Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Sharon Olds' poem "The Enchantment," the speaker engages in a poignant dialogue with her mother, exploring the mother's perception of the speaker's childhood and uncovering layers of affection and self-understanding. The poem delves into themes of self-perception, maternal love, and the complex nature of familial bonds.

The poem opens with the speaker's question to her mother, "What was a good thing about me as a child?" This seemingly simple inquiry triggers a cascade of memories and emotions. The mother's face is described as unfurling "from the center, hibiscus in fast motion," evoking an image of a flower blooming rapidly with joy. This metaphor conveys the spontaneous and vibrant nature of her mother's recollection, suggesting a deep, almost involuntary pleasure in remembering the speaker's childhood.

The mother's response, "Oh you were enchanting," carries a weight of affection and admiration. The word "enchanting" initially perplexes the speaker, prompting her to question its meaning—"What do you mean — crazy? No sense of reality?" These self-deprecating questions reveal the speaker's insecurity and discomfort with praise, hinting at a fear of being perceived as flawed or inadequate. However, the mother's laughter, described with "many little notes — half a scale, plus grace notes," dismisses these concerns with a musical, lighthearted tone. She struggles to articulate what she means but insists on the word "enchanting," emphasizing its significance.

The speaker continues to probe, asking if she was "Possessed? Brain-damaged?" The mother's smile and response, "There was something about you— the way you looked at things," suggests a unique quality in the speaker's perspective. The speaker interprets this as a "stunned look," imagining herself as a child with a "dumbstruck look, gaze of someone who doesn't understand anything." This self-critical interpretation reveals a lack of confidence in her childhood self, viewing her innocence and curiosity as naivety or ignorance.

However, the poem takes a turn as the speaker reflects further. A week later, she reinterprets her childhood expression as a "look of wonder," characterized by "bemused pleasure." This shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance is a significant moment of self-realization. The speaker recognizes that her mother's description of her as "enchanting" was not a critique but an acknowledgment of a child's natural wonder and joy. This realization is deepened when the speaker perceives "that light on my mother's face," a revelation that her mother truly loved her. The mother did not see flaws but rather the charm and innocence of her child.

The poem concludes with a profound reflection on the mutual enchantment between mother and child. The speaker acknowledges that "The woman in whose thrall I am is in my thrall," illustrating the reciprocal nature of their relationship. This mutual influence and deep connection highlight the complexities of maternal love, where both parties hold a significant place in each other's lives. The speaker imagines her mother continuing to "caper" and "ensorcell" after they are gone, suggesting an eternal, magical bond that transcends physical presence.

"The Enchantment" is a tender exploration of a mother's love and a daughter's journey to understanding and accepting that love. Olds masterfully captures the nuances of familial relationships, the struggles with self-perception, and the profound impact of maternal affection. The poem's resolution, where the speaker embraces the idea of being "enchanting," reflects a reconciliation with her past and a deeper appreciation for the love that has shaped her. Through this intimate and reflective narrative, Olds conveys the timeless and transformative power of love within a family.

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