Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Duhamel’s poem "Assumptions" is an extensive, reflective exploration of the commonalities and universal experiences that bind people together, despite their diverse backgrounds and individual lives. Through a series of assumptions about the reader, Duhamel addresses a broad spectrum of human conditions and behaviors, creating a narrative that is both intimate and inclusive. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the inherent connections that exist among us, regardless of our unique personal stories.

The poem begins with fundamental, almost universally relatable assumptions: the workings of gravity, basic human anatomy, and familiar technological and social concepts. "First, I'm assuming that gravity is working. / That you're, at this moment, being pulled / towards the earth." This sets a tone of common ground, establishing a baseline of shared experience from which more personal and specific assumptions later build.

As the poem progresses, the assumptions delve deeper into human experience, touching on emotional, ethical, and existential themes. Duhamel touches on the mundane—"That you buy produce in stores, that you wash / the leaves of lettuce first"—to the profound—"That you think killing someone violently, / for no good reason, is wrong." Each line invites the reader to reflect on their own life, echoing the shared realities that define our existence, from routine practices to moral judgments.

Duhamel also addresses the concept of identity and self-perception, assuming roles and societal labels that the reader might relate to or reject: "That you define yourself / as boy or girl, man or woman." This highlights the complexity of individual identity within the universal human experience, acknowledging the personal narratives that both unite and differentiate us.

Furthermore, the poem subtly shifts to more introspective and contemplative assumptions, pondering the emotional and psychological landscapes of the reader: "That you can't always express what you feel. / That you've felt inadequate. / That you are sometimes hot, sometimes cold." These lines resonate with the internal struggles and common vulnerabilities that all people face, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and connection among readers.

Towards the conclusion, "Assumptions" explores the inevitability of mortality and the universal experiences surrounding death and legacy: "That both your fingernails / and hair will grow on after you die, / that you will indeed pass away, / that you will be buried or cremated." Here, Duhamel confronts the ultimate shared destiny of all human life, binding readers together in the most fundamental and existential way.

"Assumptions" is not just a list but a woven tapestry of human experience, highlighting the intricate and often overlooked threads that connect us. Denise Duhamel masterfully uses the poem to challenge the reader, encouraging a reflective journey through the everyday and the extraordinary aspects of life. By assuming commonality, the poem invites us to consider our similarities and the subtle ways in which our individual experiences are part of a larger, collective human story.

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