Analysis of Elaine Terranova's Poem: "Rush Hour"

Elaine Terranova employs the powerful literary device of allegory to convey a profound message about life in her poignant poem, "Rush Hour." Within the lines of this work, she skillfully tackles the pervasive issue of domestic abuse, shedding light on the trauma it inflicts and the unsettling tendency of society to turn a blind eye to such atrocities. Terranova artfully utilizes characters as symbolic representations, and through her carefully chosen diction, she paints a vivid picture of the harrowing reality of abuse.

The Symbolism of Physical and Emotional Trauma

Terranova initiates her exploration of domestic abuse by vividly depicting physical injuries, creating a stark image with the phrase, "baby’s scabbed face in a cast." This explicit description serves as a stark reminder of the visible wounds that result from abuse. Additionally, the portrayal of the mother in "shorts and sunglasses" carries a subtle yet potent allusion – the sunglasses concealing black eyes, an emblem of the concealed pain and suffering within the family (L.

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5). Terranova masterfully hints at the hidden reality when she notes that no one can see beyond the veil of the mother's "dark glasses" (L.28-29).

The Lingering Effects: Depression and Symbolic Silence

Having established the allegorical foundation, Terranova proceeds to illuminate the profound effects of abuse. The mother's body, described as "sags … and tenses," serves as a poignant representation of the emotional toll, with the sagging reflecting depression and the tensing mirroring the trauma (L.7-8). The impact extends to the children, notably the little girl whose silent sorrow is symbolized by her head inclining toward the window, a wordless manifestation of the emotional weight she carries (L.

12).

The Recurrence of Abuse and Society's Avoidance

As the poem unfolds, it becomes evident that the depicted domestic abuse is not an isolated incident but a recurring nightmare. Terranova's portrayal of the mother pulling the children close, "thinking of the arm raised over them," suggests a haunting repetition of the abuse (L.29-30). This cyclical nature is further emphasized when the mother pleads that the harm inflicted was an "accident" and that "He didn't mean to do it." Such rationalizations echo the sad reality that many individuals face domestic abuse regularly, and society often turns a blind eye, preferring to avoid confronting the uncomfortable truth of these pervasive issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elaine Terranova's "Rush Hour" transcends the confines of a mere poem, emerging as a profound commentary on the pervasive issue of domestic abuse. Through the allegorical narrative and carefully chosen imagery, Terranova exposes the trauma inflicted on victims and the societal tendency to avoid acknowledging the harsh realities of abuse. This poem serves as a poignant reminder that, despite the discomfort it may evoke, addressing and combating domestic abuse is essential for fostering a compassionate and supportive society.