Poem Analysis - Foretelling The Future

Introduction: Seeking Meaning in the Unknown

Margaret Atwood's "Foretelling the Future" explores the human desire to understand and predict the unknown. The poem presents various methods of divination, downplaying their inherent validity and instead focusing on the powerful emotional and psychological impact of such experiences. The tone is initially detached and almost cynical, but shifts to a more evocative and even spiritual description of the feeling of being divined. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the *experience* of seeking answers is more significant than the *accuracy* of the answers themselves.

Theme: The Subjectivity of Truth

One of the main themes is the subjectivity of truth and the individual's perception of reality. The opening lines, "It doesn't matter how it is done, / these hints, these whispers," immediately establish that the method of foretelling is irrelevant. Whether it's a "god blowing through your head" or a "charlatan," the source is secondary to the individual's interpretation. This idea is reinforced by the contrasting images of the moon seen from Earth versus the moon seen from the moon. What is perceived as beautiful and comforting from one perspective might be entirely different, or even alienating, from another. The truth, therefore, resides in the eye of the beholder.

Imagery: Illumination and Transformation

The poem employs vivid imagery related to light and transformation. The "air glows white" and the individual is "like the moon...filled with light," suggesting a state of enlightenment or heightened awareness. This imagery implies that the act of seeking the future, regardless of its validity, can be a transformative experience. It can bring clarity and a sense of purpose, even if the "foretold" future never actually comes to pass. The "crystal hands, stroking / the air around your body," provide a tactile image that enhances this feeling of being touched by something otherworldly and powerful.

Theme: The Power of Belief

Another significant theme is the power of belief and the human need for narrative. The poem acknowledges the potential for deception ("a charlatan, stringing you / a line with bird gut"), yet it does not dismiss the experience entirely. Even if the foretelling is based on false pretenses, the act of believing can be powerful. The image of the "taut hair / of a dead girl singing" is particularly unsettling and evokes a sense of mystery and the supernatural. Even this macabre image becomes part of the larger tapestry of potential sources for divination, suggesting that human beings are willing to find meaning in even the darkest and most unsettling places. The poem seems to say that humans need stories, even if they are fabricated or unverifiable, to make sense of a chaotic world.

Symbolism: The Moon as Perspective

The moon serves as a central symbol representing perspective and the multifaceted nature of reality. The comparison of the moon seen from Earth to the moon seen from the moon highlights the idea that truth is relative and dependent on one's viewpoint. What is perceived as beautiful and nurturing from a distance might be starkly different up close. This symbolizes the potential for disillusionment or a shift in understanding that can occur when one gains a new perspective on a situation or belief.

Concluding Thoughts: Finding Comfort in the Unknown

In conclusion, "Foretelling the Future" is a complex meditation on the human desire for meaning and the various ways in which we attempt to find it. By downplaying the importance of accuracy and emphasizing the emotional and psychological impact of seeking answers, Atwood suggests that the *experience* of divination is more significant than the *results*. The poem ultimately leaves the reader pondering the power of belief, the subjectivity of truth, and the human need to create narratives that provide comfort and understanding in the face of the unknown. The very act of seeking the future, regardless of the method or validity, can be a powerful and transformative journey.