'Some Like Poetry' by Wislawa Szymborska
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Some -
thus not all. Not even the majority of all but the minority.
Not counting schools, where one has to,
and the poets themselves,
there might be two people per thousand.
Like -
but one also likes chicken soup with noodles,
one likes compliments and the color blue,
one likes an old scarf,
one likes having the upper hand,
one likes stroking a dog.
Poetry -
but what is poetry.
Many shaky answers
have been given to this question.
But I don't know and don't know and hold on to it
like to a sustaining railing.
Translated by Regina Grol
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Some Like Poetry: A Deep Dive into Wislawa Szymborska's Classic Poem
Are you a poetry enthusiast? Do you like to ponder over the layers of meaning in each verse? If so, then you must have come across Wislawa Szymborska's "Some Like Poetry" at some point in your literary journey. This classic poem reflects upon the nature of poetry and its role in our lives. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the nuances of this poem, exploring its themes, poetic devices, and the various interpretations it has spawned.
The Poem: Some Like Poetry
Before we begin our analysis, let's first read the poem in its entirety:
Some –
thus not all. Not even the majority of all but the minority.
Not counting schools, where one has to,
and the poets themselves,
there might be two people per thousand.
Like –
but what is it they like?
Statement that it hurts a little?
Statement that they’re different from chairs?
Or statement that honey is honey?
As for wanting to have a poem in one’s pocket,
to be able to say to oneself, “All right, I’m entering the subway, but at least I’ve got my poem along”
–
we’ll leave that to the conscience of the individual.
Touching –
but why? A bit of cunning, a bit of masochism, a bit of fear.
Of great importance here is the fact
that many often admire only poetry
subordinated to their own views,
poetry that confirms what they knew before,
poetry that speaks only of itself.
The innocence of poetry,
its free ranging play
in the past hundred years
has been so abused
that one has to be careful not to touch it
quite soiled as it is
with all sorts of captions and notes.
But let’s leave the poetry alone
since it’s a cry of its own making
and reach for a glass and a piece of cheese
and pick up a book with a title on Macrame
or some other such shit.
Themes and Interpretations
At first glance, the poem seems to be a skeptic's take on the relevance of poetry in contemporary society. The speaker notes that only a minority of people appreciate poetry, and questions what it is that these select few like about it. The line "Statement that they’re different from chairs?" almost seems like a sarcastic dig at the pretentiousness that some people associate with poetry. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there are several layers of interpretation at play here.
The Nature of Poetry
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the nature of poetry itself. The speaker notes that despite its "innocence" and "free-ranging play," poetry has been subordinated to people's pre-existing views and has been soiled with "captions and notes." This seems like a critique of how poetry has been co-opted by various ideologies and belief systems throughout history. The reference to "poetry that speaks only of itself" could be an allusion to the self-referential nature of some poetry, where the language and structure of the poem become more important than the message itself.
The Role of the Reader
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the role of the reader in interpreting poetry. The speaker notes that many people admire only poetry that confirms what they already know, that speaks to their worldview. This could be seen as a commentary on how we approach art in general - do we seek out art that challenges us and makes us question our assumptions, or do we seek out art that reinforces our beliefs?
The Value of Poetry
Despite the initial skepticism towards poetry, the poem ends on a somewhat ambiguous note. The speaker suggests that we leave poetry alone and reach for "a glass and a piece of cheese / and pick up a book with a title on Macrame / or some other such shit." This could be interpreted as a dismissal of poetry's value, but it could also be seen as a resignation to the fact that poetry is not for everyone. The image of someone carrying a poem in their pocket and taking solace in its words is a powerful one, and suggests that even if poetry is not widely appreciated, it still has value for those who do appreciate it.
Poetic Devices
As with any poem, there are several poetic devices at play in "Some Like Poetry" that contribute to its meaning and impact. Let's take a look at some of them:
Repetition
The repetition of the word "statement" in the second stanza creates a sense of uncertainty and anxiety around the nature of poetry. The speaker seems unsure of what it is that people like about poetry, and the repetition of the word emphasizes this uncertainty.
