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“Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel: A Critical Analysis
“Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Glück, first published in 1975 in her collection The House on Marshland, explores the lingering effects of trauma through the lens of the classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.”
Introduction: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
“Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Glück, first published in 1975 in her collection The House on Marshland, explores the lingering effects of trauma through the lens of the classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” The poem presents the psychological aftermath of Gretel’s experiences, revealing a character haunted by the memories of her past, specifically the witch she murdered to rescue her brother.
Text: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
This is the world we wanted. All who would have seen us dead are dead. I hear the witch’s cry break in the moonlight through a sheet of sugar: God rewards. Her tongue shrivels into gas . . .
Now, far from women’s arms and memory of women, in our father’s hut we sleep, are never hungry. Why do I not forget? My father bars the door, bars harm from this house, and it is years.
No one remembers. Even you, my brother, summer afternoons you look at me as though you meant to leave, as though it never happened. But I killed for you. I see armed firs, the spires of that gleaming kiln–
Nights I turn to you to hold me but you are not there. Am I alone? Spies hiss in the stillness, Hansel, we are there still and it is real, real, that black forest and the fire in earnest.
Annotations: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
Stanza
Text
Interpretation
1
This is the world we wanted. All who would have seen us dead are dead.
The speaker reflects on a world where their enemies are vanquished.
I hear the witch’s cry break in the moonlight through a sheet of sugar: God rewards.
Despite their victory, the memory of the witch’s cry haunts them, suggesting a lingering fear or trauma.
Her tongue shrivels into gas . . .
The witch, a source of terror, is now powerless and decaying.
2
Now, far from women’s arms and memory of women, in our father’s hut we sleep, are never hungry.
The siblings are isolated from nurturing and feminine influences, finding refuge in their father’s protection, yet there’s an eerie absence of hunger.
Why do I not forget?
The speaker questions their inability to forget past traumas, indicating the persistent impact of their experiences.
My father bars the door, bars harm from this house, and it is years.
The father’s protective measures create a sense of safety, but time passes without the wounds of the past fully healing.
3
No one remembers. Even you, my brother, summer afternoons you look at me as though
Despite the passage of time, the memories haunt the speaker, even affecting their relationship with their brother.
you meant to leave, as though it never happened.
The brother’s demeanor suggests a desire to distance himself from the past, to pretend it never occurred.
But I killed for you.
The speaker reveals a profound sacrifice made for their brother’s survival, possibly referring to the death of the witch.
I see armed firs, the spires of that gleaming kiln–
Vivid imagery evokes memories of the dark forest and the witch’s house, symbols of danger and trauma.
4
Nights I turn to you to hold me but you are not there.
The speaker seeks comfort from their brother, but finds themselves alone, highlighting a sense of abandonment or betrayal.
Am I alone? Spies hiss in the stillness, Hansel, we are there still and it is real, real,
The speaker questions their reality, feeling the presence of danger and past traumas despite their physical surroundings.
that black forest and the fire in earnest.
The haunting memories of the forest and the witch’s fire remain vivid and threatening, despite the passage of time.
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
The repetition of the “s” sound creates a sinister atmosphere, echoing the whispers of spies and enhancing the tension in the scene.
“moonlight through a sheet of sugar”
The repetition of the “s” sound enhances the imagery of moonlight filtering through a sheet of sugar, adding to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the setting.
“bars the door, bars harm”
The repetition of the “b” sound emphasizes the father’s protective actions, creating a sense of security while also highlighting the confinement and restriction within the house.
The repetition of the “ee” sound in “see” and “armed” creates a sense of unease and tension, mirroring the threatening presence of the forest and the danger it represents.
“summer afternoons you look at me”
The repetition of the “oo” sound in “afternoons,” “you,” and “look” adds a melancholic tone to the speaker’s memories, emphasizing the weight of their brother’s gaze and its lingering impact.
This vivid image evokes a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, painting a picture of moonlight filtering through a delicate, translucent barrier, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the scene.
“the spires of that gleaming kiln”
The imagery of “spires” and a “gleaming kiln” conjures a vivid image of the witch’s house, emphasizing its ominous and menacing presence in the speaker’s memory.
The personification of the witch’s tongue imbues it with a sense of decay and dissolution, adding to the macabre imagery and emphasizing the witch’s demise and powerlessness.
The repetition of “real” emphasizes the speaker’s conviction and insistence on the vividness and authenticity of their memories, underscoring the enduring impact of past traumas on their psyche.
