Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "His Stillness," Sharon Olds offers a poignant and introspective reflection on her father's response to the finality of his terminal illness diagnosis. The poem captures a moment of profound emotional gravity, revealing the complexities of the speaker's relationship with her father and her perceptions of his character. Through understated language and a focus on quiet dignity, Olds explores themes of mortality, dignity, and the often-hidden depths of human resilience.

The poem begins with the doctor delivering a stark and unambiguous message to the speaker's father: "you asked me to tell you when nothing more could be done. / That’s what I’m telling you now." This declaration sets the stage for the father's response, which is unexpectedly calm and composed. Contrary to the speaker's anticipation that her father would "rave" or "wave his arms and cry out," he remains "quite still," embodying a serene acceptance. This stillness is immediately striking, as it contrasts with the usual expectations of despair or denial in the face of death. The description of the father as "thin, and clean, in his clean gown, / like a holy man" elevates his stillness to a form of spiritual grace, suggesting a transcendent acceptance of his fate.

The father's response, "Thank you," to the doctor's grim prognosis further emphasizes his composed demeanor. This simple expression of gratitude highlights his acceptance of reality and his appreciation for the honesty and clarity with which the doctor communicates. The father's motionless state, described as possessing "the dignity of a foreign leader," conveys a sense of strength and poise that surprises the speaker. This comparison to a dignitary suggests that the father, in his quietude, commands a presence and respect that the speaker had perhaps not fully appreciated before.

The speaker's proximity to her father during this moment—sitting beside him—underscores the intimacy and emotional weight of the situation. Her reflection, "This was my father," marks a moment of recognition and revelation. It is as if the speaker is seeing her father in a new light, acknowledging aspects of his character that were previously overlooked or misunderstood. The realization that "he had known he was mortal" and had faced his mortality with quiet strength contradicts the speaker's fears of him reacting violently or needing to be restrained. This acknowledgment of his longstanding ability to "hold still and keep quiet to bear things" suggests a newfound respect and understanding of her father's inner resilience.

The mention of "the liquor a way to keep still" introduces a complex layer to the father's character. It hints at a history of coping mechanisms that may have masked his true nature or served as a means of maintaining composure. This detail adds depth to the speaker's realization that she "had not known him," highlighting the often-hidden aspects of a person's life and the barriers to fully understanding those closest to us.

As the poem concludes, the speaker reflects on the transformative impact of this moment. The phrase "at the end of his life his life began / to wake in me" suggests a profound awakening within the speaker, sparked by witnessing her father's dignified acceptance of death. This awakening signifies a deep emotional and perhaps spiritual connection, a recognition of the strength and dignity that had always been present in her father, now resonating within her.

"His Stillness" is a contemplative and moving exploration of the complexities of human dignity in the face of mortality. Sharon Olds uses simple yet powerful language to capture a moment of profound clarity and acceptance, challenging preconceived notions about how individuals confront death. The poem reflects on the speaker's evolving understanding of her father, acknowledging the quiet strength he possessed and the impact of his composure on her own sense of self. Through this intimate portrayal, Olds invites readers to consider the deeper, often unspoken aspects of character and the ways in which facing the end of life can reveal unexpected strengths and vulnerabilities.

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