Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Stanley Kunitz's "Last Question" is a reflective and poignant poem that juxtaposes memories of joy and pleasure with the inevitable confrontation of grief and existential questions. Through rich imagery and an introspective tone, Kunitz navigates the complexities of past happiness and present uncertainty.

The poem opens with a nostalgic exclamation: "Oh the good times! the laughter on the hill! / The parties down at Larry's in the spring!" These lines immediately evoke a sense of warmth and camaraderie, painting a vivid picture of joyful gatherings and carefree moments. The mention of "laughter on the hill" and "parties down at Larry's" suggests a time of communal pleasure and celebration, a stark contrast to the underlying themes of loss and introspection that follow.

"Your sovereign pleasure, careless itself to save, / Goes naked at the heart." This imagery suggests a kind of pure, unguarded joy that is vulnerable and open. The phrase "sovereign pleasure" implies an almost regal, authoritative delight that stands on its own, unconcerned with preservation or protection. The idea of this pleasure going "naked at the heart" underscores its authenticity and transparency, devoid of pretense.

The poem then shifts to a more somber tone: "Touching, you bring / Rumors of heaven and its generous spoils / Here, even, where our hooded shadows rise / To play the stab-scene, the end of love, / While grief intones, ever the third that stays." The act of touching brings with it whispers of transcendence and divine rewards, hinting at an ephemeral connection to something greater. However, this moment of transcendence is fleeting, as "hooded shadows" rise to enact scenes of betrayal and loss. The "stab-scene" symbolizes the end of love, marked by pain and sorrow. Grief, personified as the third figure that always remains, emphasizes the persistent presence of mourning and the inevitability of heartache.

The speaker then contemplates the aftermath of these joyous times: "Now that your pity shines in other hall, / Now that your grain again comes to the mill, / Shall I be happy soon, shall I rejoice, / Or wrestle with that stranger whom you praise?" These lines suggest a departure or change in the source of the speaker's past joy. The "pity" that shines elsewhere indicates a shift in focus or affection, while the "grain" returning to the mill symbolizes a renewal or continuation of life and its cycles. The speaker's questions reflect a deep uncertainty about the future—whether happiness and rejoicing are still possible, or if they must instead confront and grapple with an unfamiliar, praised figure, perhaps representing change or a new challenge.

"Last Question" intricately weaves together themes of joy, grief, and existential questioning. Kunitz's use of evocative imagery and emotional depth invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of happiness, the enduring presence of grief, and the search for meaning amidst life's inevitable changes. Through this introspective lens, the poem captures the delicate balance between holding onto cherished memories and facing the uncertainties of the future.

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