Rita Dove
“The Bistro Styx”,
“Demeter’s Prayer to
Hades”
R I
T
T A
A
D O
D O
V E
V E
She served as the Poet Laureate of the United States
and Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress
from 1993 to 1995, becoming the youngest person and
the first African American to hold this position at that
time.
R I
Rita Dove, born in 1952, is a renowned American poet,
writer, and educator.
Dove has received numerous awards for her literary
work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1987
for her book "Thomas and Beulah."
By Dr. Cecilia Osyanju
Rita Dove, born in 1952, is a renowned American poet, writer, and educator.
She served as the Poet Laureate of the United States and Consultant in Poetry to the
Library of Congress from 1993 to 1995, becoming the youngest person and the first
African American to hold this position at that time.
Dove has received numerous awards for her literary work, including the Pulitzer Prize for
Poetry in 1987 for her book "Thomas and Beulah."
Her poetry often explores themes of history, myth, race, and family relationships with a
unique blend of narrative and lyricism.
Rita Dove's writing is known for its depth, emotional resonance, and innovative approach
to storytelling. Through her poems, she delves into personal experiences, cultural
heritage, and broader social issues, captivating readers with her eloquent and thoughtprovoking verses.
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"The Bistro Styx" and "Demeter's Prayer to
Hades"
"The Bistro Styx" and "Demeter's Prayer to
Hades" are part of her poetry collection inspired
by the myth of Demeter and Persephone.
In these poems, Dove explores different angles of
the well-known story, shedding light on themes of
loss, grief, and growth. "The Bistro Styx" delves
into the underworld, while "Demeter's Prayer to
Hades" captures the emotional plea of a mother
mourning her daughter's abduction.
In this class we will be delving into two of her poems namely:
"The Bistro Styx" and "Demeter's Prayer to Hades"
The two are part of her poetry collection inspired by the myth of Demeter and
Persephone.
In these poems, Dove explores different angles of the well-known story, shedding light on
themes of loss, grief, and growth.
"The Bistro Styx" The Bistro Styx uses Greek mythology of Demeter and Persephone in
order to depict the troubled relationship between mother and daughter.
"Demeter's Prayer to Hades" captures the emotional plea of a mother mourning her
daughter's abduction.
These poems, along with others in the collection, offer unique perspectives on age-old
myths and folklore, emphasizing the complexity of human emotions and relationships.
Rita Dove — The Bistro Styx & Demeter’s Prayer to Hades
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What is the myth of
Demeter and Persephone?
The myth of Demeter and Persephone is a well-known Greek myth that tells the story
of how Hades, the God of the Underworld, abducted Persephone, the daughter of
Demeter, to be his wife.
Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, was devastated by the loss of her daughter,
leading to a halt in the growth of crops and nature. Zeus, the king of the gods,
intervened to help Demeter retrieve her daughter.
However, due to Persephone eating pomegranate seeds in the Underworld, she was
bound to spend six months of every year with Hades and the other six months with her
mother on Earth. This myth explains the changing seasons, with Demeter's joy at
reuniting with Persephone symbolizing bountiful harvests and growth on Earth while
her time in the Underworld signifies barrenness and winter.
What is the myth of Demeter and Persephone?
The myth of Demeter and Persephone is a well-known Greek myth that tells the story of
how Hades, the God of the Underworld, abducted Persephone, the daughter of Demeter,
to be his wife. Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, was devastated by the loss of her
daughter, leading to a halt in the growth of crops and nature. Zeus, the king of the gods,
intervened to help Demeter retrieve her daughter. However, due to Persephone eating
pomegranate seeds in the Underworld, she was bound to spend six months of every year
with Hades and the other six months with her mother on Earth. This myth explains the
changing seasons, with Demeter's joy at reuniting with Persephone symbolizing bountiful
harvests and growth on Earth while her time in the Underworld signifies barrenness and
winter
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The story
Demeter was the Ancient Greek goddess of the harvest. She was a very important goddess
to Ancient Greek people, who farmed a lot of their food. Demeter had a kind and beautiful
daughter, called Persephone, who she loved very much.
Persephone, like her mum, loved nature. One day she was walking in a beautiful meadow
and gathering flowers to take home when a huge hole opened up in the ground.
Hades – the God of the Underworld – arrived through the hole and captured Persephone.
