Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "Transgress" is a potent exploration of breaking boundaries, both personal and societal, and the transformative power of such acts. The poem delves into themes of transgression, revelation, and the subsequent creation of something new and vital. Through its rich imagery and evocative language, Rukeyser portrays a journey of forbidden exploration and the profound changes it brings.

The poem opens with the setting of "That summer midnight under her aurora / northern and still," establishing a scene of stillness and natural beauty tinged with a sense of the extraordinary. The "aurora" evokes the Northern Lights, a phenomenon that itself transcends ordinary experience, setting the stage for the poem's exploration of crossing boundaries.

"We passed the barrier. / Two make a curse, one giving, one accepting." These lines introduce the idea of transgression as a collaborative act. The barrier represents a taboo or forbidden boundary, and crossing it requires the complicity of both parties involved. The curse mentioned here suggests the weight and consequences of breaking societal or personal taboos.

"It takes two to break a curse / transformed at last in each other’s eyes." Transformation is a key theme in the poem, with the breaking of the curse leading to a profound change in perception. The mutual recognition and acceptance between the two individuals lead to their transformation, implying that true change comes from deep interpersonal connection and understanding.

"I sat on the naked bed of space, / all things becoming other than what they seem / in the night-waking, in the revelation." The "naked bed of space" symbolizes a state of raw, unmediated reality, stripped of illusions. In this vulnerable state, the speaker experiences a revelation, a new understanding of reality where things are seen in their true form, beyond the facades imposed by societal norms.

"Thundering on tabu after the broken / imperative, while the grotesque ancestors fade / with you breathing beside me through our dream:" The breaking of taboos is described as a powerful, almost violent act, disrupting the imperative commands that have governed behavior. The "grotesque ancestors" symbolize the outdated and oppressive traditions that lose their power as new understanding dawns. The shared experience with the other person is described as a dream, highlighting the intimate and surreal nature of this journey.

"Bed of forbidden things finally known— / art from the symbol struck, living and made." The bed becomes a site of revelation where forbidden knowledge is finally accessed. This knowledge transforms into art, created from the striking of symbols, suggesting that true art emerges from confronting and transcending taboos.

"Branch lifted green from the dead shock of stone." The final image of a green branch lifted from dead stone symbolizes new life and growth emerging from what was previously lifeless and inert. This image encapsulates the poem's theme of transformation, suggesting that breaking boundaries and confronting taboos can lead to renewal and the creation of something vibrant and alive.

In summary, "Transgress" by Muriel Rukeyser is a profound meditation on the power of transgression and the transformative potential of breaking through societal and personal barriers. Through its evocative imagery and reflective language, the poem captures the journey from forbidden exploration to revelation and renewal, emphasizing the role of deep interpersonal connection in achieving true transformation.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...