Randall Jarrell's Poetry

Poetry by Randall Jarrell

     For this week’s assignment, Randall Jarrell’s poetry was on the list. Mr. Jarrell lived during 1914-1965. He was a teacher, but he loved to write poetry. He also served in the military. I found this information interesting. I am sure the things he learned while serving in the military influenced his work. While reading his poetry, I noticed that many of them mentioned death. Death was a common theme among Randall Jarrell’s poetry.

            In the book were four poems by Randall Jarrell. Out of the poems in the book, “In Monetecito” was my favorite. In Montecito seemed to have a lighter theme to it. The poem mentions the city Santa Barbara. It also mentions fashion as well. The description of the city seemed to feel exciting and interesting by the words used to describe it. As the poem progresses, it seems to describe a missing woman. Then, a death theme pops back out. Reading on, you can see that the woman mentioned is no longer using her electric toothbrush. She has left her expensive car, a Bentley, behind.  She is no longer checking her safety deposit box. Her seat at the cricket match is no longer occupied by her. Her girdle is empty also. The poem mentions many nice things about the woman, her hair, and her figure. The poem also mentions the person who replaces this woman will not be as attractive as she was.

            I didn’t think Randall Jarrell’s poetry was as easy to read as other poems I have been assigned to read or even read for enjoyment. Reading the poems a few times did help to understand them a little better. His biography helped to explain the themes Randall Jarrell explored with his work.  Death was found in many of the poems, but he explained it in many different ways.