Poem Analysis - Secrecy

A Poisoned Sweetness: Introduction to Atwood's "Secrecy"

Margaret Atwood's "Secrecy" is a chilling exploration of the allure and destructive power of keeping secrets. The poem opens with a disconcerting intimacy, directly addressing the reader (or perhaps a "you" caught in the act of secrecy) and drawing them into the experience. Initially, the tone is almost seductive, describing secrecy as a "bad candy" with a tempting sweetness. However, the poem quickly darkens, evolving into a stark depiction of secrecy's corrosive influence and the dangerous power it bestows, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

The Allure and Addiction: Secrecy as a Consuming Force

One of the central themes is the addictive nature of secrecy. Atwood masterfully portrays this through visceral imagery of consumption. Secrecy isn't simply learned or observed; it's *ingested, tasted, and allowed to permeate the being*. The initial description of the "bad candy" melting "sweetly on your tongue" suggests a deceptive pleasure, a forbidden indulgence that initially seems harmless. This then transitions into an insatiable hunger: "Once you have it, you want more," highlighting the escalating and consuming nature of keeping secrets. The poem suggests that this addictive quality is rooted in the power secrecy provides, making it difficult to relinquish.

Power's Dark Side: The Price of Knowing

The poem powerfully explores the theme of power and its corrupting influence. Secrecy, according to Atwood, grants "power of knowing without being known." This asymmetry of knowledge creates a sense of control and superiority, but it comes at a steep price. The poem illustrates the sinister side of this power through disturbing images: "stone door," "iron veil," "crushed fingers," and "drowned bones." These symbols represent the *oppression, isolation, and violence* often associated with keeping secrets, particularly when they are used to protect wrongdoings or maintain control. The "drowned bones / crying out from the bottom of the well" particularly suggests that secrets, however deeply buried, continue to exert their influence and demand to be heard.

Ink and Velvet: Visualizing the Corrosive Nature of Secrecy

Atwood employs striking imagery to personify and visualize secrecy. The recurring image of "blood" transformed into secrecy is particularly potent, suggesting that secrecy is not merely an external element but an internal, fundamental aspect of the individual. This creates a disturbing picture of corruption from within. The "poppy made of ink" is another compelling symbol. Poppies are often associated with sleep and oblivion, while ink suggests something written, hidden, or permanent. *The combination implies that secrecy is a beautiful but ultimately poisonous oblivion*, a dark bloom that obscures the truth and stains the soul. The comparison of secrecy to "dark velvet" adds another layer of complexity, evoking a sense of luxuriousness and hiddenness, but also suggesting a smothering quality.

A Haunting Echo: Conclusion

"Secrecy" is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of knowledge and control. Atwood's poem vividly portrays the allure and addictive nature of secrecy, while simultaneously exposing its destructive consequences. Through powerful imagery and a gradually darkening tone, she reveals that the power gained through secrecy is often a dangerous illusion, one that can lead to isolation, oppression, and the silencing of truth. The poem leaves the reader with a chilling awareness of the *corrosive power of secrets* and the heavy burden they place on those who keep them.