Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Argument" by Conrad Aiken is a complex and deeply introspective poem that grapples with the profound theme of grief and its universality across both human and non-human experiences. The poem is structured in a series of alternating sections, each presenting contrasting perspectives on the nature and depth of suffering.

The poem’s structure, with its alternating viewpoints, serves to highlight the complex and often contradictory nature of human understanding of grief. The rhyme scheme [AABBCCDD] and rhythmic flow of the poem add to its contemplative nature, allowing Aiken to weave a tapestry of imagery and emotion that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

In the first section, Aiken challenges the notion that human grief is paramount, comparing it to the natural world's suffering. He uses vivid and emotive imagery – the faltering bee, the trapped sparrow – to illustrate the acute pain experienced by creatures in nature. This comparison serves to minimize human suffering, suggesting that it is no more significant than the natural world's everyday tragedies.

The second section shifts the perspective, emphasizing the unique depth of human suffering due to our consciousness and self-awareness. Aiken argues that human grief is more profound because we understand and reflect upon our suffering. This notion is exemplified through the imagery of saving a bee and setting it free, yet being unable to alleviate the widespread suffering symbolized by the multitude dying on Calvary. The references to Hymettus and Calvary are particularly evocative, drawing on historical and religious imagery to underscore the depth and range of human emotion.

The third section appears to counter the arguments presented earlier, suggesting that every creature experiences the full extent of pain that it is capable of bearing. Aiken proposes that pain is relative to the experiencer's capacity, whether it be a bird, a flower, or a human. This section’s argument is grounded in the idea that pain is an absolute experience for each individual, irrespective of their level of consciousness.

In the fourth section, Aiken delves deeper into human suffering, observing profound sorrow and resilience in the face of adversity. He references Shakespeare, a symbol of human artistic expression, to illustrate how deep and complex human grief can be, capable of filling volumes and affecting generations.

The final section returns to the poem's initial argument, reiterating that human suffering is not greater than the pain experienced by the smallest creatures. Aiken uses the imagery of an ant experiencing pain and historical figures like Socrates to emphasize that grief and suffering are universal experiences, shared across all forms of life.

"Argument" by Conrad Aiken is a masterful exploration of grief, challenging readers to contemplate the nature of suffering. Aiken’s use of vivid imagery, rhythmic structure, and a rhyming scheme creates a lyrical and haunting meditation on the universality of pain. The poem’s alternating sections serve to present a multifaceted view of suffering, ultimately suggesting that grief, in all its forms, is a fundamental aspect of the living experience.

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