The more common method of personification in the poem is a type of reverse personification, or the poet stating that abstract elements are incapable of human actions and unworthy of human characteristics. The bulk of the poem consists of these statements, for example the first two lines read, “The clouds and the stars didn’t wage this war – the brooks gave no information” (Rich, 1-2). This vehicle of elements of nature not performing human actions suggest the tenor that clouds and brooks are merely natural phenomenon. They can not declare war or share secrets. Again, Rich writes, “the freeways burned, but not with hatred” (Rich, 18). This line reinforces that municipal structures are not aimed at harming people and do not experience emotions.
This contradiction of personification magnifies the theme of the poem. The poet establishes nature and buildings as a force, but clearly states what they are incapable of. Most importantly, they can not intentionally harm human beings. This idea is critical to the theme because it affirms that the responsibility of the current social condition can not be placed on these elements of the environment. In reality, the situation is caused by mankind.
Controlling & Extended Metaphor
The primary focus of “For the Record” is the environmental and communal devastation that a society is enduring. The entire poem is searching for the cause of that situation. In the first line, Rich uses a controlling metaphor to expose this problem, saying, “The clouds and the stars didn’t wage this war” (Rich, 1). The current conditions are being compared to those of a war. Throughout the poem, references to a war-like atmosphere come up. The first stanza addresses the political aspects of the war, touching upon political opinions and taking sides. The poison fumes of the house in the second stanza parallel to the filth and danger of a war. In the third and fourth stanzas, subjects of neglect and death come up. In the fifth stanza, a final reference to the pain caused by war addresses the “depths of vomit, tears – slow-soaking blood” (Rich, 25-26).
At the end of the poem, the cause of this war is identified with an extended metaphor. The last stanza begins, “and ask whose signature is stamped on the orders traced in the corner of the building-plans” (Rich, 31-33). The vehicle in this metaphor is the word signature. This can also be referred to as metonymy, because the signature is representing all of mankind and is something that can be associated with a person (“signature”). Regarding the extended metaphor, the tenor of the statement is that we should look to the people who are signing the building contracts because they represent everything that is causing the dilapidation of the environment. A signature is commonly associated with a personal approval, or acceptance of responsibility to a binding promise. However, as a medical term, a signature is a resemblance between the external characteristics of a disease and those of some physical agent. This suggests that the people who cause the corruption in the environment parallel in their moral and physical corruption. This can be supported by the reference to the “big-bellied women… the drunks and the crazies” (Rich, 34-35). These people are permitting the situation to progress in a negative direction.
Structure of Figures
The final effect of figurative language that helps to develop the theme of “For the Record” is the pattern and composure of these metaphors. The structure of the poem can be compared to a magnifying glass, starting with a problem and narrowing down to its source. It begins with the broad controlling metaphor of a war condition. Then, the poem zooms into the natural world, describing elements of the earth with personification. Next, it concentrates on the constructed world, such as bridges and houses. The poem then continues to use reverse personification to connect these two components and focus on humankind. Rich writes, “the trees didn’t volunteer to be cut into boards – nor the thorns for tearing flesh” (Rich, 28-29). In these two lines, trees are connected with the boards for making homes, and thorns are connected with human flesh. The poem leads to the extended metaphor of the signature in the last stanza. This pyramid-like structure relates to the theme in the fact that it states the crisis of the situation and narrows down to civilization as the cause of humanity’s suffering.
Effective organization of metaphor and different vehicles make figurative language essential to Rich conveying her theme in “For the Record.” Personification is used with a twist to make a strong point about the virtue of the natural world. Controlling and extended metaphors tie the theme together with a cause and effect relationship that points a finger at mankind. Rich clearly expresses that the poor, neglected status of society and nature can be blamed on the men and women who gave their signature and produced deteriorating conditions day by day.
Works Cited
“Fume.” The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 4th ed. 2001.
Rich, Adrienne. “For the Record.” The Norton Introduction to Poetry: Eighth Edition. Ed. J. Paul Hunter. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. 322-23.
“Signature.” The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 4th ed. 2001.
