'The Onion, Memory' by Craig Raine
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Divorced, but friends again at last,
we walk old ground together
in bright blue uncomplicated weather.
We laugh and pause
to hack to bits these tiny dinosaurs,
prehistoric, crenelated, cast
between the tractor ruts in mud.
On the green, a junior Douglas Fairbanks,
swinging on the chestnut's unlit chandelier,
defies the corporation spears--
a single rank around the bole,
rusty with blood.
Green, tacky phalluses curve up, romance
A gust--the old flag blazes on its pole.
In the village bakery
the pastry babies pass
from milky slump to crusty cadaver,
from crib to coffin--without palaver.
All's over in a flash,
too silently...
Tonight the arum lilies fold
back napkins monogrammed in gold,
crisp and laundered fresh.
Those crustaceous gladioli, on the sly,
reveal the crimson flower-flesh
inside their emerald armor plate.
The uncooked herrings blink a tearful eye.
The candles palpitate.
The Oistrakhs bow and scrape
in evening dress, on Emi-tape.
Outside the trees are bending over backwards
to please the wind : the shining sword
grass flattens on its belly.
The white-thorn's frillies offer no resistance.
In the fridge, a heart-shaped jelly
strives to keep a sense of balance.
I slice up the onions. You sew up a dress.
This is the quiet echo--flesh--
white muscle on white muscle,
intimately folded skin,
finished with a satin rustle.
One button only to undo, sewn up with shabby thread.
It is the onion, memory,
that makes me cry.
Because there's everything and nothing to be said,
the clock with hands held up before its face,
stammers softly on, trying to complete a phrase--
while we, together and apart,
repeat unfinished festures got by heart.
And afterwards, I blunder with the washing on the line--
headless torsos, faceless lovers, friends of mine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Onion, Memory by Craig Raine: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As a lover of poetry, I am always on the lookout for poems that evoke emotions and take me on an unforgettable journey. The Onion, Memory by Craig Raine is a perfect example of such a poem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, literary devices, and the overall structure of the poem.
Overview of the Poem
The Onion, Memory is a poem that explores the theme of memory and how it shapes our lives. It is a complex and layered poem that requires deep analysis to fully comprehend. The poem is divided into two parts, the first part is a description of the onion, while the second part is a reflection on the memories that the onion evokes.
Themes in the Poem
Memory is the overarching theme of the poem. The poet explores how memories can be triggered by everyday objects, like an onion. The onion is used as a metaphor for the layers of memories that we have. Just like an onion has multiple layers, memories also have multiple layers. The poet explores how these layers can be peeled away to reveal deeper and more profound memories.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the theme of loss. The poet explores how memories can remind us of things that we have lost. In the poem, the poet reflects on the loss of his mother and how memories of her are triggered by the onion that he is cutting.
Literary Devices Used in the Poem
The poet uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the meaning of the poem. Imagery is one of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem. The poet uses the image of the onion to evoke emotions and create a vivid picture in the mind of the reader. The image of the onion being peeled away layer by layer is used to symbolize the process of peeling away memories to reveal deeper and more profound ones.
The poet also uses metaphorical language to enhance the meaning of the poem. The onion is used as a metaphor for the layers of memories that we have. The poet also uses the image of a “ghost” to describe the memories that are evoked by the onion. This metaphorical language creates a sense of mystery and depth to the poem.
Another literary device that is used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase “I could see” is used to create a sense of continuity in the poem. It also emphasizes the importance of the memories that are being described.
Structure of the Poem
The poem is divided into two parts, the first part is a description of the onion, while the second part is a reflection on the memories that the onion evokes. The first part of the poem is structured as a list of descriptions. The poet describes the onion in detail, using sensory imagery to create a vivid picture in the mind of the reader.
The second part of the poem is more introspective. The poet reflects on the memories that are evoked by the onion. The structure of the second part of the poem is more fluid and less structured. The poet jumps from one memory to another, creating a sense of disjointedness that reflects the fragmented nature of memories.
