'The House Of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele And Davis' by Conrad Aiken
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She turned her head on the pillow, and cried once more.
And drawing a shaken breath, and closing her eyes,
To shut out, if she could, this dingy room,
The wigs and costumes scattered around the floor,—
Yellows and greens in the dark,—she walked again
Those nightmare streets which she had walked so often . . .
Here, at a certain corner, under an arc-lamp,
Blown by a bitter wind, she stopped and looked
In through the brilliant windows of a drug-store,
And wondered if she dared to ask for poison:
But it was late, few customers were there,
The eyes of all the clerks would freeze upon her,
And she would wilt, and cry . . . Here, by the river,
She listened to the water slapping the wall,
And felt queer fascination in its blackness:
But it was cold, the little waves looked cruel,
The stars were keen, and a windy dash of spray
Struck her cheek, and withered her veins . . . And so
She dragged herself once more to home, and bed.
Paul hadn't guessed it yet—though twice, already,
She'd fainted—once, the first time, on the stage.
So she must tell him soon—or else—get out . . .
How could she say it? That was the hideous thing.
She'd rather die than say it! . . . and all the trouble,
Months when she couldn't earn a cent, and then,
If he refused to marry her . . . well, what?
She saw him laughing, making a foolish joke,
His grey eyes turning quickly; and the words
Fled from her tongue . . . She saw him sitting silent,
Brooding over his morning coffee, maybe,
And tried again . . . she bit her lips, and trembled,
And looked away, and said . . . 'Say Paul, boy,—listen—
There's something I must tell you . . . ' There she stopped,
Wondering what he'd say . . . What would he say?
'Spring it, kid! Don't look so serious!'
'But what I've got to say—IS—serious!'
Then she could see how, suddenly, he would sober,
His eyes would darken, he'd look so terrifying—
He always did—and what could she do but cry?
Perhaps, then, he would guess—perhaps he wouldn't.
And if he didn't, but asked her 'What's the matter?'—
She knew she'd never tell—just say she was sick . . .
And after that, when would she dare again?
And what would he do—even suppose she told him?
If it were Felix! If it were only Felix!—
She wouldn't mind so much. But as it was,
Bitterness choked her, she had half a mind
To pay out Felix for never having liked her,
By making people think that it was he . . .
She'd write a letter to someone, before she died,—
Just saying 'Felix did it—and wouldn't marry.'
And then she'd die . . . But that was hard on Paul . . .
Paul would never forgive her—he'd never forgive her!
Sometimes she almost thought Paul really loved her . . .
She saw him look reproachfully at her coffin.
And then she closed her eyes and walked again
Those nightmare streets that she had walked so often:
Under an arc-lamp swinging in the wind
She stood, and stared in through a drug-store window,
Watching a clerk wrap up a little pill-box.
But it was late. No customers were there,—
Pitiless eyes would freeze her secret in her!
And then—what poison would she dare to ask for?
And if they asked her why, what would she say?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The House Of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele And Davis by Conrad Aiken
What a mesmerizing piece of literature Conrad Aiken has created with his poem "The House of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele and Davis"! This work of art speaks to the human condition in a deeply emotional and relatable way, and it is no wonder that it has been celebrated as a classic for nearly a century.
The poem tells the story of two lovers, Adele and Davis, who are torn apart by circumstance and the cruelty of fate. The imagery and tone of the poem are haunting and melancholic, evoking a sense of loss and longing that is almost palpable. Aiken's use of language and structure is masterful, each line and stanza building on the last to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
The poem begins with a description of Adele, who "walks in beauty like the night," a reference to Lord Byron's famous poem "She Walks in Beauty." Adele is described as graceful and elegant, with "dark brown hair" and "eyes like a dove's." This opening stanza sets the stage for the story that is about to unfold, suggesting that Adele is a symbol of beauty and purity in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving.
