What is the "ancient gesture" performed by Penelope and the persona in the poem, "An Ancient Gesture"?
O wiping tears from your eyes
O wiping your hands on your apron
O brushing your hair out of your eyes
O wiping persperation from your face
In the poem "An Ancient Gesture," the persona (the narrator) describes a series of actions performed by Penelope, who is a character in Greek mythology, and the persona themselves. These actions are referred to as the "ancient gesture."
To understand the meaning of this gesture, we need to analyze the context of the poem and the characteristics associated with Penelope. In Greek mythology, Penelope is known as the wife of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. Throughout Odysseus' long journey, Penelope remains faithful and waits patiently for his return. She spends her days weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, but at night, she secretly unravels the work she has done, delaying the decision to remarry until Odysseus comes home.
The "ancient gesture" described in the poem is a symbolic act that represents a timeless and universal gesture of sorrow, fatigue, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The persona lists various actions, such as wiping tears from the eyes, wiping hands on an apron, brushing hair out of the eyes, and wiping perspiration from the face. These actions capture the weariness, frustration, and emotional strain that both Penelope and the persona experience.
The phrase "ancient gesture" suggests that these actions have been performed by countless individuals throughout history. It is a way of highlighting the shared human experiences and emphasizing that the struggle for endurance and resilience is not unique to Penelope alone but is a universal aspect of the human condition.
In summary, the "ancient gesture" performed by Penelope and the persona in the poem "An Ancient Gesture" is a symbolic act that represents the timeless expression of sorrow, fatigue, and perseverance in the face of hardship. It emphasizes the common experiences shared by individuals throughout history.