Poem Analysis - Is Not

Introduction: A Rejection of Roles

Margaret Atwood's "Is / Not" is a powerful declaration of independence within a relationship. The poem begins with a series of negations, dismantling conventional expectations of love and partnership. The tone is initially firm and insistent, almost clinical in its dissection of romantic ideals. This progresses to a raw and demanding tone, urging acceptance of anger and the freedom to express it, culminating in a plea for present-tense authenticity.

Deconstructing Love and Expectations

One of the main themes is the rejection of idealized love. Atwood dismantles romantic notions by stating what love is not: a "profession" or a form of dentistry. This imagery suggests a functional, even transactional view of love, which the speaker vehemently opposes. She further rejects the idea of the partner as a healer ("you are not my doctor / you are not my cure"), emphasizing individual responsibility for one's own well-being. By denying these roles, the speaker asserts her autonomy and challenges the power dynamic often embedded in relationships. The poem implies that true connection cannot be built on dependency or unrealistic expectations.

The Permissibility of Anger

The poem explores the theme of the validity of anger, particularly within a relationship context. The shift in tone occurs when the speaker demands permission to express her anger ("permit yourself anger / and permit me mine"). This isn't a request for permission to feel angry, but to express it freely, without needing justification or approval. The speaker clarifies that this anger is not a "disease" to be cured but a valid response to the partner ("agaist you"). By insisting that her anger "needs instead / to be said and said," Atwood emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication, even when it's uncomfortable. This suggests that suppressing anger can be more destructive than expressing it, and that true intimacy requires acknowledging and accepting a partner's full emotional spectrum.

Authenticity and the Present Moment

The poem culminates in a plea for authenticity and living in the present. The final line, "Permit me the present tense," is a powerful statement about the desire for immediacy and truthfulness. The present tense represents reality, experience, and the speaker's current emotional state, rather than dwelling on the past or projecting onto the future. By requesting permission for the present tense, the speaker is asking for acceptance of who she is in this moment, with all her complexities and emotions. This suggests a desire for a relationship grounded in honesty and presence, rather than idealized notions or past experiences.

Symbolism of Medical Imagery

The medical imagery—"doctor," "cure," "dentistry," "filling of aches and cavities," "washed," "cauterized"—is a recurring symbol that highlights the speaker's rejection of the partner as a healer or fixer. This imagery conveys the idea that relationships should not be based on one person "treating" the other's flaws or emotional wounds. Instead, it suggests a mutual journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The medical terms become symbols of manipulation and a false paradigm of love the speaker rejects. The anger cannot be "washed" or "cauterized", as to do so would deny it. What is meant by Atwood's comparison of romantic love to dentistry? Is it a commentary on the societal expectations surrounding the 'fixing' or 'maintaining' of love?

Conclusion: A Demand for Authenticity

In conclusion, "Is / Not" is a fierce and honest poem about the complexities of love and partnership. Atwood dismantles idealized notions of romantic love, rejecting dependency and the expectation of being "cured" by a partner. Instead, she demands the freedom to express her anger and to exist authentically in the present moment. The poem is a powerful assertion of independence and a plea for a relationship built on honesty, acceptance, and mutual respect, rather than unrealistic expectations and power dynamics. Ultimately, Atwood's poem underscores the importance of embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and allowing oneself and one's partner to be genuinely seen and heard.