Poem Analysis - I Asked The Money Changer Today

An Inquiry of Love: Introduction

Sergei Yesenin's "I Asked The Money Changer Today" is a poignant exploration of love's ineffable nature. The poem begins with a naive, almost comical inquiry into the mechanics of expressing love in a foreign tongue, but gradually deepens into a reflective meditation on the limitations of language and the authentic expression of affection. The tone shifts from innocent curiosity to a more profound understanding, guided by the money changer's surprisingly insightful wisdom. The poem explores the themes of true expression, the power of non-verbal communication, and the profound nature of love beyond simple possessiveness.

Language as a Barrier to True Emotion

One of the central themes of the poem is the inadequacy of language in expressing genuine emotion. The speaker initially believes that love can be conveyed through the correct words, seeking translations of phrases like "I love you," "kiss me," and "you are mine." However, the money changer's response, "Love is not spoken in words," reveals the fallacy of this belief. The poem suggests that love transcends linguistic boundaries and relies on deeper, more intimate forms of communication. The focus on learning how to say something, quickly shifts to how to *feel* something, and then how to *show* something.

The Eloquence of Non-Verbal Communication

The poem highlights the power of non-verbal communication in expressing love. The money changer emphasizes that "Only in secret does love sigh, / And eyes like sapphires are burning." This imagery suggests that love is often conveyed through unspoken emotions and intimate gestures. The burning eyes symbolize passion and intense emotion, while the secret sigh evokes a sense of longing and intimacy. The kiss, described as having "no name" and "blowing like the red rose," is presented as a spontaneous and deeply felt expression of affection that cannot be captured by words. The true message of love is transferred non-verbally through the eyes, sighs, and kisses.

Possession Versus Shared Experience

The speaker's final question, about how to say "she is mine," introduces the theme of ownership and possessiveness in love. The money changer's response challenges this notion, stating that "'You are mine' can say only those hands, / Which pulled aside the black veil." This suggests that true intimacy and a sense of belonging can only be achieved through a deep connection and shared vulnerability. The "black veil" can be seen as a metaphor for societal constraints, personal inhibitions, or the mystery that separates two individuals. Removing the veil symbolizes a deep and intimate understanding, suggesting that possessiveness is only earned through mutual vulnerability and commitment.

Symbolic Significance: Sapphires and Red Roses

The poem uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience and deepen its meaning. The "eyes like sapphires" suggest beauty, depth, and intensity of emotion, reflecting the inner passion of the speaker. The "red rose" symbolizes beauty, passion, and the fleeting nature of love. The melting petals on the lips evoke the ephemeral quality of a kiss, suggesting that love is a delicate and transient experience that should be cherished in the moment. These recurring images reinforce the idea that love is a multifaceted emotion that transcends simple language.

Conclusion: The Unsayable Truth of Love

In conclusion, "I Asked The Money Changer Today" is a powerful meditation on the nature of love and the limitations of language. Yesenin uses a simple encounter to explore complex themes of communication, intimacy, and ownership. By contrasting the speaker's naive questions with the money changer's insightful responses, the poem reveals that true love is not about finding the right words but about connecting on a deeper, more intimate level. The poem ultimately suggests that love is a visceral experience that defies easy explanation and can only be truly understood through shared vulnerability and unspoken affection, and that it is not to possess, but rather to feel with someone else.