Poem Analysis - You Take My Hand

Introduction: A Cinematic Trap

Margaret Atwood's "You Take My Hand" plunges the reader into a disorienting experience of love, described as a captivating yet destructive cinematic obsession. The poem begins with a seemingly simple act – holding hands – that quickly spirals into a chaotic and addictive relationship. The tone shifts from initial fascination to a sense of entrapment and eventual acknowledgment of addiction. This journey is portrayed through vivid imagery reminiscent of a low-budget movie, highlighting the artificiality and ultimately, the harmful nature of the connection.

The Allure and Artifice of Love as Addiction

One of the central themes of the poem is love as an addiction. The speaker acknowledges this late in the poem when she says "Have to face it I'm / finally an addict." The initial attraction, symbolized by the simple act of taking a hand, quickly escalates into something uncontrollable. The movie metaphor is crucial here. Just as someone gets hooked on a movie, despite its flaws, the speaker is drawn into this relationship despite its obvious dysfunction. The "smell of popcorn and worn plush" suggests a comfort and familiarity, despite knowing the experience isn't good for them. The need to "see what happens" illustrates the addictive curiosity that keeps the speaker ensnared.

Stagnation and Repetition: The Bad Movie Loop

The theme of stagnation is developed through the poem's imagery and repetitive actions. The "bad movie" setting creates a sense of unoriginality and predictability. The actions described, such as "waltz[ing] in slow motion," meeting behind "endless potted palms," and climbing "through the wrong windows," are clichés of romance films, implying the relationship lacks authenticity. The phrase "it goes on and on" reinforces this feeling of being stuck in a loop, unable to escape the monotonous and ultimately unsatisfying nature of the connection. The stale air filled with "aphorisms" further suggests a lack of genuine communication and a reliance on tired, empty phrases.

Unraveling Connection: Smoke and Celluloid

The poem uses potent imagery to represent the process of detachment and the lingering effects of the relationship. The image of "peel[ing] you off me / in the form of smoke and melted / celluloid" is particularly striking. It suggests that the speaker must actively work to free herself from the relationship, which has become a superficial, almost intangible presence. The "smoke" represents the ephemeral and fleeting nature of the connection, while the "melted celluloid" reinforces the film metaphor, highlighting the artificiality and destructiveness of the bond. The fact that the speaker has to "peel" the other person off implies a difficult and painful separation, leaving a residue that is hard to get rid of.

Symbolism: The Price of Admission

The line "I paid my money, I / want to see what happens" functions as a symbol for sunk cost fallacy. The speaker has invested time and emotion (the money) into the relationship and feels compelled to continue, even though it is clearly harmful. This line highlights the speaker’s internal conflict – the rational awareness that the relationship is flawed versus the emotional investment that keeps her bound to it. Could this also be a commentary on our cultural obsession with seeing relationships "through" regardless of whether they are mutually beneficial? The ambiguity highlights the universal difficulty of ending something once significant resources have been committed.

Conclusion: The Lingering Scent of a Damaged Relationship

"You Take My Hand" masterfully uses the metaphor of a bad movie to explore the complexities of addictive and destructive love. The poem highlights the allure of superficial romance, the feeling of being trapped in a repetitive cycle, and the difficult process of detachment. Ultimately, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of romanticizing dysfunctional relationships and the long-lasting impact they can have, even after they've ended, leaving behind only the "smell of popcorn and worn plush."