Marianne Moore is an American poet (1887 -1972) known for her style of writing. Poetry is a three-line poem that creates perplexed and simplified thoughts in readers at the same time.
The speaker, likely the author herself, questions the essence of poetry. She narrates poetry as something trivial and creates a common sentiment in readers by adding ” I, too” in the poem. The first line of the poem seems to be the self-expression of the poet.
It also narrates how important literature is compared to other branches of studies. In the first line, she narrates poetry as a fiddle, something useless or aimless activity.
The poet sets a pessimistic tone in the beginning but when it progresses she portrays poetry as genuine hands that create wonders in individual and social life. She says poetry seems to be beautiful not because it could be interpreted but because it is useful in itself.
Poet conveys the concept that even though people are not interested to interpret each word and explore the depth of themes, it’s the best stage for the writer to present herself. Thus the poet emphasizes the intrinsic value of poetry. She admits it holds extrinsic value too as it could be explained by individuals based on their situations.
This poem could be seen as a logical presentation as she denies her opening statement with a valid reason. Self-expression is the focal theme of the poem.
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Read the poem below
POETRY
I, too, dislike it: there are things that are important beyond all this fiddle.
Reading it, however, with a perfect contempt for it, one discovers that there is in it after all, a place for the genuine.
Hands that can grasp, eyes that can dilate, hair that can rise if it must, these things are important not because a
high sounding interpretation can be put upon them but because they are useful
