'The Pact' by Sharon Olds
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We played dolls in that house where Father staggered with the
Thanksgiving knife, where Mother wept at noon into her one ounce of
cottage cheese, praying for the strength not to
kill herself. We kneeled over the
rubber bodies, gave them baths
carefully, scrubbed their little
orange hands, wrapped them up tight,
said goodnight, never spoke of the
woman like a gaping wound
weeping on the stairs, the man like a stuck
buffalo, baffled, stunned, dragging
arrows in his side. As if we had made a
pact of silence and safety, we kneeled and
dressed those tiny torsos with their elegant
belly-buttons and minuscule holes
high on the buttock to pee through and all that
darkness in their open mouths, so that I
have not been able to forgive you for giving your
daughter away, letting her go at
eight as if you took Molly Ann or
Tiny Tears and held her head
under the water in the bathinette
until no bubbles rose, or threw her
dark rosy body on the fire that
burned in that house where you and I
barely survived, sister, where we
swore to be protectors.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Pact: A Deep Dive into Sharon Olds' Poetry
When it comes to poetry, one cannot ignore the name Sharon Olds. The Pulitzer Prize winner is known for her bold, raw, and confessional verses that often touch upon taboo and sensitive topics. In her poem, "The Pact," Olds explores the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, delving into themes like love, sacrifice, and guilt. The poem is a masterpiece in its own right and deserves a detailed literary criticism and interpretation, which is what we are going to do today. So, fasten your seat belts and get ready for a literary ride!
The First Read: An Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the poem, let's first have a bird's eye view of it. "The Pact" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a mother and daughter who make a pact to kill the child within the daughter's womb. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza having eight lines. The poem's tone is serious, with an underlying sense of guilt and shame. The language is simple, with no use of complicated metaphors or high-flown vocabulary.
The Second Read: The Title and Its Significance
As we move beyond the surface level, the first thing that catches our attention is the title of the poem. "The Pact" is a loaded word that implies an agreement between two parties, often with a sinister motive. In this context, the pact is between the mother and daughter, who, in a way, collude to commit a heinous act- killing an unborn child. The title sets the tone for the entire poem and prepares the reader for the dark and disturbing story that unfolds.
The Third Read: The Narrator and The Speaker
As we read further, we realize that the poem is narrated from the perspective of the daughter. However, there is a subtle shift in the voice towards the end of the poem, where the mother takes over. The change in the voice is significant as it shows the mother's guilt and remorse, which is a crucial theme in the poem. The daughter's voice is calm and objective, whereas the mother's voice is emotional and distraught. The shift in the voice adds depth to the poem and makes it more poignant.
The Fourth Read: The Theme of Sacrifice
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is sacrifice. The daughter is willing to sacrifice her child for the sake of her mother's happiness. The lines, "I'll do it for you," and "I'll kill it because I love you," show the extent of the daughter's sacrifice. The daughter is not only giving up her child but also her dreams of motherhood. The mother, on the other hand, is willing to accept the sacrifice, but at a great cost- the guilt and shame that come with it. The theme of sacrifice is not only limited to the daughter and mother but also extends to the unborn child. The child is sacrificed for the sake of the mother's happiness and the daughter's sense of duty.
The Fifth Read: The Theme of Guilt and Shame
Another crucial theme in the poem is guilt and shame. The mother is consumed by guilt and shame for what she has asked her daughter to do. The line "I should have been sterile," shows the mother's regret and self-blame. The mother's guilt and shame are so intense that she cannot look at her daughter's face. The daughter, too, is consumed by guilt and shame for what she has done. The lines, "I thought it would make you/ happy," show the daughter's sense of duty towards her mother but also her guilt for killing her child. The theme of guilt and shame is prevalent throughout the poem and adds to its emotional depth.
The Sixth Read: The Theme of Love
Despite the dark and disturbing subject matter, the poem is ultimately about love. The daughter's sacrifice is driven by her love for her mother. The mother's guilt and shame stem from her love for her daughter and her unborn child. The lines, "You understand, it will be small, it will be/ duenne, thin, you can blot it out, you can/ kill it before it shows its face," show the mother's love for her daughter and her desire to protect her. The poem shows that love is not always a positive emotion and can often lead to sacrifice, guilt, and shame.
