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.