“that black forest and the fire in earnest”
Repetition of “real” and “black forest” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of being trapped in the haunting reality of their past experiences, reinforcing the lasting effect of the trauma.
The forest symbolizes danger, darkness, and the unknown, serving as a metaphor for the traumas and fears that haunt the speaker.
“sheet of sugar”
The sheet of sugar symbolizes a fragile barrier between the speaker and the haunting memories of the witch, adding to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the imagery.
Themes: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
Theme 1: Trauma and Memory: The poem explores the lasting impact of traumatic experiences on the individual, particularly Gretel’s memories of killing the witch. The speaker’s mind is haunted by the witch’s cry and the image of her tongue shriveling into gas, demonstrating how traumatic events can become etched in one’s memory. The lines “Why do I not forget?” and “Hansel, / we are there still and it is real, real” highlight the persistence of traumatic memories.
Theme 2: Guilt and Responsibility: Gretel’s actions in the past continue to weigh on her conscience, as seen in the lines “I killed for you” and “But I killed for you. I see armed firs, / the spires of that gleaming kiln.” The poem suggests that taking a life, even in self-defense, can lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility that linger long after the event. Gretel’s sense of accountability for her brother’s well-being is also evident in her address to him throughout the poem.
Theme 3: Isolation and Loneliness: The poem conveys a sense of isolation and loneliness, as Gretel feels disconnected from others, including her brother and father. The lines “Now, far from women’s arms / and memory of women, in our father’s hut / we sleep, are never hungry” suggest a physical and emotional distance from nurturing relationships. Gretel’s cry “Am I alone?” and her desire for her brother’s comfort (“Nights I turn to you to hold me / but you are not there”) emphasize her feelings of solitude.
Theme 4: Reality and Denial: The poem explores the tension between facing reality and denying the past. Gretel’s brother seems to have forgotten or suppressed the traumatic events, as indicated by the lines “No one remembers. Even you, my brother, / summer afternoons you look at me as though / you meant to leave, / as though it never happened.” In contrast, Gretel is unable to escape the reality of their experiences, insisting “Hansel, / we are there still and it is real, real, / that black forest and the fire in earnest.”
Literary Theories and “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
“Why do I not forget? / My father bars the door, bars harm / from this house, and it is years.”
Gretel’s inability to forget the traumatic event and her father’s attempts to shield her from harm suggest a psychological repression of memories, a key concept in psychoanalytic theory.
“Now, far from women’s arms / and memory of women, in our father’s hut / we sleep, are never hungry.”
The speaker’s distance from women’s nurturing and the patriarchal dominance of the father’s hut highlight the gender dynamics and power structures critiqued in feminist theory.
“I hear the witch’s cry / break in the moonlight through a sheet / of sugar: God rewards. / Her tongue shrivels into gas . . .”
The vivid and haunting imagery of the witch’s cry and tongue shriveling into gas exemplifies the traumatic flashback, a common phenomenon in trauma theory, where the past event is relived in the present.
Critical Questions about “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
How does the poem explore the lingering psychological effects of trauma?
The poem delves into the psychological aftermath of trauma through Gretel’s introspective narration. Despite their physical safety and the passage of time, Gretel is haunted by memories of their harrowing experiences with the witch. For instance, Gretel’s inability to forget is evident in the line, “Why do I not forget?” The repetition of the phrase “real, real,” emphasizes the persistent and vivid nature of these haunting memories, indicating the lasting impact of the trauma. Additionally, Gretel’s sense of abandonment and loneliness, expressed through lines like “Nights I turn to you to hold me but you are not there,” reflects the emotional toll of their past experiences on their relationships and sense of security.
How does the poem depict the theme of familial bonds and sacrifice?
Louise Gluck portrays the complex dynamics of familial bonds and sacrifice through Gretel’s reflections on her relationship with her brother, Hansel. Despite their shared trauma, Gretel feels a profound connection and sense of duty towards her brother, as seen in the line, “But I killed for you.” This sacrifice underscores the lengths to which Gretel is willing to go to ensure Hansel’s survival, highlighting the unconditional love and protection inherent in familial relationships. However, there is also a sense of betrayal and abandonment as Gretel yearns for her brother’s presence in moments of vulnerability, only to find herself alone. This duality reflects the complexities of familial bonds, encompassing both selflessness and the burden of responsibility.
How does the poem use imagery to evoke a sense of darkness and foreboding?
