Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Drunken Girl" presents a contemplative exploration of human existence, examining the mundane and the profound through the lens of an intimate moment. The poem intertwines themes of identity, morality, and the natural world's simplicity, creating a nuanced reflection on life's complexities.

The poem opens with a seemingly simple question: "Do you know the name of the average animal?" This question sets the stage for a deeper inquiry into the nature of existence. By specifying "Not the dog, / Nor the green-beaded frog, / Nor the white ocean monster lying flat— / Lower than that," Rukeyser directs the reader's attention away from the more recognizable and majestic creatures to something more humble and overlooked.

The focus shifts to "The curling one who comes out in the storm— / The middle one’s the worm." The worm, often seen as a lowly and insignificant creature, becomes a central symbol in the poem. Its simplicity and universality represent the "average" in the natural world, a stark contrast to the more complex and celebrated forms of life. This choice underscores the poem's meditation on the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of existence.

The speaker then addresses a lover with a tender yet urgent plea: "Lift up your face, my love, lift up your mouth, / Kiss me and come to bed." This intimate invitation suggests a desire to connect on a deeper level, to find solace and understanding in each other's presence. The directive to "do not bow your head / Longer on what is bad or what is good" encourages a release from the burdens of moral judgment and societal expectations.

"The dead are terribly misunderstood, / And sin and godhead are in the worm’s blind eye," the speaker muses, suggesting that concepts of morality and divinity are often misconstrued and misapplied. By placing "sin and godhead" in the "worm’s blind eye," Rukeyser implies that these grand ideas are present even in the most basic and unassuming forms of life. This perspective challenges the reader to reconsider their understanding of these concepts, recognizing their presence in all aspects of existence, not just the lofty or exceptional.

The poem concludes with a contemplative yet resigned tone: "We’ll come to averages by and by." This line suggests an eventual acceptance and understanding of the ordinary and the average, embracing the inherent value in all forms of life, regardless of their perceived significance.

"Drunken Girl" is a thoughtful and evocative reflection on the human condition, urging readers to find meaning and connection in the ordinary and the overlooked. Rukeyser's use of the worm as a central symbol challenges conventional notions of importance and worth, inviting a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and universality of existence. The poem's intimate and contemplative tone underscores the beauty and complexity of life's "averages," offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between the mundane and the profound.

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