Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Drama" by Howard Nemerov is an intriguing poem that portrays a dramatic dialogue between personified sea creatures. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and theatrical language, capturing a sense of tension and conflict reminiscent of classical drama. Through this portrayal, Nemerov explores themes of desire, rejection, and the natural order.

The poem opens with an exclamation, "Ah, green Elysia," invoking a mythical, idyllic place that is "scuttled at last into the western sea." This sets the stage for a fantastical underwater drama. The speaker addresses the "White Goddess," a "fragile sea-nymph, slender bodied," whose presence evokes deep emotions. The phrase "Thy lobes and processes have tranced me, / My lust begins to rule" suggests an overpowering attraction, a common motif in classical and romantic literature.

The response comes swiftly, rejecting this advance with "False Wentletrap! / Avaunt." The term "Wentletrap" refers to a type of marine snail, and the exclamation "Avaunt" is an archaic term meaning "go away." The speaker's maiden mantle, a symbol of purity, refuses to blush for the suitor, despite his imposing presence, described as "towering" and "turreted." This rejection parallels the disdain "as doth the warty Venus of the shore / The prickly cockle's Tarquin-like approach," drawing on mythological and historical references to emphasize the unworthy advance.

The poem continues with the speaker addressing other sea creatures, such as the "Sea-lemon, with thy tricksy tentacles / And feather-gills, thou granulated thing," expressing disdain and rejection. The language here is rich with detailed descriptions, highlighting the unique and sometimes grotesque features of these creatures.

The drama intensifies with a plea: "Alas! I pale, / And all my whorls 'gin waver. Wrinkle me, / Or else I perish." This evokes a sense of vulnerability and impending doom, a classic element of dramatic conflict. The response, "Horny, let thy drawn / Operculum defend thee now," suggests a defensive retreat, with "operculum" referring to the hard protective lid of some sea snails.

The poem reaches its climax with the declaration, "Elysia, / Upon thy cruel tentacles I die." This moment of surrender and defeat marks the end of the conflict, leading to the final line, "And now I am alone," which leaves a lingering sense of solitude and melancholy.

Nemerov's use of language and structure in "Drama" is notable for its theatrical quality and vivid imagery. The dialogue format enhances the sense of conflict and resolution, while the detailed descriptions of sea creatures lend a fantastical, almost surreal quality to the poem. The archaic and mythological references add depth, connecting the natural world to broader themes of desire, rejection, and the inevitability of solitude.

Overall, "Drama" by Howard Nemerov is a rich and layered poem that captures the intensity of emotional conflict through the lens of an underwater drama. The interplay of vivid imagery, theatrical language, and mythological references creates a compelling narrative that invites readers to explore the deeper themes of desire, rejection, and the solitary nature of existence. Nemerov's skillful use of personification and dialogue brings this underwater world to life, making "Drama" a memorable and thought-provoking piece.

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