Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"They" by Marvin Bell is a reflective and introspective poem that delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the relationship between the self and the external world. Through the metaphor of pruning a tree to make it appear more "common," Bell explores the tension between individuality and conformity, the desire for understanding, and the quest for meaning in one's actions.

The poem begins with the speaker's acknowledgment of their destiny to prune a single tree, aiming to make it resemble its ordinary counterparts more closely. This task, which the speaker continues to undertake, symbolizes the ongoing effort to shape and define oneself or one's work in a manner that aligns with broader societal norms or expectations, yet the repetition of this task suggests a certain futility or questioning of its ultimate purpose.

The suggestion that the speaker allow themselves to be tattooed all over and become a tree themselves introduces the idea of complete identification with one's work or obsession. However, the speaker rejects this notion, asserting that such an act would result in the loss of their individuality ("But that wouldn’t be me") and, importantly, the loss of their desire as a separate entity from the object of their desire. This distinction emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinction between the self and the other, even as one seeks to understand or control the latter.

Bell's rhetorical question, "What do they think this is all about?" challenges the assumptions or expectations of others regarding the speaker's actions and motivations. The assertion that "Nothing was known before I came to know it" highlights the subjective nature of knowledge and understanding, suggesting that the speaker's engagement with the tree (or their work) brings its own unique meaning and purpose.

The speaker's declaration that "The purpose of a tree is that I have given it" underscores the idea that meaning is constructed, not inherent. By shaping the tree to be "the same result of chaos" and "so completely known it may be overlooked," the speaker reflects on the paradoxical nature of their endeavor: to fully know or define something is to risk rendering it ordinary or invisible. This speaks to the broader human condition of seeking to impose order and meaning on the world, only to find that such clarity can sometimes lead to a loss of wonder or significance.

"They" is a contemplative exploration of the self's relationship with the act of creation and the external world. Through the lens of pruning a tree, Marvin Bell invites readers to consider the complexities of identity, desire, and the search for meaning in a world that defies easy understanding. The poem navigates the delicate balance between shaping and being shaped by our surroundings, ultimately questioning the nature of purpose and the desire for recognition in the face of an indifferent universe.

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