The second stanza introduces us to Davis, Adele's lover, who is described as "a tall young man with reddish-brown hair." Davis is clearly deeply in love with Adele, and the two of them share a strong bond that is tested throughout the course of the poem. Aiken's use of contrast between Adele's dark beauty and Davis's lighter hair color is an interesting stylistic choice, perhaps suggesting that their love is a blending of opposites.
The poem takes a turn in the third stanza, as we learn that Davis has been called away to war. This is a common theme in literature, but Aiken handles it with great sensitivity and nuance, effectively conveying the sense of separation and loss that Adele feels. The fourth stanza is particularly striking, as Adele is described as being "like a bird that beats its wings in a cage" in her longing for Davis. The use of the bird metaphor is effective, suggesting that Adele is trapped by her own feelings and unable to escape the pain of separation.
As the poem progresses, we see Adele struggling to come to terms with the fact that Davis may never return. She becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, and her beauty begins to fade. Aiken's use of imagery is particularly effective in these sections of the poem, as he describes Adele as a "ghost" or a "shadow" of her former self. This is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that without Davis, Adele is incomplete and lost in the world.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Adele imagines herself reunited with Davis in death. This is a common theme in literature and poetry, but Aiken handles it with great skill and sensitivity. Adele's longing for Davis is so intense that it transcends the boundaries of life and death, suggesting that their love is eternal and unbreakable.
In conclusion, "The House of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele and Davis" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human condition in a deeply emotional and relatable way. Aiken's use of language, imagery, and structure is masterful, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem is a haunting and melancholic exploration of separation, loss, and the power of love to transcend even death. It is no wonder that this work of art has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated as a classic of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The House of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele and Davis is a classic poem written by Conrad Aiken. This poem is a part of the larger work, The House of Dust, which is a collection of poems that explore the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this particular poem, Aiken tells the story of Adele and Davis, two lovers who are torn apart by the realities of life.
The poem begins with a description of Adele, who is described as a beautiful and vibrant young woman. Aiken writes, "Adele, with the hair / Of shining gold, and eyes / Like blue-green ice, had not yet learned to wear / The mask of her own beauty, or disguise / The movements that made her." This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes Adele as a character who is both beautiful and innocent.
Davis, on the other hand, is described as a man who is more world-weary than Adele. Aiken writes, "Davis, with his ruddy face / And russet beard, and eyes / Of shrewd and wary kindness, had no grace / Of youth, but gentle, humorous, and wise." This description suggests that Davis is a man who has seen more of the world than Adele, and that he is more experienced in the ways of life.
Despite their differences, Adele and Davis fall in love. Aiken writes, "They loved each other, but were not aware / Of the depth and power of their own desire." This line suggests that Adele and Davis are still young and inexperienced in matters of the heart, and that they do not yet fully understand the intensity of their feelings for each other.
As the poem progresses, Adele and Davis are forced to confront the realities of their situation. Aiken writes, "They knew that they must part, and that their love / Was but a passing dream, a transient fire / That burned too brightly, and too soon would prove / A flickering flame, a dying desire." This line suggests that Adele and Davis are aware that their love cannot last, and that they must eventually go their separate ways.
Despite their awareness of the situation, Adele and Davis continue to love each other. Aiken writes, "They loved each other still, but with a love / That was more sad than sweet, more bitter than kind." This line suggests that Adele and Davis are aware of the pain that their love will eventually cause them, but that they cannot help but continue to love each other.
In the end, Adele and Davis are forced to part ways. Aiken writes, "They parted, and the world went on its way, / And life was never quite the same again." This line suggests that Adele and Davis are forever changed by their love for each other, and that they will never be able to forget the time that they spent together.
Overall, The House of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele and Davis is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through the story of Adele and Davis, Aiken shows us that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that it can change us in ways that we never thought possible. If you are a fan of poetry that explores the complexities of the human heart, then The House of Dust: Part 02: 06: Adele and Davis is definitely a poem that you should read.
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