Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser’s poem "F. O. M. (The Death of Matthiessen)" reflects on the life and tragic death of Francis Otto Matthiessen, a significant literary critic and historian. Matthiessen, known for his work on American Renaissance literature, committed suicide in 1950. Rukeyser's poem not only mourns his passing but also delves into the complexities of life, death, and the human condition. By integrating more context about Matthiessen into the analysis, we can deepen our understanding of the poem's themes and the significance of Matthiessen's legacy.

Francis Otto Matthiessen was a prominent figure in American literary scholarship, particularly known for his seminal work "American Renaissance: Art and Expression in the Age of Emerson and Whitman" (1941). This book profoundly influenced the study of 19th-century American literature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of major literary figures such as Emerson, Whitman, Hawthorne, Melville, and Thoreau. Matthiessen's scholarship underscored the cultural and intellectual contributions of these writers, solidifying their place in the American literary canon.

In the opening lines of "F. O. M. (The Death of Matthiessen)," Rukeyser captures the intensity of Matthiessen's inner life and the broader societal struggles: "It was much stronger than they said. Noisier. / Everything in it more colored. Wilder. / More at the center calm." This vivid portrayal suggests that Matthiessen's experiences, both personal and professional, were far more tumultuous and vivid than publicly acknowledged. His work, which dealt with profound themes and complex literary figures, may have mirrored his own internal conflicts and the societal challenges of his time.

Matthiessen was not only a literary scholar but also a committed social activist. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was stigmatized and criminalized, and he was involved in progressive political causes, including labor rights and civil liberties. The line "Everything was more violent than ever they said, / Who tried to guard us from suicide and life" reflects the intense pressures and prejudices Matthiessen faced, which may have contributed to his despair and ultimate decision to end his life. The poem criticizes society's failure to address the profound struggles of individuals, particularly those who, like Matthiessen, were marginalized.

Rukeyser’s description of "descent figures stand about the horizon" could be interpreted as the looming presence of death and the mental anguish that Matthiessen experienced. His suicide was not just a personal tragedy but a reflection of the broader existential crises faced by intellectuals and activists during a time of intense political and social upheaval. The poem’s acknowledgment of "the living faces, / The storm, the morning, all more than they ever said" suggests that Matthiessen's life and work were filled with a depth of experience and insight that transcended ordinary perceptions.

By invoking "the new dead, that friend who died today, / Angel of suicides, gather him in now," Rukeyser portrays Matthiessen as a tragic figure who succumbed to overwhelming pressures. This invocation serves both as a plea for peace for Matthiessen’s troubled soul and as a call for understanding and compassion towards those who struggle with similar despair. Rukeyser’s reference to Matthiessen as an "Angel of suicides" imbues him with a sense of tragic nobility, acknowledging the profound pain he endured.

The concluding lines, "Defend us from doing what he had to do / Who threw himself away," emphasize the need to address the underlying causes of such despair and to provide support for those facing similar challenges. Rukeyser's plea highlights the importance of recognizing and mitigating the societal and personal pressures that can lead to such tragic outcomes.

In "F. O. M. (The Death of Matthiessen)," Muriel Rukeyser not only mourns the loss of a brilliant scholar and friend but also critiques the societal conditions that contributed to his despair. By situating Matthiessen within the broader context of his scholarly contributions and his struggles as an activist and marginalized individual, Rukeyser’s poem serves as a powerful meditation on the complexities of life, the impact of societal pressures, and the enduring need for compassion and understanding. Through her evocative language and imagery, Rukeyser invites readers to reflect on the profound interconnectedness of intellectual, personal, and social dimensions of human experience.

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