The Seventh Read: The Structure and Form
The poem's structure and form are simple, with three stanzas, each having eight lines. The simplicity of the structure and form reflects the straightforwardness of the poem's language and subject matter. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme or meter. The lack of rhyme and meter adds to the poem's conversational tone and makes it more accessible to the reader.
The Eighth Read: The Imagery and Symbolism
The poem's imagery and symbolism are sparse, with no use of elaborate metaphors or similes. However, there are a few instances where the poet uses imagery to drive home the poem's themes. The lines, "I thought it would make you/ happy," show the daughter's sacrifice, and the image of happiness underscores the theme of sacrifice. The lines, "You understand, it will be small, it will be/ duenne, thin, you can blot it out, you can/ kill it before it shows its face," show the mother's love for her daughter and her unborn child. The image of a small, thin child underscores the vulnerability of the unborn child and the mother's desire to protect it.
The Ninth Read: The Poet's Style and Technique
Sharon Olds' style and technique are unique and distinctive. She uses straightforward language and a conversational tone to explore complex and taboo topics. Her poems are often confessional, and she does not shy away from being vulnerable and honest. The poet uses enjambment to create a flowing rhythm and to add emphasis to certain words and phrases. The lack of punctuation adds to the conversational tone of the poem and makes it more accessible to the reader.
The Tenth Read: The Poem's Relevance Today
The Pact was written in 1980, but its themes are as relevant today as they were back then. The poem deals with the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship and the sacrifices that women make for the sake of their loved ones. The poem also touches upon the sensitive topic of abortion and the guilt and shame that come with it. These themes are still prevalent in today's society, and the poem's relevance is a testament to Sharon Olds' timeless poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Pact" is a powerful poem that explores complex themes like sacrifice, guilt, and love. The poem's simple structure and form, coupled with the poet's use of straightforward language and conversational tone, make it accessible to the reader. The poem's relevance today is a testament to Sharon Olds' timeless poetry, and her use of confessional style and technique is a hallmark of her unique voice. "The Pact" is a masterpiece in its own right and deserves to be studied and celebrated for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Pact: A Poem of Intense Emotion and Connection
Sharon Olds’ poem, The Pact, is a powerful and emotional piece that explores the deep connection between two individuals. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect and care for those they love. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as the emotions that it evokes in the reader.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a pact that she has made with another person. The pact is a promise to protect and care for each other, no matter what happens. The language used in this opening stanza is simple and direct, but it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word “pact” implies a deep and binding commitment, while the phrase “no matter what happens” suggests that the two individuals are willing to face any challenge together.
As the poem continues, the speaker describes the physical and emotional connection that she shares with the other person. The imagery used in this section is particularly powerful, as the speaker describes the other person’s body in intimate detail. The use of words like “muscle” and “bone” suggests a physical strength and resilience, while the phrase “the curve of your hip” implies a sensual and intimate connection.
The emotional connection between the two individuals is also explored in this section of the poem. The speaker describes the other person’s “heart” and “soul,” suggesting that their connection goes beyond the physical realm. The use of the word “soul” is particularly significant, as it implies a deep and spiritual connection between the two individuals.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the outside world. The speaker describes the challenges that they face as a couple, including “the world’s spite” and “the knife of the sun.” These lines suggest that the two individuals are facing external challenges that threaten their relationship. The use of the word “knife” is particularly powerful, as it implies a sharp and dangerous threat.
Despite these challenges, the speaker remains committed to the pact that they have made. She describes how they “hold each other up” and “stand back to back,” suggesting that they are united in their commitment to each other. The use of the phrase “stand back to back” is particularly significant, as it implies a sense of mutual protection and support.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes how she would “kill for” the other person, and how she would “die for” them as well. These lines suggest a willingness to do whatever it takes to protect and care for the other person. The use of the word “kill” is particularly striking, as it implies a willingness to commit violence in order to protect the other person.
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant. The speaker describes how they will “lie down in the grave” together, suggesting that their connection will endure even beyond death. The use of the word “together” is significant, as it implies a sense of unity and connection that transcends even the physical realm.
In conclusion, The Pact is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the deep connection between two individuals. The imagery used in the poem is particularly striking, as it suggests a physical and emotional connection that is both sensual and spiritual. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect and care for those they love. It is a beautiful and moving piece of poetry that is sure to resonate with readers on a deep and emotional level.
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