Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Adolescence," Sharon Olds vividly recounts a formative period marked by the rawness of young adulthood, the exploration of sexuality, and the awkward navigation of self-discovery. The poem is set against the backdrop of a seedy hotel in San Francisco, capturing the gritty reality and emotional intensity of these experiences.

The opening lines set the scene in a dilapidated bathroom, a stark departure from the innocence typically associated with adolescence. The speaker's boyfriend takes her to this "seedy hotel," which becomes a significant setting for her sexual awakening. The description of the bathroom—lacking basic amenities like "curtains, no towels, no mirror," and characterized by a "sink green with grime" and a "toilet yellow and rust-colored"—paints a picture of neglect and decay. This setting serves as a metaphor for the rough, unglamorous reality of her experiences, contrasting sharply with any idealized notions of young love or romantic escapades.

The speaker reflects on the clandestine nature of her activities, noting that "sex was still a crime, then." This statement highlights the societal taboos and restrictions surrounding premarital sex at the time, adding a layer of guilt and secrecy to her actions. The speaker's mention of signing out of her college dorm "to a false destination" and checking into the "flophouse under a false name" underscores the lengths she went to conceal her activities, emphasizing the sense of rebellion and the risks she was willing to take.

The central struggle in the poem revolves around the speaker's attempt to use a diaphragm, a form of contraception. The description of her efforts is both humorous and poignant, capturing the awkwardness and frustration of the situation. The diaphragm, described as a "brimmed disc," becomes a symbol of the challenges and confusion of adolescence. The speaker's repeated failures to insert the diaphragm—"it would leap from my fingers and sail into a corner"—highlight the clumsiness and the learning curve involved in navigating sexual health and responsibility.

The imagery of the diaphragm "decorated like a cake, with glistening spermicide" adds a surreal and almost absurd quality to the scene. The speaker's persistent attempts, marked by washing and reapplying the spermicide, underscore her determination and the pressure she feels to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm's flight through the air, "rim humming like Saturn's ring," adds a sense of the surreal to the mundane and frustrating reality of the situation.

The poem reaches its emotional climax with the image of the speaker "kneeling, reaching for my life." This powerful metaphor suggests that her struggles with the diaphragm are symbolic of a broader quest for control over her own life and body. The act of reaching for the diaphragm becomes a gesture of seeking autonomy, a desire to navigate the complexities of adulthood and sexuality on her own terms.

"Adolescence" by Sharon Olds is a candid and evocative portrayal of a young woman's experiences with sexual exploration and self-discovery. The poem captures the awkwardness, secrecy, and emotional intensity of this stage of life, using vivid imagery and personal reflection to convey the speaker's journey. Olds' exploration of the struggles and confusion associated with growing up offers a poignant commentary on the challenges of adolescence and the pursuit of personal autonomy.

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