Finding Joy in Simplicity
In “Recuerdo,” author St. Vincent Millay describes a night she and her friend (or the narrator’s friend) rode the ferry back and forth for an entire night. Even though this event would seem mundane to most, the narrator describes the immense delight she found in this simple task. Though the ferry is not particularly flashy or exhilarating or beautiful, these two characters still found immense pleasure and joy in it. As a result, this poem captures the idea that experiences do not need to be flashy or expensive to be memorable and joy-filled. In short, it is easy to find joy in the simplest, most mundane things—if we are willing to open our mind to the possibilities within this simplicity.
The Burden of Omniscience
In “Renascence,” the narrator describes the moments when she became privy to all the secrets and information of the universe. The narrator explains that she knew the “How and Why,” the past present, and future, and inner workings of the complex system of interactions we call the Universe. At first, the narrator notes, such insight brought about an overwhelming sense of insight, joy, accomplishment. This joy was short-lasting however. Just as complete omniscience permitted the narrator to be privy to all the wonderful events, ideas, and emotions in the world, so too was she privy to all the suffering, anguish, and hate. The narrator explains how she felt each dying breath of a group of people drowning on a boat and experienced the pain of starvation for all those who go hungry. Every experience—both good and bad—was amplified.
This burden of omniscience instilled in the narrator an endless and infinite sorrow, for these emotions and anguish were inescapable and impossible to forget. In this way, this poem points out that humans are not meant to bear the burden of all humanity. Such a tremendous responsibility is too much—too much sorrow, suffering, anguish, information, and hate. Therefore, this poem aims to capture the idea that omniscience—to see, know, and understanding everything—is far more sorrowful and solemn than it is exciting and glamorous; to experience the emotions of the world is to experience infinite sorrow and anguish.
Danger Disguised as Beauty
In “The Pond,” author Edna St. Vincent Millay recounts the tale of a young woman who—after having her heart broken—travelled to a nearby pond and, whilst attempting to pick a lily from the surface of the water, fell in and drowned. This story typifies the notion that beautiful things can harbor deadly intentions. Though St. Vincent Millay does not suggest that the pond or the lilies intentionally tried to kill the young woman, she does point out that it was because of the lilies—because of their beauty—that the young woman felt compelled to pick one, which ultimately led to her death. In this way, the author and narrator issue a word of caution for anyone who assumes that beautiful things—such as a harmless lily pad—are truly that harmless. This poem urges readers to always remain wary of beautiful things, for it is in our captivation with these beautiful items that we can become immune to the dangers facing us.
