Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser’s poem "Not To Be Printed, Not To Be Said, Not To Be Thought" is a brief yet potent declaration of identity and a subtle commentary on the complexities of poetic legacy and personal authenticity. By contrasting herself with Ariel, a name famously associated with Sylvia Plath’s posthumous collection of poems, Rukeyser articulates a preference for life and individuality over the idealized, and often tragic, legacy of another poet.

The poem opens with the line "I’d rather be Muriel," a straightforward assertion of self. By choosing to foreground her own name, Rukeyser emphasizes the importance of her own identity, experiences, and voice. This line suggests a deep-seated commitment to her own life and work, affirming the value of her existence and contributions as they are.

The contrast with Ariel is immediate and stark: "than be dead and be Ariel." Ariel, in this context, serves as a symbol of the poetic genius often associated with Sylvia Plath, whose life ended in tragedy. Plath’s work, especially the poems in "Ariel," are celebrated for their brilliance but are also inextricably linked with her death. By stating her preference to remain Muriel, alive, Rukeyser implicitly rejects the notion that poetic greatness must be coupled with personal suffering or demise.

This brief poem is imbued with a sense of defiance. The repetition of "Not To Be Printed, Not To Be Said, Not To Be Thought" serves as a preface, suggesting that the sentiment expressed within the poem is one that challenges conventional expectations and taboos. It implies that there is a cultural or literary pressure to venerate the tragic figures of poetry, to the extent that expressing a preference for a less mythologized, more ordinary existence might be seen as controversial or unspoken.

Rukeyser’s choice to juxtapose her name with Ariel’s invites reflection on the pressures faced by women poets, both in their lifetimes and in their posthumous reputations. By asserting her preference to be herself rather than adopting the legacy of another, Rukeyser highlights the importance of authenticity and the right to define one’s own narrative.

In this concise yet powerful statement, Rukeyser encapsulates a profound message about the value of life and personal integrity over the often-romanticized suffering associated with artistic genius. It’s a celebration of self and a rejection of the notion that greatness must come at the cost of one’s life. Through this poem, Rukeyser affirms her commitment to her own identity and legacy, preferring the reality of her existence to the mythologized tragedy of another.

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