I, in Disgust with the Living

Name: I, in Disgust with the Living
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of disillusionment with life and a longing for connection, juxtaposed against the backdrop of nature's indifference. The speaker expresses a sense of disgust towards the living, feeling more aligned with the "accomplished dead," suggesting a preference for the past and its wisdom over the present's chaos. The imagery of a robin caring for her young amidst a storm symbolizes the struggle of life and the instinctual drive to nurture despite adversity. The speaker's observation of the robin's behavior reflects their own feelings of wariness and rejection of friendship, highlighting a tension between the desire for connection and the fear of vulnerability. As the poem progresses, the speaker recalls a personal experience at sea, where the tumultuous environment contrasts with their inner contentment. The sea, indifferent to human concerns, becomes a metaphor for freedom and acceptance of life's unpredictability. This moment of reflection reveals a complex relationship with nature, where danger coexists with a sense of peace. Ultimately, the work delves into the conflict between the desire for human connection and the comfort found in solitude and nature's vastness. The speaker grapples with their emotions, oscillating between disgust for the living and a profound appreciation for the natural world, which offers both chaos and solace.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Nature Writing · 255 words

First lines

I, in disgust with the living, having read

Much of the accomplished dead, Was nagged by the clucking of the robin, clucking her over-fed

Young off the nest-and what a night, I said, Raining cats and dogs and blowing like hell, To haul babies out of bed.

And I thought: their wings will be wet, And heavy, in the long grass; and she will not let me help her, she is such a fuss-Budget, and so stupid, trusting the hostile

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I, in Disgust with the Living is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1934 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Modernism
Length: 255 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of life, death, and existential reflection through lyrical language.
Existentialism — The poem delves into feelings of disgust with the living and reflects on the nature of existence and relationships.
Nature Writing — The imagery of the robin and the sea highlights a connection to nature and its indifference to human concerns.
Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotional responses and personal introspection, characteristic of Romantic literature.