'What We Want' by Linda Pastan
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What we want
is never simple.
We move among the things
we thought we wanted:
a face, a room, an open book
and these things bear our names--
now they want us.
But what we want appears
in dreams, wearing disguises.
We fall past,
holding out our arms
and in the morning
our arms ache.
We don't remember the dream,
but the dream remembers us.
It is there all day
as an animal is there
under the table,
as the stars are there
even in full sun.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What We Want by Linda Pastan: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
What We Want by Linda Pastan is a magnificent poem that captures the human desire for a life filled with happiness, love, and contentment. The poem is a wonderful representation of the human condition and the quest for a fulfilling existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
Summary of the Poem
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of three lines. The first two lines of each stanza describe a particular desire, while the third line ends with the refrain “but that’s not what we ask.” The repetition of this line emphasizes the gap between what we want and what we ask for. The poem starts with the speaker’s desire for a world where people are kind to each other, but the refrain reminds us that we settle for a world where people simply tolerate each other. The second stanza is about the search for love, where the speaker wishes for a love that lasts forever, but ultimately settles for a love that is finite. The third stanza is about the desire for a life without pain, but the refrain reminds us that we must settle for a life where pain is inevitable. In the fourth stanza, the speaker wishes for a life free from fear, but the refrain reminds us that fear is a part of life. The fifth stanza is about the desire for a life where we understand everything, but the refrain reminds us that there will always be mysteries. Finally, the poem ends with the speaker’s desire for a life filled with joy, but the refrain reminds us that joy is fleeting.
Analysis of the Poem
Themes
There are several themes present in What We Want. The most prominent theme is the human desire for a fulfilling life. Each stanza of the poem presents a different desire, but the refrain reminds us that we must settle for less. The gap between what we want and what we ask for is a universal experience, and the poem captures this feeling perfectly.
Another theme present in the poem is the inevitability of pain, fear, and mysteries. The poem does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges of life. Pain, fear, and mysteries are a part of the human experience, and the poem reminds us that we must accept them as a part of our lives.
Structure
The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The repetition of the refrain “but that’s not what we ask” emphasizes the gap between what we want and what we settle for. The use of the same structure in each stanza creates a sense of unity and coherence. The poem is also structured in a way that creates a build-up towards the final stanza, where the desire for joy is presented.
Language
The language used in the poem is simple, yet powerful. The use of repetition emphasizes the central theme of the poem. The refrain “but that’s not what we ask” is repeated six times, creating a sense of unity and coherence. The language is also metaphorical and symbolic. The desire for a world where people are kind to each other is represented by the image of a “world without end.” The search for love that lasts forever is represented by the image of “a ring without end.” The desire for a life without pain is represented by the image of “a world without thorns.” The use of these metaphors and symbols creates a sense of depth and meaning to the poem.
Interpretation of the Poem
What We Want is a poem that captures the human desire for a fulfilling life. The poem acknowledges the challenges of life, but also presents the possibility of joy. The refrain “but that’s not what we ask” emphasizes the gap between what we want and what we settle for. The poem reminds us that we must accept the challenges of life and find joy in the midst of them.
The poem can also be interpreted as a critique of the human condition. The gap between what we want and what we settle for is a result of societal norms and expectations. We are taught to settle for less and to accept the challenges of life as a given. The poem challenges us to question these norms and expectations and to strive for a more fulfilling life.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action. The gap between what we want and what we settle for can be bridged if we take action. We can create a world where people are kind to each other, where love lasts forever, where pain is minimized, where fear is overcome, and where mysteries are solved. The poem challenges us to take action and to create the life that we want.
Conclusion
What We Want by Linda Pastan is a beautiful poem that captures the human desire for a fulfilling life. The poem acknowledges the challenges of life, but also presents the possibility of joy. The repetition of the refrain “but that’s not what we ask” emphasizes the gap between what we want and what we settle for. The poem challenges us to question societal norms and expectations and to take action to create the life that we want. What We Want is a timeless poem that speaks to the human condition and the quest for a fulfilling existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What We Want: A Poem of Yearning and Desire
Linda Pastan's poem "What We Want" is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the human desire for connection, meaning, and fulfillment. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be human and to long for something more.
At its core, "What We Want" is a poem about yearning. It speaks to the deep-seated desire that we all have for something beyond ourselves, something that can give our lives meaning and purpose. The poem begins with a simple statement: "What we want is never simple." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the things we desire are often complex and multifaceted.
The poem goes on to describe some of the things that we want, such as "the grace of a deer" or "the speed of a cheetah." These are things that are beyond our reach, but that we still long for nonetheless. They represent the idealized versions of ourselves that we strive for, even though we know we can never truly attain them.
As the poem continues, it becomes clear that what we want is not just physical attributes or abilities, but something deeper and more profound. We want "the wisdom of water" and "the patience of stone." These are qualities that speak to our desire for inner peace and tranquility, for a sense of groundedness and stability in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming.
The poem also touches on our desire for connection with others. We want "the embrace of a friend" and "the touch of a lover." These are the moments of intimacy and closeness that we all crave, the moments that make us feel truly alive and connected to the world around us.
But perhaps the most powerful aspect of "What We Want" is its recognition that what we want is not always attainable. The poem acknowledges that "what we want is never simple" and that "we want so much that it seems almost impossible to have." This is a deeply human sentiment, one that speaks to our constant struggle to reconcile our desires with the realities of the world around us.
Despite this, however, the poem remains hopeful. It suggests that even though we may never fully attain what we want, the act of striving for it is what gives our lives meaning and purpose. As the poem concludes, it reminds us that "what we want is simple: a beginning, a middle, and an end." These are the basic elements of any story, and they represent the narrative arc of our lives. By striving for what we want, we are creating our own stories, and that is something truly beautiful and meaningful.
In terms of form and structure, "What We Want" is a relatively simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This simplicity, however, belies the complexity of the poem's themes and ideas. By using a straightforward structure and language, Pastan allows the poem's meaning to shine through without any unnecessary distractions or complications.
Overall, "What We Want" is a beautiful and moving poem that speaks to the deepest desires and longings of the human heart. It reminds us that even though we may never fully attain what we want, the act of striving for it is what gives our lives meaning and purpose. It is a poem that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human, and it is one that will resonate with readers for years to come.
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