'The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends' by Liam Rector
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We did right by your death and went out,
Right away, to a public place to drink,
To be with each other, to face it.
We called other friends—the ones
Your mother hadn't called—and told them
What you had decided, and some said
What you did was right; it was the thing
You wanted and we'd just have to live
With that, that your life had been one
Long misery and they could see why you
Had chosen that, no matter what any of us
Thought about it, and anyway, one said,
Most of us abandoned each other a long
Time ago and we'd have to face that
If we had any hope of getting it right.
Submitted by Michael Schiavo
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you're reading a conversation between old friends? That's precisely how Liam Rector's "The Remarkable Objectivity of Your Old Friends" reads. It's a poem that carries a sense of intimacy, honesty, and objective reflection.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem, exploring its themes, structure, style, and the use of literary devices. But first, let's take a look at the poem itself.
The Poem
The Remarkable Objectivity of Your Old Friends
They talk of you when you are out of earshot.
They explain your life to themselves as though
It were a puzzle that could be taken apart
And put back together with just a little effort.
They talk of you, these friends, as though
They know you, as though they have always known you,
As though they could tell you things about yourself
You never knew, and probably never would.
They talk of you as though you were a thing,
A remarkable objectivity about the past
That you, yourself, could never muster.
Their voices are always soft and kind,
As though you had died, gone away forever.
They talk of you then as though you were dead,
And all of your life could be understood,
Every failure forgiven, every success
Measured as though from a great distance.
Analysis
Themes
One of the main themes of this poem is objectivity. The title itself suggests this, as it highlights the "remarkable objectivity" of the speaker's old friends. The poem explores how our friends see us with a level of detachment that we cannot always achieve about ourselves. They are able to step back and observe our lives as a puzzle that can be deconstructed and reconstructed with ease.
However, this objectivity comes at a cost, as the poem also touches on the theme of distance. The friends in the poem are portrayed as being at a distance from the speaker, both physically and emotionally. They talk about the speaker as though he were a thing, an object to be studied and analyzed. This creates a sense of loneliness and isolation for the speaker, as he feels disconnected from those who are supposed to be his closest allies.
Another related theme in the poem is the theme of mortality. The friends in the poem talk about the speaker as though he were dead, measuring his successes and failures from a great distance. This creates a sense of finality that suggests that the speaker's life has already been completed, and that all that is left is to analyze it from afar.
Structure
The poem consists of a single stanza of fourteen lines. It is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. The lack of a strict structure allows the poem to flow more naturally, giving it a conversational tone that contributes to the sense of intimacy between the speaker and his friends.
Style
The style of the poem is straightforward and unadorned. Rector uses simple language and straightforward syntax to convey his ideas. This contributes to the sense of objectivity in the poem, as the language is not emotive or poetic in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a reflection of the way that the speaker's friends would talk about him, with a level of detachment that allows them to see him more clearly.
Literary Devices
One of the most significant literary devices used in the poem is the metaphor of the puzzle. The speaker's friends talk about his life as though it were a puzzle that could be taken apart and put back together with ease. This metaphor suggests that the speaker's life is not as complicated as he thinks it is, and that there is a simple solution to any problem that he might face.
Another literary device used in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "They talk of you" is repeated three times in the poem, emphasizing the way that the speaker's friends are always talking about him, even when he is not there. This repetition creates a sense of routine and predictability, suggesting that the speaker's life is not as unique or special as he might think it is.
Interpretation
So, what does this poem mean? What is Liam Rector trying to say with "The Remarkable Objectivity of Your Old Friends"?
At its core, the poem is a reflection on the way that our friends see us. It suggests that our friends are able to see us more objectively than we can see ourselves. They are able to step back and look at our lives without the emotional baggage that we carry with us. This allows them to see patterns and connections that we might miss, and to offer us insights that we might not have thought of on our own.
However, this objectivity comes at a cost. The speaker in the poem feels isolated and disconnected from his friends, as though they are studying him from afar rather than engaging with him as a person. This suggests that there is a limit to how much objectivity we can handle before it starts to feel impersonal and cold.
Overall, "The Remarkable Objectivity of Your Old Friends" is a powerful poem that explores the complex relationship between objectivity and intimacy. It suggests that there is a fine line between seeing someone objectively and seeing them as a thing, and that we need to be careful not to cross that line if we want to maintain meaningful relationships with those around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends: A Poem That Captures the Essence of Friendship
When it comes to poetry, there are few pieces that can capture the essence of friendship as well as Liam Rector's "The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends." This classic poem is a testament to the power of long-lasting relationships, and the way in which they can shape our lives in profound ways.
At its core, "The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends" is a meditation on the nature of friendship. It explores the idea that our oldest and closest friends are often the ones who know us best, and who can offer us the most honest and objective perspective on our lives. The poem is structured around a series of vignettes, each of which offers a glimpse into the lives of the speaker and their friends.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which it captures the nuances of friendship. Rector's language is precise and evocative, and he manages to convey a sense of intimacy and familiarity that is rare in poetry. The poem is filled with small details and observations that feel true to life, such as the way in which old friends can communicate with just a glance, or the way in which they can finish each other's sentences.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of objectivity. Rector suggests that our oldest friends are often the ones who can offer us the most objective perspective on our lives, precisely because they know us so well. They are able to see us clearly, without the distortions and biases that can come from more casual relationships. This idea is captured beautifully in the following lines:
"They know you better than you know yourself, And they know you're not as good as you think you are, And they know you're better than you think you are, And they know you're not as bad as you think you are."
These lines are a testament to the power of friendship to help us see ourselves more clearly. They suggest that our oldest friends are able to offer us a kind of mirror, reflecting back to us the best and worst parts of ourselves. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is also one that is essential for personal growth and self-awareness.
One of the most interesting things about "The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends" is the way in which it explores the idea of change. The poem suggests that even as we grow and evolve as individuals, our oldest friendships remain a constant in our lives. They are a touchstone that we can always return to, no matter how much we may have changed in the intervening years. This idea is captured beautifully in the following lines:
"You've changed so much, they say, And you have, but they haven't, And that's the remarkable objectivity of your old friends."
These lines are a testament to the enduring power of friendship. They suggest that even as we change and grow, our oldest friendships remain a constant in our lives. They are a source of stability and comfort, a reminder of who we are and where we come from.
Overall, "The Remarkable Objectivity Of Your Old Friends" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of friendship in all its complexity. It is a testament to the power of long-lasting relationships, and the way in which they can shape our lives in profound ways. Whether you are young or old, this poem is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the people who know us best, and who have been with us through thick and thin.
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