A variety of emotions are on display throughout the poetry of Sharon Olds. As a narrative poet she’s extremely self aware and is able to use personal experiences that are relatable to anyone. Richard Silberg has praised her for “taking on subjects not written before, or not written in these ways….the best of these poems have a density of inspiration line by line” (Poetry Foundation). This style allows her to connect with her audience in a such a way that one would think they are reading a poem about themselves or their families. “First Thanksgiving,” “Still Life in Landscape,” “After Making Love in the Winter,” and “The Planned Child” use a similar, cathartic tone while telling a different story. Her topics aren’t overly creative, but
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However, she’s able to depict situations that men and women are familiar with. In “First Thanksgiving” she uses an apartment as a sanctuary for her daughter. Not only is the apartment a symbol for a safe zone, it also can represent a nest that a child returns to when on break from college. “Still Life in Landscape” took place inside a vehicle and not only displayed the fear of riding with an intoxicated driver, but also the concern a mother who “grabbed my head and turned it and clamped it into her chest” (Poetry Foundation). This reaction is a representation to the grave reality of life and the need to try to shield our children from it. A bedroom is the setting for “After making Love in the Winter” and captures the intimacy and euphoria that’s shared between a couple. “The Planned Child” taps into the subconscious and is a display of disappointment that a child has when they learn there was so much effort given to conception. Each setting is vivid and presented in a way that lets readers into the imagination of Olds. Her diverse backdrops allows readers to leave their reality and enjoy someone else’s, while still feeling connected. She’s a well respected poet that’s able to use a variety of settings in order to illustrate the complex issues faced by many. Her poetry is graphic, raw, realistic, and
However, she’s able to depict situations that men and women are familiar with. In “First Thanksgiving” she uses an apartment as a sanctuary for her daughter. Not only is the apartment a symbol for a safe zone, it also can represent a nest that a child returns to when on break from college. “Still Life in Landscape” took place inside a vehicle and not only displayed the fear of riding with an intoxicated driver, but also the concern a mother who “grabbed my head and turned it and clamped it into her chest” (Poetry Foundation). This reaction is a representation to the grave reality of life and the need to try to shield our children from it. A bedroom is the setting for “After making Love in the Winter” and captures the intimacy and euphoria that’s shared between a couple. “The Planned Child” taps into the subconscious and is a display of disappointment that a child has when they learn there was so much effort given to conception. Each setting is vivid and presented in a way that lets readers into the imagination of Olds. Her diverse backdrops allows readers to leave their reality and enjoy someone else’s, while still feeling connected. She’s a well respected poet that’s able to use a variety of settings in order to illustrate the complex issues faced by many. Her poetry is graphic, raw, realistic, and