration of routine, hidden depth, and the complexities of obedience and individuality within a structured, communal environment. Through subtle imagery and careful observations, the poem delves into themes of conformity, the unspoken dynamics of a group, and the lingering impact of nonconformity.

The poem begins with a depiction of the nuns engaging in seemingly ordinary activities: "Mostly they say normal things, / eating partridge and beans, drinking more water than / wine." This opening sets a tone of routine and simplicity, emphasizing the mundane aspects of their communal life. The focus on their everyday actions creates a sense of normalcy and order.

As the nuns "save up our glances until they file out," the poem hints at an underlying tension or curiosity that is held in check until the nuns leave the scene. The arrival of the waiters, who clear the table and set a clean cloth, introduces a moment of transition and a brief interlude in the daily routine.

The act of taking a picture "illuminated by a wall lamp" captures a fleeting moment of significance. The light from the wall lamp symbolizes a brief illumination of their lives, shedding light on the ordinary yet meaningful interactions. The poem questions the nature of those who sit among the group: "Doesn't someone always sit / among us / like this, grown stronger from an important death or an / intolerance—in street clothes / or habit—yet overlooked, even discredited (a saint, but a / headstrong saint)?" This reflection points to the presence of individuals who, despite their contributions and strength, are often marginalized or dismissed. The reference to a "headstrong saint" suggests a person who, despite their sanctity, challenges the norms and expectations of the group.

The poem further explores the dynamics of the group: "All ate, but one ate more austerely. All spoke, but it was / her words which unsettled / her friends, the judgments of whom are obedient but can / be swayed." Here, Frost highlights the tension between conformity and individuality. The nun who eats "more austerely" and speaks unsettling words represents the challenge of maintaining personal integrity within a conformist environment. The obedient judgments of her friends, though generally compliant, are susceptible to being influenced, indicating a fragile balance between obedience and independent thought.

The concluding lines of the poem evoke a sense of unresolved tension and lingering impact: "And so we have inflicted endless pain. Only bread crumbs / and empty bottles / are left, as if they scattered the moment. We resolve so / little." The "endless pain" suggests the emotional and psychological toll of these interactions, where the pressure to conform and the consequences of nonconformity leave a lasting mark. The imagery of bread crumbs and empty bottles symbolizes the remnants of their shared experiences, scattered and unresolved.

"Obedience (The Nuns)" by Carol Frost is a contemplative reflection on the complexities of communal life, conformity, and individuality. Through its nuanced observations and subtle imagery, the poem invites readers to consider the delicate balance between obedience and personal integrity, and the often unspoken tensions that exist within structured environments. Frost's portrayal of the nuns' interactions and the lingering impact of their choices offers a profound meditation on the nature of conformity and the hidden depths of communal life.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Pure/GTWHVgjS-e4C?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=OBEDIENCE#f=false

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