Poem Analysis - These Things

Introduction: A Bleak Assessment of Human Motivation

Charles Bukowski’s "These Things" offers a stark and pessimistic view of human motivation and the pursuit of meaning. The poem establishes a tone of disillusionment, suggesting that the activities and beliefs we prioritize are often driven by negative forces like boredom, fear, or greed. This grim perspective intensifies as the poem progresses, lamenting the loss of genuine wisdom and the prevalence of superficial substitutes. Ultimately, the poem concludes with a chilling acceptance of mortality as the only authentic reality.

The Pervasive Influence of Negative Motivations

One of the central themes in "These Things" is the corrupting influence of negative motivations. Bukowski asserts that the "things that we support most well" – presumably the endeavors and values we dedicate ourselves to – are often rooted in "boredom or fear or money or cracked intelligence." This suggests that our actions are rarely driven by noble aspirations but rather by a desire to escape discomfort, avoid threats, or accumulate wealth. The phrase "cracked intelligence" further underscores the idea that even our intellectual pursuits can be flawed and misguided, leading us down unproductive paths. This theme highlights a deep cynicism towards human nature and the superficiality of modern existence.

The Erosion of Wisdom and the Rise of Empty Ideals

The poem also explores the theme of lost wisdom and the dangers of replacing genuine knowledge with hollow ideologies. Bukowski uses the image of a "circle and a candle of light" to represent our limited understanding of the world. This smallness is unbearable, causing us to "heave out with Idea" – an attempt to expand our perspective but ultimately leading to a loss of "the Center." The metaphor of "all wax without the wick" powerfully illustrates this point, suggesting that our grand ideas lack the essential spark of truth or substance. This ultimately leads to the abandonment of the original source. The poem reinforces this point by presenting once-respected sources of knowledge as "names that once meant wisdom, like signs into ghost towns".

Graves as the Sole Source of Truth

A crucial symbol in the poem is the "graves," which are declared to be "real." This stark image stands in contrast to the empty "Idea" and the decaying "names that once meant wisdom." The graves represent the inevitability of death and the only tangible reality in a world filled with illusions and false idols. The poem suggests that in the face of mortality, all other pursuits and beliefs are ultimately meaningless. The bluntness of this statement serves as a powerful reminder of our fleeting existence and the need to confront the fundamental truth of our mortality.

Conclusion: A Somber Reflection on Existence

"These Things" offers a bleak and unflinching look at human existence. Bukowski's poem challenges us to question the motivations behind our actions and to confront the possibility that our cherished beliefs may be nothing more than empty constructs. The poem's emphasis on negative motivations, the erosion of wisdom, and the stark reality of death culminates in a somber reflection on the futility of many human endeavors. While undeniably pessimistic, the poem also serves as a call to authenticity, urging us to seek genuine meaning in a world often dominated by superficiality and self-deception. Is it possible that the acceptance of death as "real" is not a surrender to nihilism, but rather a necessary step toward living a more authentic and meaningful life?