'I Remember' by Stevie Smith

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Not Waving But DrowningIt was my bridal night I remember,
An old man of seventy-three
I lay with my young bride in my arms,
A girl with t.b.
It was wartime, and overhead
The Germans were making a particularly heavy raid onHampstead.
What rendered the confusion worse, perversely
Our bombers had chosen that moment to set out for Germany.
Harry, do they ever collide?
I do not think it has ever happened,
Oh my bride, my bride.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry as a Reflection of Life: A Critical Analysis of "I Remember" by Stevie Smith

Introduction

Poetry, as an art form, has the power to capture the nuances of life and present them in ways that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. Stevie Smith's "I Remember" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to reflect on the different stages of human existence, from childhood to old age. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine Smith's use of language, structure, and imagery to explore the themes of memory, loss, and mortality in "I Remember."

Background

Stevie Smith (1902-1971) was an English poet and novelist best known for her collections of poetry, including "A Good Time Was Had by All" (1937) and "Not Waving but Drowning" (1957). "I Remember" was first published in 1969 as part of Smith's final collection of poems, "Scorpion and Other Poems."

Analysis

"I Remember" is a free-verse poem consisting of 22 stanzas, each beginning with the phrase "I remember." The repetitive structure of the poem, with its use of anaphora, creates a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the part of the speaker. The poem is written in the first person, suggesting that it is autobiographical, although it is unclear whether the speaker is actually Smith herself.

The poem begins with memories of childhood, such as playing with dolls and visiting the seaside. The speaker then moves on to memories of adolescence, including her first kiss and her desire to be a writer. The middle of the poem is dominated by memories of love and loss, with the speaker recalling the death of her father and the end of a romantic relationship. The final stanzas of the poem focus on the inevitability of death and the hope of an afterlife.

Throughout the poem, Smith uses vivid imagery to bring the memories to life. For example, in the first stanza, she describes the dolls as having "stiff gauzy dresses," which creates a sense of fragility and delicacy. In the seventh stanza, the speaker recalls "the warm milk of kindness," which highlights the nurturing aspect of childhood. The use of vivid imagery throughout the poem helps to create a vivid picture of the speaker's memories.

The poem also contains several metaphors that add depth and meaning to the text. For example, in the tenth stanza, the speaker compares the memory of her father to a "dark shadow," which suggests that his death has cast a long shadow over her life. In the thirteenth stanza, the speaker compares her desire to be a writer to a "bubble that burst," which suggests that her dreams have been dashed. These metaphors help to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences in a powerful way.

The use of repetition in the poem also serves to emphasize certain themes and ideas. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I remember" creates a sense of nostalgia and reflection, while the repetition of certain phrases, such as "the end of love," emphasizes the theme of loss and the passing of time. The poem also contains several instances of rhyme and alliteration, which add to its musicality and make it easier to remember.

Themes

The themes of memory, loss, and mortality are central to "I Remember." The poem explores the idea that memories shape who we are and that they can be both a source of comfort and pain. The speaker's memories of childhood are presented in a positive light, suggesting that they provide a sense of comfort and security. However, as the poem progresses, the memories become more painful and reflect the difficulties and losses that the speaker has experienced.

The theme of loss is also present throughout the poem, with the speaker recalling the death of her father and the end of her romantic relationship. These losses have a profound impact on the speaker's life and shape her identity. The poem suggests that loss is an inevitable part of life and that we must learn to accept it and move on.

The theme of mortality is also explored in "I Remember." The poem suggests that death is a natural part of life and that we must come to terms with our own mortality. The final stanzas of the poem suggest that there may be an afterlife or a sense of continuity beyond death, which provides some comfort to the speaker.

Conclusion

"I Remember" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of memory, loss, and mortality. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Stevie Smith creates a vivid picture of the speaker's memories and experiences. The poem suggests that memories shape who we are and that loss and death are inevitable parts of life. However, it also suggests that there may be continuity beyond death, which provides some comfort to the speaker. Overall, "I Remember" is a beautiful and touching reflection on the different stages of human existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry I Remember: A Masterpiece of Stevie Smith

Stevie Smith, a British poet, novelist, and illustrator, is known for her unique style of poetry that often deals with death, loneliness, and the human condition. Her poem, Poetry I Remember, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of her work and showcases her talent as a poet.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry I remember it well," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is a nostalgic and reflective poem that takes the reader on a journey through the poet's memories of the poetry that has impacted her life.

The first stanza of the poem is a list of poets and their works that the poet remembers. She mentions Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott," Keats' "Ode to a Nightingale," and Shakespeare's "Hamlet," among others. This list is significant because it shows the breadth of the poet's knowledge and the depth of her appreciation for poetry.

The second stanza of the poem is where the real magic happens. The poet begins to describe the emotions and feelings that these poems evoke in her. She talks about the "aching beauty" of Tennyson's poem and the "sorrowful sweetness" of Keats' work. She also mentions the "fierce joy" of Shakespeare's plays and the "deep sadness" of Wordsworth's poetry.

These descriptions are powerful because they show the reader how poetry can evoke a wide range of emotions and how it can be a source of comfort and solace in difficult times. The poet's use of language is also noteworthy, as she uses vivid and evocative words to describe her feelings.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the role of poetry in the poet's life. She talks about how poetry has been a constant companion to her, even in times of loneliness and despair. She says that poetry has been a "friend" to her and has helped her through difficult times.

This stanza is significant because it shows how poetry can be a source of comfort and support in times of need. It also highlights the importance of art in our lives and how it can help us to make sense of the world around us.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The poet urges the reader to "read poetry" and to "let it touch your heart." She says that poetry can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us in a deeper way.

This stanza is significant because it shows the poet's belief in the power of poetry to change lives. It also highlights the importance of reading and engaging with art in order to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Overall, Poetry I Remember is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Stevie Smith's talent as a poet and her deep appreciation for the art form. It is a reflective and nostalgic poem that takes the reader on a journey through the poet's memories and emotions. It is also a call to action, urging the reader to engage with poetry and to let it touch their hearts.

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