'Elizabeth' by Michael Ondaatje
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Catch, my Uncle Jack said
and oh I caught this huge apple
red as Mrs Kelly's bum.
It's red as Mrs Kelly's bum, I said
and Daddy roared
and swung me on his stomach with a heave.
Then I hid the apple in my room
till it shrunk like a face
growing eyes and teeth ribs.
Then Daddy took me to the zoo
he knew the man there
they put a snake around my neck
and it crawled down the front of my dress
I felt its flicking tongue
dripping onto me like a shower.
Daddy laughed and said Smart Snake
and Mrs Kelly with us scowled.
In the pond where they kept the goldfish
Philip and I broke the ice with spades
and tried to spear the fishes;
we killed one and Philip ate it,
then he kissed me
with the raw saltless fish in his mouth.
My sister Mary's got bad teeth
and said I was lucky, hen she said
I had big teeth, but Philip said I was pretty.
He had big hands that smelled.
I would speak of Tom', soft laughing,
who danced in the mornings round the sundial
teaching me the steps of France, turning
with the rhythm of the sun on the warped branches,
who'd hold my breast and watch it move like a snail
leaving his quick urgent love in my palm.
And I kept his love in my palm till it blistered.
When they axed his shoulders and neck
the blood moved like a branch into the crowd.
And he staggered with his hanging shoulder
cursing their thrilled cry, wheeling,
waltzing in the French style to his knees
holding his head with the ground,
blood settling on his clothes like a blush;
this way
when they aimed the thud into his back.
And I find cool entertainment now
with white young Essex, and my nimble rhymes.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deeper Look into "Elizabeth" by Michael Ondaatje
Have you ever read a piece of literature that leaves you feeling like you've been transported to another world? A world so vividly described that it almost feels tangible? That's exactly how I feel every time I read Michael Ondaatje's poem "Elizabeth." This classic poem, first published in 1970, has been studied and analyzed countless times, but I believe there's still so much to uncover. So, let's dive in and take a closer look at the themes, literary devices, and interpretations of "Elizabeth."
The Themes of "Elizabeth"
At its core, "Elizabeth" is a poem about love and loss. It tells the story of an unnamed narrator who is mourning the loss of his lover, Elizabeth. The poem is divided into three parts, with each part exploring a different aspect of their relationship.
The first part of the poem is all about the physical aspect of their love. It's filled with sensual imagery, with lines like "I would touch her / like a needle to a balloon" and "her body was a violin / played upon by my hands." However, despite the passion between the narrator and Elizabeth, there's a sense of distance between them. The narrator says, "I had not known her / before, and yet she was / already leaving."
The second part of the poem shifts to a more emotional and introspective tone. The narrator reflects on the memories he has of Elizabeth, and how they are fading with time. He admits, "I am forgetting her face, / her body's different tempos." There's a sense of sadness and longing in this section, as the narrator realizes that he can't hold onto Elizabeth forever.
The third and final part of the poem is the most abstract, and perhaps the most difficult to interpret. It's filled with dreamlike imagery and metaphor, as the narrator tries to come to terms with his loss. He sees Elizabeth in a variety of forms – as a ghost, a "dead bouquet," and even "a pool of water / in a forest." The final lines of the poem are particularly haunting: "I am the space / where I am."
Overall, "Elizabeth" is a poem that explores the complexities of love and grief, and the ways in which our memories shape our understanding of the world.
Literary Devices in "Elizabeth"
One of the things that makes "Elizabeth" such a powerful poem is the way that Ondaatje uses literary devices to create a vivid and immersive world. Here are a few of the most notable literary devices in the poem:
Imagery
From the very first lines of the poem, Ondaatje creates a world that is rich in sensory detail. There's a strong emphasis on touch and sound, with lines like "the sound of her breathing" and "her body was a violin / played upon by my hands." There's also a lot of visual imagery, particularly in the third part of the poem, where Elizabeth appears in various forms.
Metaphor
Metaphor is used throughout "Elizabeth" to create a sense of depth and meaning. For example, the line "her body was a violin / played upon by my hands" is a metaphor for the physical and emotional connection between the narrator and Elizabeth. Similarly, the image of Elizabeth as a "dead bouquet" in the third part of the poem suggests that her beauty and vitality have faded over time.
Symbolism
There are several symbols in "Elizabeth" that add to its overall meaning. For example, the image of the narrator touching Elizabeth "like a needle to a balloon" suggests that their love is fragile and temporary. The image of Elizabeth as a "pool of water / in a forest" can be interpreted as a symbol of her elusive nature and the way that memories can be distorted over time.
