The Bargain: Stanzas 1-3
“The Bargain: Stanzas 1-3”
Content
- The opening three stanzas set the scene and context for the poem, providing a candid look at a mature, realistic relationship.
- The speaker talks of their ‘bargain’, a term used to explain the agreement or pact within the couple’s relationship.
- The word ‘bargain’ often makes us think of commercial or business-like transactions; here it is creatively applied to a personal relationship indicating compromise and negotiation.
Themes
- Maturity: The relationship itself is portrayed as being rational and mature, rather than passionate or youthful.
- Everyday Life: The realness of the couple’s relationship is underlined by the mundane, everyday tasks mentioned such as ironing.
- Negotiation in Relationships: The reference to ‘bargain’ suggests the importance of negotiation, compromise, and agreement in relationships.
Tone
- The tone in these stanzas is conversational and informal. This highlights the comfort and ease of their relationship.
- The tone also provides a certain candidness, offering an unromanticised account of their relationship.
Imagery and Symbolism
- The poet uses subtle domestic imagery to portray the couple’s relationship, such as the iron in the first stanza.
- The iron in particular hints at domesticity and reinforces the theme of sharing everyday tasks.
Language and Diction
- The language used is simple and down-to-earth, contributing to the overall casual tone.
- ‘Overtime’ and ‘bargain’ are terms usually associated with business and commercial transactions, emphasising the practicality of their relationship.
Form and Structure
- Again, as in the whole poem, each of these stanzas does not stick to a strict rhythm or metre.
- The casual and flexible format underlines the honesty and realism present in the couple’s relationship.
Impact of Stanzas 1-3
- These stanzas serve to ‘set the stage’ for the rest of the poem, introducing us to the nature and dynamics of the couple’s relationship.
- They help build a relatable and authentic image of the couple’s relationship, which resonates with many readers.
- The honesty and frankness in the diction and tone engage the readers, making them curious about the evolution of this seemingly unconventional relationship in the subsequent stanzas.