Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Old Professor" by Dora Sigerson Shorter paints a vivid picture of an elderly academic figure, absorbed in his intellectual pursuits to the extent that he is disconnected from his immediate surroundings, including his family. Through its detailed imagery, the poem evokes a poignant meditation on the contrasts between intellectual obsession and the simple beauty of nature, family, and life itself.

Themes

Intellectual Obsession: The protagonist's character is marked by an overwhelming preoccupation with the intellectual and historical past. This obsession is symbolized by his "frowning brow," "far and absent gaze," and the continuous pulling of his "long beard." It's a critique of the academic's detachment from the present moment, a condition that leads him to miss the beauty in the world around him.

Neglect of Family: Alongside the professor walks his family - his wife and child. The imagery of a wife whose beauty has faded with the passing years, and a daughter blossoming into womanhood, underlines the neglect they have suffered due to his preoccupation. His daughter's "young shy eyes" and his wife's "wistful lamp within her eyes" serve as painful reminders of their longing for his attention.

Nature vs. The Intellectual: The imagery of the lark, the daffodil, and the spring sunshine contrasts sharply with the musty past the professor is consumed by. Nature is alive, vibrant, and connected to the divine ("God's blue stairs"), while the professor's pursuits are likened to a "moth" feeding upon a shroud or a "worm" creeping from an ancient scroll.

Structure and Style

The poem employs an ABCB rhyme scheme, providing a lyrical quality that enhances the reading experience. This pattern lends a sense of continuity and flow to the text, subtly underscoring the repetitive nature of the professor's actions and the unchanging, stagnant quality of his life. The ABCB rhyme pattern and the rich imagery collaborate to illustrate the contrasts between the professor's intellectual world and the vibrant life that continues around him, unobserved and unappreciated.

Historical and Cultural Context

At a broader level, the poem can be seen as a comment on the academic culture of the time, perhaps reflecting societal concern about the isolation of intellectual pursuits from everyday life and emotions. It raises questions about the value of knowledge that is disconnected from human experience and the consequences of intellectual elitism.

Conclusion

"The Old Professor" is a poignant exploration of the conflict between intellectual passion and human connection. Through its rich imagery and thoughtful contrasts, it offers a reflection on what can be lost when one becomes consumed by scholarly pursuits. By juxtaposing the vibrant world of nature and the warmth of family with the dry, lifeless past that fascinates the professor, Shorter provides a profound commentary on the balance between mind and heart. Ultimately, the poem serves as a warning about the potential costs of losing oneself in the intellectual maze, neglecting the beauty and love that life has to offer.

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