Interpretations of "Elizabeth"
Like any great work of literature, "Elizabeth" is open to multiple interpretations. Here are a few of the most common:
A Meditation on Memory and Loss
One interpretation of "Elizabeth" is that it's a poem about the fleeting nature of memory and the pain of loss. The narrator's reflections on Elizabeth are tinged with sadness and regret, as he realizes that his memories of her are slowly fading. The final lines of the poem – "I am the space / where I am" – suggest that the narrator is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality and the impermanence of all things.
An Exploration of the Complexity of Love
Another interpretation of "Elizabeth" is that it's a poem about the complexities of love. The physical passion between the narrator and Elizabeth is contrasted with the emotional distance that exists between them. The line "I had not known her / before, and yet she was / already leaving" suggests that there was a sense of impermanence to their relationship from the very beginning. The third part of the poem, with its dreamlike imagery and metaphor, suggests that the narrator is struggling to understand the meaning of his love for Elizabeth.
A Reflection on the Nature of Reality
Finally, "Elizabeth" can be interpreted as a poem that reflects on the nature of reality itself. The line "I am the space / where I am" suggests that the narrator is questioning his own existence and the reality of the world around him. The images of Elizabeth as a ghost and a dead bouquet suggest that memory and perception can distort our understanding of what is real. In this interpretation, the poem is less about the specific relationship between the narrator and Elizabeth, and more about the human struggle to understand the world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Elizabeth" is a poem that has stood the test of time because of its rich imagery, powerful metaphor, and haunting themes. Whether you interpret it as a meditation on memory and loss, an exploration of the complexity of love, or a reflection on the nature of reality, there's no denying the emotional impact that this poem can have. So, the next time you're looking for a piece of literature that will transport you to another world, give "Elizabeth" a read – you won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Elizabeth: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery and Emotion
Michael Ondaatje’s Elizabeth is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic imagery and emotion that captures the essence of love, loss, and memory. The poem is a tribute to Elizabeth Smart, a Canadian poet and novelist, who was Ondaatje’s lover and muse. It is a deeply personal and intimate work that reflects the poet’s own experiences and emotions.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the poet’s relationship with Elizabeth. The first part is a description of Elizabeth’s physical beauty and the poet’s intense attraction to her. The second part is a reflection on the nature of love and the poet’s realization that his love for Elizabeth is not enough to sustain their relationship. The third part is a meditation on the power of memory and the enduring presence of Elizabeth in the poet’s life.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Elizabeth’s physical beauty. The poet uses rich and sensual imagery to convey the intensity of his attraction to her. He describes her as “a flame in the wind” and “a bird on the wing”. These images suggest both the fleeting nature of beauty and the sense of freedom and movement that Elizabeth embodies. The poet’s use of metaphor and simile creates a sense of heightened emotion and intensity that draws the reader into the poem.
The second part of the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and the poet’s realization that his love for Elizabeth is not enough to sustain their relationship. The poet describes the “darkness” that surrounds him and the sense of isolation and despair that he feels. He acknowledges that his love for Elizabeth is “a small thing” in the face of the larger forces that shape their lives. This section of the poem is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and the ways in which it can both sustain and destroy us.
The third part of the poem is a meditation on the power of memory and the enduring presence of Elizabeth in the poet’s life. The poet describes how memories of Elizabeth continue to haunt him, even after their relationship has ended. He speaks of “the ghost of her presence” and the sense of loss and longing that he feels. This section of the poem is a poignant reflection on the ways in which our memories shape our lives and the enduring power of love.
Throughout the poem, Ondaatje uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity. He uses metaphor and simile to create vivid images that evoke the intensity of his emotions. He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality that draws the reader into the poem. The poem is also notable for its use of enjambment, which creates a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the themes of the poem.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Ondaatje’s writing is rich and evocative, with a lyrical quality that is both beautiful and haunting. He uses language to create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that draws the reader into the poem. The poem is also notable for its use of imagery, which is both sensual and powerful. The images of flames, birds, and darkness create a sense of intensity and emotion that is both visceral and profound.
In conclusion, Michael Ondaatje’s Elizabeth is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic imagery and emotion that captures the essence of love, loss, and memory. The poem is a deeply personal and intimate work that reflects the poet’s own experiences and emotions. It is a tribute to Elizabeth Smart, a Canadian poet and novelist, who was Ondaatje’s lover and muse. The poem is notable for its use of language, imagery, and poetic techniques, which create a sense of depth and complexity that draws the reader into the poem. Elizabeth is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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