'The Broom' by Lee Upton


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The rocks shone like emery boards,
reflective ruins.
Ceremonial without great effort—
like the swaying of a great rope bridge
over a ravine,
or mushrooms that suddenly
pry upward, the size of cabbages,
footstools,
to reveal the tip
of a lost continent,
the way the broom
in a pantry dumbly speaks.
It is a mule of words—
useful for wresting under edges,
unsupplanted,
as if straw were dried fire and a match
a way of watering it.
Because of dead leaves
I can hear
when people walk on my lawn.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Broom: A Masterpiece of Symbolism and Metaphor

The Broom is a poem written by Lee Upton, a renowned American poet and writer. The poem is a masterpiece of symbolism and metaphor, exploring the themes of life, death, and renewal. The poem takes us on a journey through the life of a broom, from its creation to its eventual demise, and along the way, we are treated to a rich tapestry of images and emotions that capture the essence of what it means to be alive.

The Life of a Broom

The poem begins with the creation of the broom, as the speaker describes the process of binding together the straw and the twigs. The broom is then put to use, sweeping the floor and gathering up the dirt and debris of daily life. We are told that the broom "works its way through the world," a powerful image that suggests the broom is more than just an inanimate object - it is a living, breathing presence.

As the broom goes about its work, it becomes worn and frayed, and the speaker tells us that "its bristles fray like hair/and soon the handle splinters." This is a powerful metaphor for the inevitability of aging and decay, and it is clear that the broom is not immune to the ravages of time.

Death and Renewal

As the broom nears the end of its life, the speaker tells us that "the straw must be plucked out/and the twigs burned." This is a powerful image of death and destruction, but it is also a necessary part of the cycle of life. The broom must be destroyed so that it can be renewed, and the speaker tells us that "new straw and twigs/will be gathered up and bound together/and the broom will be made new once more."

This image of renewal is a powerful one, and it suggests that even in the face of death and destruction, there is always the possibility of new life and growth. The broom may be destroyed, but it will rise again, renewed and reborn.

The Power of Symbolism

One of the most striking things about The Broom is the power of its symbolism. The broom is not just a broom - it is a symbol of life itself, a representation of the human experience with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures.

The broom is a powerful image of the passage of time, and it reminds us that nothing in this world is permanent. But at the same time, it is a symbol of renewal and rebirth, and it reminds us that even in the face of death and destruction, there is always the possibility of new life and growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Broom is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of life, death, and renewal through the powerful symbolism of a broom. It is a testament to Lee Upton's skill as a poet that she is able to take a mundane object and turn it into a rich and powerful symbol of the human experience.

Whether you are a fan of poetry or just someone who appreciates the beauty of language, The Broom is a must-read. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have put it down, a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Broom: An Analysis of Lee Upton's Classic Poem

Lee Upton's poem, The Broom, is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is both simple and complex, with layers of meaning that can be interpreted in different ways. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

The poem begins with a simple image of a broom, "leaning against the wall." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is focused on the idea of domesticity and the role of women in the home. The broom is a symbol of the work that women do in the home, and the fact that it is "leaning" suggests that this work is often overlooked or undervalued.

As the poem continues, we see that the broom is not just a symbol of domestic work, but also of the passage of time. The broom is described as "old" and "worn," suggesting that it has been in use for a long time. This idea is reinforced by the line "it has swept up many things," which implies that the broom has been used to clean up messes and debris over the years.

The imagery in the poem is also significant. The broom is described as having "straw-colored bristles," which creates a visual image of the broom in the reader's mind. This image is important because it helps to reinforce the idea of the broom as a symbol of domestic work. The bristles are also described as "stiff," which suggests that the work of cleaning is not easy or pleasant.

The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also rich with meaning. The repetition of the word "broom" throughout the poem creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also reinforces the idea of the broom as a symbol of domestic work, as it is a word that is often associated with cleaning and tidying.

The poem also contains a number of metaphors and similes that add depth to the imagery. For example, the broom is compared to a "horse's tail," which creates a visual image of the broom as a powerful tool that can be used to control and direct things. The broom is also compared to a "witch's broom," which adds a sense of mystery and magic to the poem.

One of the most significant themes in the poem is the idea of gender roles and the role of women in the home. The broom is a symbol of the work that women do in the home, and the fact that it is "leaning" suggests that this work is often overlooked or undervalued. The poem also suggests that this work is difficult and unpleasant, as evidenced by the description of the broom's "stiff" bristles.

Another theme in the poem is the passage of time. The broom is described as "old" and "worn," suggesting that it has been in use for a long time. This idea is reinforced by the line "it has swept up many things," which implies that the broom has been used to clean up messes and debris over the years. This theme is significant because it suggests that the work of women in the home is ongoing and never-ending.

In conclusion, Lee Upton's poem, The Broom, is a classic piece of literature that explores the themes of gender roles and the passage of time. The broom is a symbol of the work that women do in the home, and the fact that it is "leaning" suggests that this work is often overlooked or undervalued. The imagery and language used in the poem are simple but rich with meaning, and the repetition of the word "broom" creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. Overall, The Broom is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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