'This Is Just To Say' by William Carlos Williams


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I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

Editor 1 Interpretation

This Is Just To Say: An Exciting Interpretation

William Carlos Williams' poem "This Is Just To Say" is a beautiful example of how a simple and seemingly mundane moment can be elevated to an art form. With just a few words, Williams creates a vivid picture of a man stealing plums from the refrigerator, and the guilt he feels afterwards.

The Form of the Poem

One of the first things to notice about "This Is Just To Say" is its form. The poem is only four lines long, with each line consisting of just a few words. This minimalist approach gives the poem a sense of simplicity and directness that perfectly mirrors the situation it describes.

But there's more to the poem's form than just its brevity. The poem is written in free verse, which means it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, Williams relies on the natural rhythm of the words themselves to create a sense of musicality.

For example, in the first line, the repetition of the "I" sound in "I have eaten" and "the plums" gives the line a lilting, almost playful tone. And in the third line, the repetition of "forgive me" creates a sense of pleading that tugs at the heartstrings.

The Imagery of the Poem

But what really makes "This Is Just To Say" stand out is its imagery. Williams paints a vivid picture of the plums themselves, describing them as "so sweet / and so cold." These words evoke a sense of freshness and juiciness that makes the plums all the more tempting.

But the imagery doesn't stop there. Williams also gives us a sense of the setting, with the reference to the "icebox" and the "breakfast table." These details create a sense of familiarity and comfort that make the act of stealing the plums all the more poignant.

And of course, there's the guilt. Williams doesn't describe the act of stealing the plums directly, but the implication is clear. The speaker knows he's done something wrong, and the repetition of "forgive me" in the third line drives that point home.

Interpretation of the Poem

So what does "This Is Just To Say" mean? On the surface, it's a simple apology for stealing plums. But there's more going on here than just a simple act of contrition.

One interpretation of the poem is that it's about the complexities of human relationships. The speaker knows he's done something wrong, but he also knows that the person he's apologizing to will forgive him. There's a sense of trust and intimacy here that speaks to the depth of their connection.

But there's also a sense of distance. The speaker doesn't say who he's apologizing to, or what their relationship is. There's a sense of anonymity that creates a barrier between them.

Another interpretation is that the poem is about the beauty of everyday moments. Williams takes a mundane act like stealing plums and turns it into a work of art. There's a sense of wonder and appreciation here that speaks to the power of poetry to transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Conclusion

In the end, "This Is Just To Say" is a poem that rewards deep reading and interpretation. Despite its brevity and simplicity, it contains multitudes. Whether you see it as a meditation on human relationships or a celebration of everyday beauty, there's no denying the power of Williams' words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

This Is Just To Say: A Delectable Analysis of William Carlos Williams' Classic Poem

If you're a fan of poetry, then you've probably come across William Carlos Williams' classic poem, "This Is Just To Say." It's a short, sweet, and delectable piece that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

First, let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:

I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox

and which you were probably saving for breakfast

Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold

At first glance, "This Is Just To Say" seems like a simple note left on the kitchen counter. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there's much more going on here than meets the eye.

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter. This gives Williams the freedom to play with the structure of the poem and create a sense of spontaneity and informality. The short lines and lack of punctuation also contribute to this effect, making the poem feel like a casual conversation between two people.

But despite its casual tone, "This Is Just To Say" is a poem that's full of tension and conflict. The speaker has eaten the plums that were meant for someone else, and they're asking for forgiveness. The fact that the plums were in the icebox, and that the speaker knew they were being saved for breakfast, adds an extra layer of guilt to the situation.

The poem is also full of sensory details that bring the plums to life. The speaker describes them as "so sweet and so cold," which creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. The use of the word "delicious" also adds to the sensory experience, as it implies that the plums were not only tasty but also satisfying in some deeper way.

One of the most interesting things about "This Is Just To Say" is the way that it plays with the idea of apology. The speaker is clearly asking for forgiveness, but they're doing it in a way that's almost playful. The repetition of the phrase "forgive me" creates a sense of rhythm and humor, as if the speaker is trying to make light of the situation.

But at the same time, there's a sense of sincerity in the speaker's words. They're not just apologizing for the sake of it; they genuinely feel bad about what they've done. This creates a sense of complexity in the poem, as the speaker's emotions are not easily defined or categorized.

Another interesting aspect of "This Is Just To Say" is the way that it subverts our expectations. We might expect a poem about plums to be light and whimsical, but instead, we get a poem that's full of tension and conflict. We might expect an apology to be straightforward and sincere, but instead, we get a poem that's playful and ambiguous.

This subversion of expectations is what makes "This Is Just To Say" such a powerful poem. It challenges us to look beyond the surface level and explore the deeper meanings and emotions that lie beneath.

In conclusion, "This Is Just To Say" is a deceptively simple poem that's full of complexity and depth. Through its use of free verse, sensory details, and playful language, it creates a sense of tension and conflict that's both engaging and thought-provoking. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this classic poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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