Irony
There are several instances of irony in the poem that contribute to its overall tone. For example, the line "the innocence of poetry" is followed immediately by a critique of how poetry has been co-opted by various ideologies. This contrast between innocence and corruption creates a sense of unease around the idea of poetry.
Juxtaposition
The final stanza of the poem is a masterclass in juxtaposition. The image of someone carrying a poem in their pocket and the subsequent dismissal of poetry as "such shit" creates a sense of cognitive dissonance. The reader is left wondering what the true value of poetry is, and whether it is worth defending or not.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Some Like Poetry" is a deceptively simple poem that packs a punch. Through its nuanced exploration of the nature of poetry, the role of the reader, and the value of art, the poem asks us to question our assumptions about what poetry is and why it matters. The poetic devices at play in the poem contribute to its overall impact, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty that lingers long after the final stanza. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or a skeptic, there is something in this poem for everyone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Some Like Poetry: An Analysis of Wislawa Szymborska's Classic Poem
Wislawa Szymborska's poem "Some Like Poetry" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its place in the world. This poem is a celebration of poetry and its power to inspire, move, and transform us. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the line "Some - thus not all." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing that poetry is not for everyone. It is a niche art form that appeals to a select few. The speaker then goes on to describe the different types of people who like poetry. The first group is "those who like chattering and the silence that follows." These are people who enjoy the sound of words and the way they can create a sense of stillness and peace. They appreciate the way poetry can transport them to a different world, away from the noise and chaos of everyday life.
The second group of people who like poetry are "those who look up at the sky." These are people who are fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the universe. They see poetry as a way to explore the unknown and to connect with something greater than themselves. They appreciate the way poetry can capture the essence of nature and the cosmos, and how it can evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
The third group of people who like poetry are "those who don't believe in anything." These are people who are skeptical of religion, politics, and other forms of authority. They see poetry as a way to express their doubts and uncertainties, and to explore the complexities of the human experience. They appreciate the way poetry can challenge their assumptions and beliefs, and how it can offer new perspectives and insights.
The fourth group of people who like poetry are "those who believe in everything." These are people who are open-minded and curious about the world. They see poetry as a way to explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. They appreciate the way poetry can expand their horizons and broaden their understanding of the world.
The fifth and final group of people who like poetry are "those who have never read it." These are people who are curious about poetry but have never taken the time to explore it. They see poetry as a mystery, something that is both intriguing and intimidating. They appreciate the way poetry can challenge their assumptions and offer new insights into the human experience.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. Each stanza begins with the phrase "Some - thus not all" and then goes on to describe a different group of people who like poetry. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged. The poem is also written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and freedom, reflecting the way poetry can break free from the constraints of everyday language.
The language of the poem is simple but powerful. Szymborska uses concrete images and vivid descriptions to bring the different groups of people to life. For example, she describes the first group of people as "those who like chattering and the silence that follows." This image captures the way poetry can create a sense of stillness and peace, even in the midst of noise and chaos. She also describes the second group of people as "those who look up at the sky." This image captures the way poetry can inspire a sense of wonder and awe, and how it can connect us to something greater than ourselves.
The poem also contains several metaphors and similes that add depth and complexity to the language. For example, Szymborska compares poetry to "a bird that flies through the light." This image captures the way poetry can be both fleeting and enduring, like a bird in flight. She also compares poetry to "a key that opens a thousand doors." This image captures the way poetry can unlock new perspectives and insights, and how it can open up new worlds of possibility.
In conclusion, "Some Like Poetry" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the power of poetry to inspire, move, and transform us. It captures the essence of poetry and its place in the world, and it speaks to the different types of people who are drawn to this art form. The poem's structure, language, and imagery all work together to create a sense of rhythm, momentum, and depth. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to touch our hearts and minds in profound ways.
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