On re-reading I think this is about mental illness as suggested but Depression in particular. There is a question as to whether the persona/narrative voice remains the same throughout or are the stanzas presenting different scenarios?
The person is Stanza 1 is self-effacing, doesn't want to take centre stage. Hence the title "A Minor Role". However, they are important to keep the show going. Without them the whole illusion falls apart.
In Stanza 2 the persona is a worker in a geriatric or psychiatric ward - as the poet herself was for a time. She acts as an intermediary between the patients and the professional staff. Again, she is not "centre stage" - neither patient nor professional but "background music"
In Stanza 3 the persona tries to remain anonymous in public places - the enquiries from well-meaning enquirers as to her health are unwelcome. This stanza suggests that the persona suffers from depression and is also solitary. Bed is an escape from reality; she comforts herself with little meals (loss of appetite) novels which do not challenge and busies herself with the minutiae of life so as to avoid confronting her situation head on. Stanza 4 lists synonyms for the symptoms of Depression. The persona wishes she had something which had visible symptoms, was easier to diagnose and cure - like a broken leg. The difficulty of diagnosing her illness is evident as she is pushed around by the medical profession and yet has to pretend to be grateful.
The last stanza contains some ambiguity, caused by the syntax.It seems to be "[She who is] Not the star part", which would link back to the beginning. She suggests that it is fine - Who would want it? But "jettison" means to throw away and she appears tho discard all those things which MAKE her the supporting or minor role - the spear, tray.But she also "jettisons" the words of the [Greek] chorus which suggests that "it would be better to die" than go on as a bit part. This appears to be a contradiction. Her declamatory "No, it wouldn't" suggests that rather than give up her "minor role" she is going to stay as an example to the rest of us to "believe in life."
I've just revisited this for "the next book" and I think my comment on stanza two is wrong. it is a dramatic monologue spoken by a person with depression. Stanza 2 recalls a hospital visit where, far from being centre stage as she should be as the patient, she again seems to be marginalised. The reference to Veterans magazine and holding hands could suggest that while there, other peoples' problems take over from her own.
Is this a poem about Depression?
ReplyDeleteOn re-reading I think this is about mental illness as suggested but Depression in particular. There is a question as to whether the persona/narrative voice remains the same throughout or are the stanzas presenting different scenarios?
ReplyDeleteThe person is Stanza 1 is self-effacing, doesn't want to take centre stage. Hence the title "A Minor Role". However, they are important to keep the show going. Without them the whole illusion falls apart.
In Stanza 2 the persona is a worker in a geriatric or psychiatric ward - as the poet herself was for a time. She acts as an intermediary between the patients and the professional staff. Again, she is not "centre stage" - neither patient nor professional but "background music"
In Stanza 3 the persona tries to remain anonymous in public places - the enquiries from well-meaning enquirers as to her health are unwelcome. This stanza suggests that the persona suffers from depression and is also solitary. Bed is an escape from reality; she comforts herself with little meals (loss of appetite) novels which do not challenge and busies herself with the minutiae of life so as to avoid confronting her situation head on.
Stanza 4 lists synonyms for the symptoms of Depression. The persona wishes she had something which had visible symptoms, was easier to diagnose and cure - like a broken leg. The difficulty of diagnosing her illness is evident as she is pushed around by the medical profession and yet has to pretend to be grateful.
The last stanza contains some ambiguity, caused by the syntax.It seems to be "[She who is] Not the star part", which would link back to the beginning. She suggests that it is fine - Who would want it? But "jettison" means to throw away and she appears tho discard all those things which MAKE her the supporting or minor role - the spear, tray.But she also "jettisons" the words of the [Greek] chorus which suggests that "it would be better to die" than go on as a bit part. This appears to be a contradiction. Her declamatory "No, it wouldn't" suggests that rather than give up her "minor role" she is going to stay as an example to the rest of us to "believe in life."
I've just revisited this for "the next book" and I think my comment on stanza two is wrong. it is a dramatic monologue spoken by a person with depression. Stanza 2 recalls a hospital visit where, far from being centre stage as she should be as the patient, she again seems to be marginalised. The reference to Veterans magazine and holding hands could suggest that while there, other peoples' problems take over from her own.
ReplyDeleteThank you this was really helpful for understanding the poem in details.
ReplyDelete