Interpretation of the Poem
The Onion, Memory is a poem that explores the theme of memory and how it shapes our lives. The onion is used as a metaphor for the layers of memories that we have. The poet explores how memories can be triggered by everyday objects and how these memories can remind us of things that we have lost.
The image of the onion being peeled away layer by layer is used to symbolize the process of peeling away memories to reveal deeper and more profound ones. The repetition of the phrase “I could see” emphasizes the importance of the memories that are being described.
The second part of the poem is more introspective, reflecting on the memories that are evoked by the onion. The poet jumps from one memory to another, creating a sense of disjointedness that reflects the fragmented nature of memories.
Overall, The Onion, Memory is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the complexities of memory. It is a poem that evokes emotions and takes the reader on a journey through the layers of memories that we all have. Craig Raine has created an unforgettable poem that will stay with me for a long time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Onion, Memory: A Poem That Will Leave You Breathless
Craig Raine's The Onion, Memory is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is both beautiful and haunting, and it is one that will leave you breathless. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this masterpiece and explore its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker describing an onion. The onion is a metaphor for memory, and the speaker uses it to explore the idea of memory as something that is layered and complex. The first layer of the onion is described as "a moon wrapped in brown paper." This image is both beautiful and mysterious. The moon is a symbol of light and hope, but it is also a symbol of mystery and the unknown. The brown paper suggests that memory is something that is hidden and protected, something that is not easily accessible.
The second layer of the onion is described as "the eye of a little god." This image is both powerful and unsettling. The idea of memory being the eye of a god suggests that memory is something that is all-knowing and all-seeing. It is something that has the power to shape our lives and our identities. The fact that the god is little suggests that memory is something that is often overlooked or underestimated.
The third layer of the onion is described as "a squashed baby." This image is disturbing and unsettling. The idea of memory being a squashed baby suggests that memory is something that is fragile and vulnerable. It is something that can be easily damaged or destroyed. The fact that the baby is squashed suggests that memory is something that is often distorted or altered.
The fourth layer of the onion is described as "the hearts of lovers." This image is both romantic and tragic. The idea of memory being the hearts of lovers suggests that memory is something that is intimately connected to our emotions and our relationships. It is something that can bring us joy and happiness, but it can also bring us pain and heartbreak.
The fifth layer of the onion is described as "the soldiers' metal." This image is both powerful and ominous. The idea of memory being the soldiers' metal suggests that memory is something that is connected to war and conflict. It is something that can be used as a weapon or a shield. The fact that it is metal suggests that memory is something that is strong and enduring.
The sixth and final layer of the onion is described as "the tears of a clown." This image is both sad and ironic. The idea of memory being the tears of a clown suggests that memory is something that is often hidden behind a mask of humor or laughter. It is something that can be both joyful and painful at the same time.
Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid and powerful imagery to explore the idea of memory as something that is layered and complex. The onion metaphor is particularly effective because it allows the speaker to explore the different layers of memory in a way that is both beautiful and haunting.
In addition to its imagery, The Onion, Memory is also notable for its language. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the speaker to experiment with different rhythms and sounds. The poem is full of alliteration, assonance, and other sound devices that create a musical quality. For example, the line "the hearts of lovers" is full of soft, flowing sounds that create a sense of intimacy and tenderness.
The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The phrase "memory is" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition also emphasizes the idea that memory is something that is complex and multifaceted.
Finally, The Onion, Memory is notable for its themes. The poem explores the idea of memory as something that is both beautiful and painful. It suggests that memory is something that is intimately connected to our emotions and our relationships. It also suggests that memory is something that can be distorted or altered, and that it is something that can be used as a weapon or a shield.
In conclusion, Craig Raine's The Onion, Memory is a classic poem that is both beautiful and haunting. It is a poem that explores the idea of memory as something that is layered and complex, and it does so with vivid imagery, powerful language, and a sense of unity and coherence. If you have not yet read this masterpiece, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a poem that will leave you breathless.
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