He wanted the lovely Persephone to be his wife. How do you think Persephone felt?
Demeter could no longer see her daughter and missed her hugely. She was so sad, it
affected the harvest across Greece. Crops, fruit and nature all stopped growing.
She went to Zeus, the king of the gods, to ask him to help get her daughter back from
Hades. Zeus could see how Demeter’s sadness was affecting Earth and so he agreed to
help her.
Meanwhile, Hades wanted to make it more difficult for Persephone to leave the
Underworld, and gave her some delicious Underworld food – a fruit called a pomegranate.
Zeus visited Hades to ask him to let Persephone leave. Hades said, ‘Persephone can only
leave if she hasn’t eaten any of the food that I’ve given her.’
But she already had. Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds.
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Zeus and Hades agreed that Persephone would have to spend six months in the
Underworld, but that she could return to Earth for the other six months of the year. One
month for every pomegranate seed.
From then on, whenever Persephone was with Demeter on Earth, Demeter would be so
happy and crops, fruit and plants would grow and flourish beautifully – but when she
went back to the Underworld, to live with Hades for six months, the plants would stop
growing entirely.
The ancient Greeks used this myth to explain something that affects how plants grow.
What do you think it is?
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Myth and Reality in Rita Dove’s Bistro Styx:
In the poem,the mother Demeter is looking for her lost daughter
Persephone who has been kidnaped by the mordernism of Paris,
which can be seen as Hades. Dove has masterfully added her
own touch to the classic myth and given it a more realistic touch
than a myth.
The poem is an allusion to the alienation between mothers and
daughters in the modern day society and how mordernism has
deceitfully blinded the poets own daughter so much that the poet
seems to have lost her daughter forever.
The Bistro Styx is a poem from Rita Dove’s book Mother Love that retells the classic Greek
mythology of Demeter and Persephone with interesting analogies.
In the poem,the mother Demeter is looking for her lost daughter Persephone who has
been kidnaped by the mordernism of Paris, which can be seen as Hades.
Dove has masterfully added her own touch to the classic myth and given it a more
realistic touch than a myth.
The poem is an allusion to the alienation between mothers and daughters in the modern
day society and how mordernism has deceitfully blinded the poets own daughter so much
that the poet seems to have lost her daughter forever.
In this way the hades of modern civilization can be seen as the much more dangerous than
the mythical hades as the mother feels helpless to recover her daughter not even for half
a year as in the myth.
Dove successfully fused European Mythology with contemporary American culture to
provide us with a view into the realities of the contemporary American family.
In the process of remaking/retelling the story of Demeter and Persephone, Dove has
carved her own niche in the branch of Mythopoiesis. Not only has she retold the classic,
she has remoulded
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the previous myth into one which is applicable to the present
...................................
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Mythopoiesis in literature and film
In the process of remaking/retelling the story of
Demeter and Persephone, Dove has carved her own
niche in the branch of Mythopoiesis.
Some examples of mythopoiesis in literature and film
include works by authors and filmmakers like: "The
Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," The
Chronicles of Narnia" "Star Wars"
These examples showcase how mythopoeia is utilized in
literature and film to construct intricate mythologies, explore
universal themes, and engage audiences in imaginative and
immersive storytelling experiences
Some examples of mythopoiesis in literature and film include works by authors and
filmmakers who create artificial or fictionalized mythologies within their narratives. Here
are a few notable exa mples:
J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, including "The Lord of the Rings" and "The
Hobbit," is a classic example of mythopoeia in literature. Tolkien created a rich and
detailed fictional world with its own languages, histories, and mythologies, drawing
inspiration from various mythic traditio ns.
C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" series is another prominent example of mythopoeic
literature. Lewis crafted a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures, allegorical
themes, and epic adventures that resonate with mythic elements.
The works of William Blake, known for his visionary poetry and art, often incorporate
mythopoeic elements that explore spiritual and philosophical themes through symbolic
narratives.
In film, the "Star Wars" franchise created by George Lucas is a modern example of
mythopoeia. Lucas drew from various mythological motifs, archetypes, and hero's
journey narratives to construct a galaxy far, far away with its own mythology and lore.
Guillermo del Toro's film "Pan's Labyrinth" blends fantasy and historical drama to create a
mythopoeic narrative that weaves together fairy tale elements with real-world events,
exploring themes of innocence, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.
