Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Orpheus and Eurydice" by Jorie Graham is a contemporary reimagining of the classical myth, exploring themes of love, loss, memory, and the irrevocable consequences of actions. Through vivid imagery and introspective narrative, the poem delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters.

The poem begins with Orpheus sensing an irresistible urge within himself: "Up ahead, I know, he felt it stirring in himself already, the glance, / the darting thing in the pile of rocks." This "darting thing" represents the fatal curiosity and doubt that will eventually lead to Eurydice's second death. The imagery of something shiny in the rubble, hissing questions, underscores the temptation and the internal conflict Orpheus faces.

The poem's narrative voice captures the urgency and inevitability of Orpheus's glance backward: "Did you want to remain / completely unharmed?—" This question suggests that remaining unharmed is impossible; the very nature of their journey and the human condition involves risk, harm, and the unknown.

As Orpheus contemplates turning back, the poem reveals his internal dialogue and his struggle with the notion of future and memory: "Because you see he could not be married to it anymore, this field with minutes in / it / called woman, its presence in him the thing called / future—could not be married to it anymore, expanse tugging his mind out into it, / tugging the wanting-to-finish out." The field represents Eurydice and the potential future they might have had together, which is now slipping away.

Eurydice, on the other hand, dreams of "disappearing into the seen / not of disappearing, lord, into the real." This distinction highlights her desire to become a part of Orpheus's memory and the idealized vision of her, rather than facing the harsh reality of their situation. Her longing to be remembered and seen, rather than forgotten in the tangible world, underscores the theme of memory versus reality.

The poem poignantly captures the moment of Orpheus's turn, the glance that seals Eurydice's fate: "up ahead, that wanting-to-turn-and- / cast-the-outline-over-her / by his glance, / sealing the edges down." This act of looking back, driven by love and a need for confirmation, becomes a moment of irrevocable loss. The images of the cypress swaying, the lake in the distance, and the aerial attack of memory ("do you / remember?") illustrate the overwhelming flood of memories and emotions that compel Orpheus to look back.

As Eurydice feels the effects of Orpheus's glance, she is described as being pulled from above, raising her eyes, and looking back into the eyes of her beloved: "now she’s raising her eyes, as if pulled from above, / now she’s looking back into it, into the poison the beginning." This moment signifies her acceptance of her fate and her final look into the past and the love they shared.

The poem concludes with a haunting image of a doorway open with nothing on either side, representing the threshold between life and death, reality and memory: "looking into that which sets the ___________ in motion and seeing in there / a doorway open nothing on either side." The slight wind and the notes from up the hill suggest the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable continuation of time and existence beyond their tragic story.

"Orpheus and Eurydice" by Jorie Graham masterfully reinterprets the ancient myth, capturing the timeless themes of love, memory, and loss. Through its rich imagery and introspective narrative, the poem invites readers to reflect on the fragile nature of human relationships and the profound impact of our choices and actions.

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