Old Susan

Introduction

Walter de la Mare's poem "Old Susan" presents a vivid portrait of an elderly woman engrossed in her nightly reading ritual. This seemingly simple scene, rendered in twenty-four lines of rhyming couplets, offers a rich tapestry of themes and literary devices that warrant closer examination. This essay will delve into the poem's structure, imagery, and thematic content, exploring how de la Mare masterfully crafts a nuanced depiction of age, solitude, and the transformative power of literature.

Structure and Form

The poem's structure is deceptively straightforward, utilizing rhyming couplets throughout. This choice of form echoes the regularity and predictability of Susan's nightly routine, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity for the reader. The steady rhythm of the couplets mimics the slow, methodical pace of Susan's reading, inviting us to settle into the quiet evening alongside her.

However, within this structured framework, de la Mare introduces subtle variations in meter and enjambment that prevent the poem from becoming monotonous. Lines such as "There, with a thumb to keep her place / She'd read, with stern and wrinkled face" demonstrate how the poet manipulates the flow of language to mirror Susan's reading experience, with pauses and emphases that guide our own reading rhythm.

Imagery and Sensory Details

De la Mare's mastery of imagery is on full display in "Old Susan." The poem opens with a vivid sensory tableau: "When Susan's work was done, she'd sit / With one fat guttering candle lit." This single line immediately establishes the setting and atmosphere, evoking the warm, flickering light of the candle and the sense of a day's labor completed.

The poet's attention to visual detail is particularly striking. We see Susan's "stern and wrinkled face," her "mild eyes gliding very slow," and her "great glasses bent on me." These carefully chosen descriptors not only paint a clear picture of Susan's appearance but also hint at her character and the life experiences that have shaped her.

Auditory imagery plays a crucial role as well. The silence of the night is punctuated by Susan's occasional mumbling, the turning of pages, and the distant crow of a rooster. These sounds, or lack thereof, contribute to the poem's atmosphere of quiet contemplation and isolation.

Characterization of Susan

Through subtle details and actions, de la Mare constructs a complex portrait of Susan. She is presented as a woman of habit, finding solace and purpose in her nightly reading. The description of her "stern and wrinkled face" and "round old silvery head" emphasizes her age, while her mumbled commentary and head-shaking reveal an engaged and opinionated reader.

Susan's character is further developed through her interactions with the books she reads. The line "You silly souls, to act this way!" suggests that she is not a passive consumer of literature but an active, critical reader who forms strong opinions about the characters and their actions. This detail adds depth to our understanding of Susan, portraying her as intellectually active and emotionally invested in her reading despite her advanced age.

The Power of Literature

At its core, "Old Susan" is a celebration of the transformative power of literature. The poem illustrates how books can transport readers, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This theme is most evident in the final lines: "Only to tilt her book again, / And rooted in Romance remain." Here, de la Mare suggests that Susan finds not just entertainment in her reading, but a form of escape or transcendence.

The contrast between Susan's physical reality - her age, her solitude, the lateness of the hour - and the world she accesses through her books is striking. The poem implies that through reading, Susan can temporarily shed the limitations of her everyday life and immerse herself in new experiences and emotions.

The Role of the Observer

An often overlooked aspect of the poem is the presence of an unnamed observer. This narrator, who remains unseen and unheard throughout most of the poem, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Their presence is revealed in lines such as "And never a sound from night I'd hear" and "Through her great glasses bent on me / She'd glance into reality."

This observer serves multiple functions within the poem. Firstly, they provide a point of view through which we can witness Susan's reading ritual. Secondly, their presence emphasizes Susan's absorption in her book - she is so engrossed that she forgets or ignores the presence of another person. Finally, the observer's perspective allows de la Mare to play with the concept of reality versus fiction, as Susan momentarily "glance[s] into reality" before returning to her romanticized literary world.

Themes of Age and Solitude

While "Old Susan" is primarily a poem about the joy of reading, it also touches on themes of aging and solitude. Susan is presented as an elderly woman, alone with her books in the quiet of night. However, de la Mare resists portraying this solitude as lonely or pitiable. Instead, Susan appears content and purposeful in her solitary pursuit.

The poem challenges stereotypical views of the elderly as passive or disengaged. Susan, despite her age, is shown to be mentally active, opinionated, and capable of losing herself in the world of books. This portrayal offers a nuanced and respectful depiction of aging, suggesting that intellectual curiosity and emotional engagement need not diminish with advancing years.

Language and Tone

De la Mare's choice of language throughout the poem is carefully calibrated to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The use of words like "mild," "mumble," and "shuffling" contributes to the overall sense of quietude and gentleness. Even when describing Susan's sterner moments, the language remains affectionate, as in the phrase "shake her round old silvery head."

The tone of the poem is one of fond observation. There's a sense of admiration for Susan's dedication to her nightly ritual, and a touch of amusement at her occasional outbursts. This tone invites the reader to view Susan with the same mixture of respect and gentle humor that the narrator seems to feel.

Conclusion

"Old Susan" by Walter de la Mare is a masterful exploration of the intimate relationship between a reader and their books. Through its carefully constructed imagery, nuanced characterization, and thematic depth, the poem offers insights into the nature of aging, solitude, and the enduring power of literature to transport and transform.

De la Mare's skill lies not just in what he reveals, but in what he leaves unsaid. The poem raises questions about Susan's life beyond her reading chair - her past, her daily routines, her relationships - that remain tantalizingly unanswered. This ambiguity allows readers to project their own experiences and interpretations onto the poem, ensuring its continued relevance and emotional resonance.

Ultimately, "Old Susan" stands as a testament to the quiet joys of reading and the rich inner lives that exist behind even the most unassuming exteriors. In Susan's nightly ritual, we see reflected our own experiences with books - the way they can absorb us, challenge us, and offer solace in solitary moments. De la Mare's poem reminds us that the act of reading is not merely a pastime, but a profound engagement with the world of ideas and emotions, capable of enriching our lives at any age.