'The Geranium' by Theodore Roethke

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When I put her out, once, by the garbage pail,
She looked so limp and bedraggled,
So foolish and trusting, like a sick poodle,
Or a wizened aster in late September,
I brought her back in again
For a new routine--
Vitamins, water, and whatever
Sustenance seemed sensible
At the time: she'd lived
So long on gin, bobbie pins, half-smoked cigars, dead beer,
Her shriveled petals falling
On the faded carpet, the stale
Steak grease stuck to her fuzzy leaves.
(Dried-out, she creaked like a tulip.)
The things she endured!--
The dumb dames shrieking half the night
Or the two of us, alone, both seedy,
Me breathing booze at her,
She leaning out of her pot toward the window.Near the end, she seemed almost to hear me--
And that was scary--
So when that snuffling cretin of a maid
Threw her, pot and all, into the trash-can,
I said nothing.But I sacked the presumptuous hag the next week,
I was that lonely.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Geranium by Theodore Roethke

Introduction

Theodore Roethke's "The Geranium" is a poem that explores the themes of life and death through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor. The poem is written in free verse, and the poet utilizes various literary devices such as repetition, personification, and symbolism to convey his ideas. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem's structure, literary techniques, and interpret its meaning.

Structure and Form

"The Geranium" is a poem consisting of 14 stanzas, each containing three lines. The poem has a consistent structure, with the first and third lines of each stanza having four syllables, and the second line having six syllables. The form of the poem is free verse, meaning that there is no strict rhyme scheme or meter. However, the poet uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, the repetition of the phrase "In a dark" at the beginning of several stanzas creates a sense of continuity and unity.

Literary Techniques

Roethke uses a variety of literary techniques to convey his ideas in "The Geranium." One of the most prominent techniques he uses is personification. The geranium in the poem is personified, as it is given human-like qualities such as feeling pain, having a soul, and being aware of its surroundings. For example, in stanza five, Roethke writes, "My flower, my flower, / he said, I cannot live / with root and stem." Here, the geranium is given a voice, and it communicates its pain to the speaker.

Another literary technique employed by Roethke is symbolism. The geranium in the poem represents life, while the broken stem represents death. The use of symbolism allows the poet to explore complex themes and ideas in a concise and powerful way. For example, in stanza seven, Roethke writes, "In a dark time, / the eye begins to see, / I meet my shadow in the deepening shade." Here, the shadow represents death, and the darkness represents the speaker's awareness of mortality.

Finally, Roethke uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The repetition of phrases such as "In a dark time" and "My flower, my flower" creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I wake to sleep" in the final stanza emphasizes the poem's theme of death and the cyclical nature of life.

Interpretation

"The Geranium" is a poem that explores the themes of life and death through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor. The poem is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The geranium in the poem represents life, while the broken stem represents death. The poem is structured in such a way that it mimics the cyclical nature of life, beginning with the speaker's fascination with the geranium and ending with his acceptance of death.

The theme of mortality is central to the poem. Roethke explores the idea that death is an inevitable part of life, and that it is something that we must all come to terms with. The repetition of the phrase "I wake to sleep" in the final stanza emphasizes the poem's theme of death and the cyclical nature of life. The speaker has come to accept his mortality and recognizes that death is a natural part of the life cycle. The poem suggests that we should embrace life and live it to the fullest, as death is an inevitability.

The geranium in the poem is personified, which emphasizes the poem's theme of the interconnectedness of all living things. The geranium is given human-like qualities such as feeling pain, having a soul, and being aware of its surroundings. The speaker's fascination with the geranium suggests that he recognizes the beauty and value of all living things, regardless of how small or insignificant they may seem.

The use of symbolism in the poem is also significant. The geranium represents life, while the broken stem represents death. The poem suggests that life and death are two sides of the same coin, and that one cannot exist without the other. The symbolism emphasizes the complex and cyclical nature of life, and suggests that we should appreciate the beauty of life while we have it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Geranium" is a poem that explores the themes of life and death through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor. The poem is structured in such a way that it mimics the cyclical nature of life, beginning with the speaker's fascination with the geranium and ending with his acceptance of death. The use of literary techniques such as personification, symbolism, and repetition adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the poet to explore complex themes and ideas in a concise and powerful way. Ultimately, the poem suggests that we should embrace life and live it to the fullest, as death is an inevitability.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Theodore Roethke's "The Geranium" is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Roethke's unique style of writing, which is characterized by his use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism. In this article, we will take a closer look at "The Geranium" and explore its themes, symbols, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a geranium plant that he has in his room. The plant is described as "a sickly, pale-faced plant" that is "leaned against the window." The speaker then goes on to describe the plant's leaves, which are "yellowish-green" and "crinkly." The plant is also described as having "a few leaves that are brown and crisp." These descriptions paint a picture of a plant that is struggling to survive.

The speaker then goes on to describe the plant's roots, which are "thick and white" and "like a snake." This comparison to a snake is significant because it suggests that the plant's roots are powerful and dangerous. The speaker also notes that the plant's roots are "coiled" and "twisted," which further emphasizes their strength.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the plant's origins. He notes that the plant was given to him by his father, who had received it from his father before him. This family history is significant because it suggests that the plant has been passed down through generations, and that it holds a special meaning for the speaker and his family.

The speaker then goes on to describe the plant's flowers, which are "small and pink" and "like the ears of a mouse." This comparison to a mouse is significant because it suggests that the plant's flowers are delicate and vulnerable. The speaker also notes that the plant's flowers are "faintly fragrant," which suggests that they are not particularly strong or powerful.

As the poem comes to a close, the speaker reflects on the plant's significance. He notes that the plant is "a reminder of all that has been forgotten" and that it "brings back a time when the world was fresh and young." This reflection is significant because it suggests that the plant holds a special meaning for the speaker, and that it represents a connection to his past.

One of the most significant themes in "The Geranium" is the theme of memory. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the plant's origins and its significance to his family. The plant serves as a reminder of the past, and it brings back memories of a time when the world was "fresh and young." This theme of memory is significant because it suggests that the plant holds a special meaning for the speaker, and that it represents a connection to his past.

Another significant theme in "The Geranium" is the theme of mortality. The plant is described as "sickly" and struggling to survive, which suggests that it is nearing the end of its life. The speaker notes that the plant's leaves are "brown and crisp," which further emphasizes its fragility. This theme of mortality is significant because it suggests that the plant represents the fragility of life, and that it serves as a reminder of our own mortality.

Roethke's use of symbolism is also significant in "The Geranium." The plant itself is a symbol of the speaker's past and his connection to his family. The plant's roots are a symbol of its strength and power, while its flowers are a symbol of its fragility and vulnerability. The plant's sickly appearance is a symbol of its mortality, and it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.

Roethke's use of metaphors is also significant in "The Geranium." The comparison of the plant's roots to a snake emphasizes their strength and power. The comparison of the plant's flowers to the ears of a mouse emphasizes their delicacy and vulnerability. These metaphors serve to enhance the imagery in the poem and to emphasize the significance of the plant.

In conclusion, "The Geranium" is a classic poem that explores themes of memory, mortality, and family. Roethke's use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism serves to enhance the poem's meaning and to emphasize the significance of the plant. This poem is a perfect example of Roethke's unique style of writing, and it continues to be studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts today.

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