Poem Analysis - Things

A Quiet Meditation on Mortality

Jorge Luis Borges's "Things" is a pensive and introspective poem, a quiet reflection on the objects that surround us and their relationship to our fleeting existence. The poem opens with a catalog of everyday items, creating a sense of intimacy and familiarity. However, a subtle shift in tone emerges as the poem progresses, moving from simple observation to a deeper consideration of time, memory, and the inevitable oblivion that awaits us all. The poem concludes with a note of melancholic acceptance, acknowledging the enduring nature of objects in contrast to the transient nature of human life.

Echoes of Ephemerality

One of the central themes of "Things" is mortality. The poem highlights the impermanence of human life in contrast to the lasting presence of objects. Lines like "My few days left will grant / No time to read" starkly remind us of the limited time we have. The "belated / Notes" further emphasize the feeling of time running out. This awareness of mortality casts a shadow over the otherwise mundane list of possessions, transforming them into poignant reminders of our own ephemerality.

The Burden of Memory and Loss

Another significant theme in the poem is the weight of memory and loss. The pressed violet in the book serves as a powerful symbol of a past experience, "Doubtless unforgettable, forgotten." This juxtaposition suggests the bittersweet nature of memory, how significant moments can fade with time, yet still retain a lingering emotional charge. The "reddened mirror facing to the west / Where burns illusory dawn" further reinforces this theme. The mirror, reflecting a false dawn, symbolizes the deceptive nature of time and the illusion of eternal youth, hinting at the loss of what once was.

Silent Witnesses

The imagery in "Things" is crucial to its overall impact. The recurring image of everyday objects – walking-stick, small change, key-ring, books, wine-glasses, nails – takes on symbolic weight as the poem progresses. These objects are not merely possessions; they are silent witnesses to our lives. The line "Which serve us, like unspeaking slaves, / So blind and so mysteriously secret!" elevates these inanimate things to a position of silent knowledge. They serve us, yet remain detached from our experiences, suggesting that they hold a secret awareness of our lives and deaths that we ourselves cannot fully grasp. This "mysterious secret" is perhaps the knowledge of our ultimate insignificance in the grand scheme of time.

A Lasting Legacy of Objects

In conclusion, "Things" is a powerful meditation on mortality, memory, and the enduring nature of objects. Borges masterfully uses simple language and vivid imagery to explore profound themes. The poem's strength lies in its ability to transform the mundane into the meaningful, prompting us to consider our relationship with the objects that surround us and the legacy we leave behind. While we may fade into "oblivion," the objects remain, a testament to our brief existence and a silent reminder that, in the end, things often outlast us.