Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“The Visitant” by Theodore Roethke is a haunting and mysterious poem that explores themes of mortality, fear, and the unknown. The poem begins with the speaker describing a strange presence that has entered his room, causing him to feel uneasy and fearful. The presence is described as being invisible, yet powerful and overwhelming.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his own mortality, acknowledging that death is an inevitability that he cannot escape. The visitant, in a way, represents death itself, a mysterious and terrifying force that can come for us at any time. The speaker tries to resist the visitant, but ultimately realizes that he must accept his fate and surrender to the unknown.

Roethke’s use of vivid imagery and unsettling language creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the poem. The short, fragmented lines and irregular rhyme scheme contribute to the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that the speaker experiences.

Overall, “The Visitant” is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling poem that leaves the reader with a sense of dread and uncertainty. Its exploration of mortality and the unknown makes it a powerful and memorable work in Roethke’s oeuvre.

Date: 1964

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