Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Better" is a meditation on the nature of suffering, agency, and the quest for clarity in a world that often provides none. The poem is characterized by its spare, almost conversational tone, paired with sharp observations that reveal an existential unease. Creeley uses rhetorical questioning and disjointed reflections to explore the notion of what it means for something to be "better," challenging conventional wisdom on dignity, suffering, and truth.

The poem opens with a question: "Would it be better piecemeal, a little now and then, or could one get inside and hide there, wait for it to end." This initial question introduces the theme of suffering and the different ways it might be approached. "Piecemeal, a little now and then" suggests enduring pain in small, manageable doses over time. This implies a gradual, fragmented way of dealing with hardship, hinting at the endurance of suffering in small, steady increments. On the other hand, the alternative—"could one get inside and hide there, wait for it to end"—presents a retreat, an attempt to escape the pain by seeking refuge and waiting it out. This reflects a desire to avoid actively confronting the suffering, instead choosing to withdraw from it.

The line "No one’s doing anything to you. It’s just there’s nothing they can do for you." shifts the perspective, focusing on the external world’s response to suffering. The speaker suggests that the pain or hardship is not caused by others but rather exists independently of external actions. The distinction between "to you" and "for you" implies a lack of agency or support—those around the speaker are neither causing harm nor capable of alleviating it. This emphasizes the isolating nature of suffering, where others are powerless to intervene, and the individual is left alone to endure their own experience.

The question "Better with dignity to die?" introduces the idea of how one should approach the inevitable end. The reference to "dignity" implies a desire for a noble or honorable way of facing death, suggesting that there might be value in maintaining composure and control even in the face of the ultimate loss. This reflects a common cultural value, but the phrasing of the question leaves it open-ended, as if the speaker is uncertain whether this is truly the best course of action. It suggests an internal debate on the value of dignity versus other possible ways of coping with the reality of death.

The next line, "Better rhetoric would clarify," points to the inadequacy of language in providing meaningful answers. The term "rhetoric" refers to the art of persuasive speaking or writing, implying that the right words could perhaps make sense of the situation, but there is skepticism here as well. The speaker suggests that clearer language might provide some comfort or understanding, but at the same time, there is an implicit critique—perhaps the idea that even the most skillful rhetoric is ultimately insufficient in addressing the fundamental questions of suffering and death.

The final line, "‘Better Business Bureaus’ lie," introduces a sudden and ironic turn. The "Better Business Bureau" is an institution associated with consumer trust and accountability, but Creeley uses this reference to underscore a sense of disillusionment. By stating that the "Better Business Bureaus lie," the speaker suggests that institutions or entities that promise to ensure fairness and reliability are, in fact, deceptive. This line serves as a critique of the broader systems that claim to provide solutions or clarity, hinting at the inherent dishonesty in structures that offer a simplistic notion of what is "better."

Throughout "Better," Creeley challenges the notion of what it means for something to improve or be better. Each proposed idea is met with doubt or ambiguity—piecemeal suffering versus hiding from it, dying with dignity versus rhetorical solutions, and even institutions meant to assure "better" outcomes ultimately lying. The poem reflects an existential skepticism, questioning whether there is any clear or definitive answer to the problem of suffering and how to endure it.

The poem’s fragmented structure and abrupt transitions mirror the disjointed nature of the speaker’s thought process, capturing the struggle to find meaning or clarity amidst confusion and pain. The repetition of the word "better" highlights the theme of seeking improvement or resolution, but the poem ultimately suggests that there may be no satisfactory answer—only questions, possibilities, and the stark reality of a world where suffering is inevitable and where conventional wisdom, rhetoric, and societal institutions fail to provide solace.

"Better" serves as a reflection on the futility of seeking absolute solutions to existential problems. Creeley';s use of rhetorical questions and irony challenges the reader to confront the limitations of language, culture, and institutions in making sense of suffering. The poem invites readers to consider that perhaps the search for what is "better" is itself fraught with contradictions and uncertainties, leaving us with the uncomfortable truth that some aspects of existence simply defy resolution.

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