On The Subway Poem Analysis

The poem "On The Subway" by Sharon Olds is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the complex emotions and experiences of individuals riding the subway. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Olds captures the essence of urban life and the human condition. In this essay, we will analyze the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and impact.

Themes

One of the central themes of "On The Subway" is the idea of anonymity and the disconnect between individuals in a crowded, urban environment. Olds portrays the passengers on the subway as nameless and faceless, emphasizing their isolation and lack of meaningful connection with one another. This theme highlights the alienation and loneliness that can be pervasive in a bustling city, where people are surrounded by others yet still feel alone.

Another prominent theme in the poem is the juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness. Olds describes the passengers in unflinching detail, portraying their physical imperfections and struggles. However, she also finds moments of beauty and tenderness amidst the chaos and discomfort of the subway. This theme speaks to the complexity of human experience and the capacity for both darkness and light within each individual.

Imagery

Olds employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem to bring the subway setting to life. She describes the "faces on the train" as "beautiful as sunsets, some faces beautiful as stained glass windows," painting a picture of the diverse and captivating array of people sharing the same space. This imagery serves to humanize the passengers and highlight their individuality, despite the dehumanizing nature of the subway environment.

The poet also uses sensory imagery to convey the sights, sounds, and smells of the subway, immersing the reader in the experience. She describes the "sweat in the air," the "stench of people" and the "voices, the noise of the train," creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia and discomfort. This sensory imagery effectively captures the sensory overload of urban life and the overwhelming nature of the subway experience.

Literary Devices

Olds makes use of various literary devices to enhance the impact of the poem. One notable device is the use of simile and metaphor to draw comparisons between the passengers and elements of nature or art. For example, she compares the beauty of some faces to "sunsets" and "stained glass windows," elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary and imbuing the poem with a sense of wonder and reverence.

The poet also employs enjambment and fragmented syntax to create a sense of urgency and disorientation, mirroring the chaotic and disjointed nature of the subway experience. This stylistic choice adds to the overall atmosphere of the poem and reinforces its themes of alienation and unease.

Conclusion

In "On The Subway," Sharon Olds offers a poignant and insightful exploration of the human experience within the urban landscape. Through powerful imagery, evocative language, and skillful employment of literary devices, she captures the complexities and contradictions of city life, and the profound sense of isolation and connection that coexist within it. The poem serves as a reminder of the beauty and ugliness, the loneliness and camaraderie, that can be found within the confines of a subway car, and within the human heart.