Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Correspondences: Tree of Days" is a profound reflection on the interplay between personal history and global events, capturing the inescapable influence of historical necessities on individual lives. The poem is set against the backdrop of the early 20th century's tumultuous events, particularly focusing on the impact of war and political upheaval. Through the metaphor of a tree growing and changing with time, Rukeyser illustrates how personal experiences are intertwined with historical milestones.

The poem begins with a reference to Kenneth Burke's idea that aesthetic freedom is constrained by historical forces. This idea sets the stage for the exploration of how Rukeyser’s own life is shaped by the events of her time. She was "born in winter when / Europe heard the early guns," situating her birth in the context of World War I. The "drums / welcomed home the men" when she was five, marking the end of the war and the return of soldiers. This early exposure to global conflict frames her understanding of the world.

Rukeyser introduces the metaphor of the tree: "The spring after my birth / a tree came out of the lake." This tree symbolizes growth, resilience, and the passage of time. As she grows, so does the tree, reflecting the parallel development of her life and the historical events unfolding around her. At ten, she notes the "richest season in / the headlines," a period of prosperity, yet also acknowledges that the "crazies were forgotten, / the fine men, the bravest men." This line hints at the societal tendency to overlook the contributions of the most courageous individuals amidst the noise of history.

The poem moves through the Great Depression, highlighting the struggles of her youth: "No work in any town / when I was twenty, cured / the thin and desperate poor / from being forced alone." The economic hardship and the resulting social despair are captured in the image of "breadlines haunted the parks." These experiences are deeply personal yet universally resonant, illustrating the shared suffering of the era.

As she reaches her mid-twenties, Rukeyser acknowledges the rising tensions leading to World War II: "Clear to half a brain / in a blind man’s head, / war must follow that tide / of running milk and grain." The inevitability of war is a recurring theme, underscoring the persistent shadow of conflict over her life. She references significant historical events such as the upheavals in China, Austria, and Spain, noting that the tree has grown "dense and strong," a testament to enduring through adversity.

The poem's climax centers on the fall of Barcelona in 1939, a pivotal moment in the Spanish Civil War. The "darkened glass / turned on the world an immense ruinous gaze," symbolizing the widespread devastation and foreboding of more conflict to come. Rukeyser poignantly captures the sense of collective defeat and the prophetic nature of this event: "defeat among us, and war, and prophecy, / I meet it in all the faces that I see." This repetition emphasizes the omnipresence of war and its impact on the human psyche.

Throughout "Correspondences: Tree of Days," Rukeyser intertwines personal memories with historical events, illustrating how the two are inextricably linked. The metaphor of the tree serves as a powerful symbol of growth and resilience amidst the chaos of history. The poem reflects on the inevitable influence of historical forces on individual lives, capturing the tension between personal experiences and the broader currents of history. Rukeyser's vivid imagery and reflective tone create a compelling narrative that speaks to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

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