18 pages • 36 minutes read
My Love Sent Me a List
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Symbols & Motifs
Language
One unique aspect of the poem is its use of scientific and mathematical language. This contrasts with the typical words found in traditional love sonnets. Davis, a practicing lawyer, has said she approaches poetry the same way she approaches legal briefs (Pataky, Jeremy. “Through/Out of/ With.” Rasmuson Foundation, 2017, www.rasmuson.org/49writers/artist-profile/olena-kalytiak-davis/.), and this poem showcases that approach. The technical language starts with the words “catalogued” and “comprehensive” to describe the list the “Love” has written. It is easy to contrast this to another famous sonnet, “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, where the speaker “counts the ways” they love someone. Davis’s technical language takes the emotion out of the poem, adding to the sarcastic tone she utilizes.
The technical jargon continues with the beginning of the list, where the speaker is “More capable of extra- and inter- / Polation” (Lines 7-8). These are not terms a layperson would use to describe themself, and they aren’t terms of insult. They are, though, terms with multiple meanings. Interpolation and extrapolation have mathematical definitions and non-mathematical definitions that loosely relate to making estimates, inferences, or conclusions about things. The use of these terms here suggests the “Love” considers himself more logical and intuitive than the speaker.
The other use of technical jargon is the word “plea” in Line 13. By itself, the word might not mean more than begging, but in the context of the poem (and considering the poet), the word’s legal definition, which is a statement claiming guilt or innocence, is more applicable than it might otherwise be.
Ultimately, the point of the poem’s language is to counter the “Love’s” claims. He claims he is more artistic, smarter, more musical, and wittier than the speaker; however, the speaker’s use of language disproves this. While the “Love’s” letter is boastful and utilizes technical jargon in a pompous, showy way, the speaker’s sections of the poem utilize technical language in a sarcastic way full of double meanings. The speaker therefore has more command over language than her “Love.”
Shakespeare
Many aspects of Shakespeare pop up throughout the poem, suggesting the famous poet is a symbol for what Davis is trying to say. The structure of the poem is the first clue. The first three lines are the second. Finally, the reference to Othello at the end of the poem is the third.
Again, with the invocation of Shakespeare, there is more contrast between the speaker and her “Love.” While the “Love” writes in a repetitive list with little musical quality or intended wordplay, the speaker writes with tone and with stronger command of language. Her writing shows her to be the more musical and artistic of the two. She is the one closer to Shakespeare’s talent.
The inclusion of Othello is complex and a bit undefined, but by referencing the play in the way she does, Davis introduces the issue of jealousy into the poem. Why does Davis choose this play as her vehicle for communicating that theme? One reason is because of the repetition of the word “more” and the earlier invocation of Shakespeare. If you’re a poet who wants to write about jealousy without saying the word, and you’ve already established an allusion to the famous Bard, dropping the name of a character who represents your theme also introduces allusion and connotation. Furthermore, it signals a type of poetry known as “name-drop” poetry, where poets mention someone (famous or obscure) and let the various associations flesh out further meaning.
The List
The list the “Love” sends is also a symbol, though it isn’t necessarily commented upon in the poem. The significance of the list is important, though. A list suggests a more objective, scientific thing than a poem or a letter. Whereas letters and poems may inspire feelings of art and sentiment, a list feels dry and emotionless. If this “Love” is of any actual value, he might have sent a dramatic poem or an epic letter. Instead, he sent a repetitive list. Lists are for grocery shopping; poetry is for epic breakups.
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