If you’re a fan of poetry, you may have come across the poem “Vacation” by Rita Dove. This particular poem has garnered much attention and praise for its vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes.
But when was “Vacation” written, and what inspired Dove to create such a captivating work? Let’s take a closer look.
The Life of Rita Dove
Before delving into the specifics of “Vacation,” it’s important to understand who Rita Dove is as a writer and person. She was born in Akron, Ohio in 1952 and grew up in a family that valued education and culture. From a young age, Dove showed an interest in writing, often composing her own stories and poems.
After completing her undergraduate studies at Miami University in Ohio, Dove went on to earn her MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She then embarked on a prolific career as both a poet and prose writer, earning numerous accolades for her work along the way.
“Vacation” Poem Analysis
Now that we have some context on who Rita Dove is let’s dive into the poem itself. “Vacation” was first published in 1990 as part of Dove’s collection titled “Grace Notes.” The poem is relatively short, consisting of only 21 lines, but it packs quite a punch with its evocative language and themes of memory and loss.
The opening lines set the scene for the rest of the poem: “On the day before my birthday / they hung my grandfather.” Right away, we are confronted with an image that is both shocking and mysterious.
Who hanged Dove’s grandfather? Why did they do it?
Throughout the rest of the poem, Dove explores these questions through vivid descriptions of her childhood memories. She recalls watching her grandfather play checkers on Sunday afternoons and listening to his stories about his youth. She also remembers the day he was hanged, and how her family rushed to cover up the mirrors in their home as a sign of mourning.
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant: “I am six, playing in the yard / with my cousins, trying to fly.” Here, Dove juxtaposes the innocence of childhood play with the harsh reality of loss and death. The image of children attempting to fly is both whimsical and heartbreaking, underscoring the theme of memory that runs throughout the entire poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Vacation” by Rita Dove is a powerful work that explores themes of memory, loss, and childhood innocence. Written in 1990 as part of her collection “Grace Notes,” this poem has resonated with readers for decades thanks to its evocative language and vivid imagery. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dove’s work or just discovering it for the first time, “Vacation” is sure to leave an impression on you.