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The narrative woven within Theodore Roethke's poem, "The Geranium," unfolds a poignant tale of a bachelor's journey from a vibrant past to a solitary, aging present. The sustained metaphor of the geranium, employed as a symbol for the protagonist's neglect of both his own well-being and the plant, delves into the intricate layers of the speaker's character. Through the adept use of imagery, alliteration, and symbolism, Roethke masterfully unveils a narrative rich in meaning, allowing readers to explore the depths of the human experience.
Right from the poem's outset, the speaker's self-perception is unveiled through vivid imagery and carefully chosen descriptors.
Lines such as "limp and bedraggled . . . like a sick poodle / Or a wizened aster in late September" (2-4) set a tone of self-deprecation and aging. The comparison to a "wizened aster" serves as a powerful metaphor, suggesting that, akin to the flower, the speaker has lost his vibrancy and youthful exuberance. The imagery vividly portrays a life past its prime, where both the speaker and the geranium are no longer in full bloom.
The theme of aging resurfaces in line 6, where a caesura introduces a contemplative pause with the words, "For a new routine –." This line, laden with significance, hints at the speaker's transition to a new life stage.
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The abruptness of the caesura, resembling an ending, juxtaposes with the notion of a new beginning, signifying the conclusion of youth and the dawn of a new chapter. The act of discarding the geranium could symbolize the speaker's acknowledgment of life's cycles, marking the end of one phase and the commencement of another.
Embracing the idea of rejuvenation, the speaker contemplates lifestyle changes, recognizing that "Sustenance seemed sensible" (8).
The playful alliteration in this phrase imparts a childlike quality to the speaker's self-chastisement. This admission implies a past negligence towards personal health, echoed in the speaker's recollection of living "on gin, bobbie pins, half-smoked cigars, dead beer" (10). The consequences manifest in both the speaker and the geranium, now "shriveled" and "dried out," illustrating the repercussions of a carefree existence. The interconnectedness of the speaker and the plant becomes evident, questioning the speaker's competence in self-care, evident even in the simple act of nurturing a plant.
The subsequent stanza provides a glimpse into the speaker's past, characterized by "dumb dames shrieking half the night" (16) and the persistent presence of alcohol. Cumulatively, these glimpses construct an image of a reckless bachelor, indifferent to the consequences of his actions. The current events of the poem serve as a stark contrast, highlighting the repercussions of such a hedonistic lifestyle now that the "tomorrow" the speaker once dismissed has arrived. Despite this evolution, the speaker maintains a profound connection with the geranium, emphasizing their shared "seedy" nature, a wordplay capturing both sordidness and the potential for new growth encapsulated in seeds.
The third stanza culminates in a pivotal moment where the speaker's maid callously discards the geranium, eliciting a visceral reaction that results in her dismissal. The emotional impact is profound, as the wilted geranium held a significant, albeit solitary, place in the speaker's life. The anger triggered by the maid's actions suggests a deeper wound, possibly stemming from the realization that the maid viewed something analogous to the speaker as worthless trash. The poem concludes with the speaker seemingly no better off than at the outset, perhaps even worse, with the maid's actions amplifying the perceived worthlessness of his existence.
While plants and humans are often perceived as self-sufficient entities, "The Geranium" underscores the essential role of care, compassion, and companionship in fostering true growth. Roethke employs a palette of dreary, aged language and mundane settings, creating a desolate atmosphere that serves as the backdrop for a narrative exploring the consequences of neglecting these fundamental elements of the human experience.
In essence, Roethke invites readers to reflect on the intricate interplay between personal choices, the passage of time, and the impact of neglect on one's well-being. Through the lens of the geranium metaphor, the poem becomes a compelling exploration of the human condition, prompting contemplation on the importance of nurturing not only ourselves but also the connections that sustain us.
As Theodore Roethke's "The Geranium" unravels the life of its bachelor protagonist, the poem becomes a poignant reflection on the human experience. From the initial disdain for a withering geranium to the profound impact of its disposal, the narrative captures the complexities of aging, reflection, and the interconnectedness of life. Through masterful employment of literary devices, Roethke crafts a tale that transcends the boundaries of metaphor, delving into the universal themes that shape the human journey.
In the end, "The Geranium" serves as a testament to the enduring need for compassion, self-reflection, and the recognition of our shared vulnerabilities. In navigating the tapestry of the human experience, Roethke's poem encourages readers to cultivate the essential elements that enable not only personal growth but also the flourishing of the interconnected lives we lead.
Unraveling the Human Experience in Theodore Roethke's "The Geranium". (2016, Dec 25). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-commentary-on-the-geranium-by-theodore-roethke-essay
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