"body" James Merrill

The late James Merrill was recognized as one of the leading poets of his generation. Praised for his stylish elegance, moral sensibilities, and transformation of autobiographical moments into deep and complex meditations, Merrill’s work spans genres—including plays and prose—but the bulk of his artistic expression can be found in his poetry. Merrill’s talent was recognized immediately, though his earliest work was seen as polished and technically proficient rather than deep. It was not until his themes became more dramatic and personal that he began to win serious attention and literary acclaim. Over the long course of his career, Merrill won nearly every major literary award in America.

Look closely at the letters. Can you see,
entering (stage right), then floating full,then heading off—so soon—how like a little kohl-rimmed moono plots her course from b to d

—as y, unanswered, knocks at the stage door?Looked at too long, words fail,phase out. Ask, now that body shinesno longer, by what light you learn these linesand what the b and d stood for.

In "body," Merrill uses metaphor to represent life, death, the circle that they create, and the ambiguity that leaves us asking questions. The speaker asks the reader to observe the letters that make up the word "body." Each letter is its own metaphor while a conceit representing life as a stage is also present. In its most basic form, "b" and "d" stand for birth and death with an "o" in the middle that represents the constant cycle, the circle of life. This meaning is further emphasized when the "o" is compared to "a little kohl-rimmed moon." The use of the moon to represent natural cycles, the ups and downs that we face between birth and death. Lastly the "y" seems to be left out of the enclosed system containing "bod."  This "y," taken literally can be understood as a question, "why?" This question addresses not only the circle of life, but asks what comes after death, leaving an unfinished, incomplete feeling. On a deeper level, Merrill subtly alludes to the Shakespearean idea that life is just a stage and we are merely players. Quite literally, "bod" looks like a stage while the "y" takes a back seat to all the action. Applied to today, often we get so caught up in the cycle, that is the spectacle that almost becomes a show, that we fail to ask and seek answers to some of the most pertinent "why's." The use of metaphor allows the reader to understand a commentary on life from four simple letters.