Gluck employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem to create an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding. The imagery of the “black forest” symbolizes danger and the unknown, serving as a recurring motif that underscores the pervasive sense of threat and fear. Additionally, the description of the moonlight filtering “through a sheet of sugar” conjures a surreal and eerie image, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the setting while also hinting at the deceptive nature of appearances. Furthermore, the imagery of the “gleaming kiln” and “armed firs” evokes a sense of menace and impending danger, reinforcing the ominous atmosphere of the poem and the lasting impact of Gretel’s traumatic experiences.
How does the poem challenge traditional fairy tale narratives?
Gluck’s poem subverts traditional fairy tale narratives by offering a darker and more introspective perspective on the story of Hansel and Gretel. Unlike the conventional portrayal of fairy tale heroines as passive victims or eventual beneficiaries of rescue, Gretel emerges as a complex and psychologically scarred protagonist. Instead of a happily-ever-after ending, the poem delves into the aftermath of trauma, challenging simplistic notions of resolution and closure. By exploring themes of memory, trauma, and familial bonds, Gluck’s poem invites readers to reconsider the traditional fairy tale narrative and confront the darker realities that lie beneath its surface.
Literary Works Similar to “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
“Daddy” by Sylvia Plath – This iconic poem delves into the complex relationship between the speaker and her father, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the lingering effects of parental influence.
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot – This modernist poem reflects on themes of isolation, anxiety, and existential dread, as the protagonist grapples with his own inner turmoil and the passage of time.
“Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath – Another poem by Sylvia Plath, “Lady Lazarus” explores themes of death, resurrection, and the cyclical nature of trauma and recovery. Like “Gretel in Darkness,” it offers a powerful examination of personal struggle and resilience.
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot – A seminal work of modernist poetry, “The Waste Land” explores themes of fragmentation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a fragmented and chaotic world. Its rich imagery and layered symbolism invite readers to delve deep into the complexities of human experience.
“Diving into the Wreck” by Adrienne Rich – This poem explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the journey towards empowerment. Like “Gretel in Darkness,” it delves into the depths of personal experience and the process of reclaiming agency in the face of adversity.
Suggested Readings: “Gretel in Darkness” by Louise Gluck Gretel
Gluck, Louise. “Gretel in Darkness.” Disenchantments: An Anthology of Modern Fairy Tale Poetry (1985): 59-72.
Weiss, Lea. ““Gretel in Darkness”: Persistence of the Coded Subtext in the Simulated.” State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York (2009): 51.
“This is the world we wanted. All who would have seen us dead are dead.”
Gretel reflects on the desired outcome of their ordeal with the witch, where their enemies are vanquished.
Post-Traumatic Growth: Despite the trauma they endured, the speaker finds a sense of empowerment and satisfaction in overcoming their adversaries, suggesting a form of growth or resilience emerging from adversity.
“Why do I not forget?”
Despite the passage of time and their physical safety, Gretel wrestles with the inability to forget their traumatic experiences.
Freudian Repression: The speaker’s inability to forget suggests the presence of repressed memories and unresolved psychological conflicts, reflecting Freud’s theory of repression, where distressing memories are pushed into the unconscious mind.
“But I killed for you.”
Gretel reveals a profound sacrifice made for her brother’s survival, emphasizing the unconditional love and protection inherent in familial relationships.
Sacrifice and Love: The quotation underscores the theme of sacrifice for familial bonds, highlighting the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to protect and care for their loved ones, aligning with theories of attachment and altruism.
“Nights I turn to you to hold me but you are not there.”
Gretel seeks comfort and reassurance from her brother, but feels abandoned and alone in her vulnerability.
Attachment Theory: The speaker’s longing for her brother’s presence reflects attachment needs, emphasizing the importance of secure attachments in providing emotional support and stability, echoing attachment theory concepts proposed by Bowlby.
“that black forest and the fire in earnest.”
The repetition of “real” emphasizes the speaker’s conviction about the vividness and authenticity of their memories, underscoring the lasting impact of the trauma.
Reality Testing: The speaker questions the reality of their experiences, suggesting a struggle to differentiate between past traumas and present reality, reflecting the concept of reality testing in psychoanalytic theory, particularly in relation to trauma.
“No one remembers. Even you, my brother…” / “as though it never happened.” / “Am I alone?”
The speaker feels isolated in their memories and experiences, questioning the validity of their own reality.
Alienation and Existentialism: These quotations reflect themes of alienation and existential angst, where the individual grapples with feelings of isolation and a sense of absurdity in their existence, echoing existentialist concepts proposed by thinkers like Sartre and Camus.