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These examples showcase how mythopoeia is utilized in literature and film to construct
intricate mythologies, explore universal themes, and engage audiences in imaginative and
immersive storytelling experiences
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Rita Dove — The Bistro Styx
https://poets.org/poem/bistro-styx
https://www.poetryinternational.com/en/poets-poems/poems/poem/10329722_DEMETER-8217-S-PRAYER-TO-HADES
https://youtu.be/1ua7WMD4mW4?si=v39LdxMSHoVEmJwF
Rita Dove — The Bistro Styx & Demeter’s Prayer to Hades
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First stanza
The mother is waiting for her daughter to arrive and
when she does she notices differences in her daughter's
appearance - "thinner...mannered gauntness...silvery
cape." The stanza ends with an italicized "What's this" as
if to imply the mother doesn't even recognize her own
daughter anymore.
Second stanza
Second stanza, the daughter makes her way to the
mother crossing the parquet and the mother notices she
is "dressed in all gray..." The color of the daughter's
clothes here could symbolize the death of emotion, or
the 'death' of the daughter the mother once knew.
In the first stanza, the mother is waiting for her daughter to arrive and when she does she
notices differences in her daughter's appearance - "thinner...mannered gauntness...silvery
cape." The stanza ends with an italicized "What's this" as if to imply the mother doesn't
even recognize her own daughter anymore.
Second stanza, the daughter makes her way to the mother crossing the parquet and the
mother notices she is "dressed in all gray..." The color of the daughter's clothes here could
symbolize the death of emotion, or the 'death' of the daughter the mother once knew.
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Third stanza
The daughter apologizes for being late and throws her
cape off and slides off into the chair. The mother makes
an internal comment that "she [the daughter] wasn't
[sorry]" and here the diction could imply that the mother
feels hesitant towards her daughter.
Fourth stanza
They kiss and the mother "peruse[s] [her] blighted child,
this wary aristocratic mole." By describing her daughter
in this manner, 'wary' implies hesitant of danger,
'aristocratic' that her daughter is know seen as/perceives
herself to be/dresses as if she is of a higher stature, and
'mole' could mean a duplicitous nature.
Third stanza, the daughter apologizes for being late and throws her cape off and slides off
into the chair. The mother makes an internal comment that "she [the daughter] wasn't
[sorry]" and here the diction could imply that the mother feels hesitant towards her
daughter.
Fourth stanza, they kiss and the mother "peruse[s] [her] blighted child, this wary
aristocratic mole." By describing her daughter in this manner, 'wary' implies hesitant of
danger, 'aristocratic' that her daughter is know seen as/perceives herself to be/dresses as
if she is of a higher stature, and 'mole' could mean a duplicitous nature.
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Fifth stanza
The mother asks how the daughter is, hazardly mind you, but restrains
herself form what she actually wants to say which is why her daughter
would ever choose to live her life as a model for an artist. She internally
calls her life a cliche. The diction here is important the mother "hazarded a
motherly smile" with the implication that the conversation is uncomfortable
and she is not content wit hher daughter's life. She does not approve.
Sixth stanza
The mother describes where her daughter lives and
works now which is the daughter's boyfriend's/artist's
studio/shop. She speaks as if it is a lowly place unworthy
of her daughter (or at least the daughter she used to
know or thought she knew.)
Fifth stanza, the mother asks how the daughter is, hazardly mind you, but restrains herself
form what she actually wants to say which is why her daughter would ever choose to live
her life as a model for an artist. She internally calls her life a cliche. The diction here is
important the mother "hazarded a motherly smile" with the implication that the
conversation is uncomfortable and she is not content wit hher daughter's life. She does
not approve.
Sixth stanza, the mother describes where her daughter lives and works now which is the
daughter's boyfriend's/artist's studio/shop. She speaks as if it is a lowly place unworthy of
her daughter (or at least the daughter she used to know or thought she knew.)
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Seventh stanza
The daughter brushes her mother off and tries to imbue
the importance and value of the city by saying how
tourists and Parisians love them (daughter and the
boyfriend) but it can be inferred that this means nothing
to the mother who views the city and inhabitants as
transitory and incapable of love.
Eight stanza
The food arrives and it is lavish and French. Direct
allusion to Greek mythology in which Persephone eats
the six seeds of Pomegranate and mud remain in Hades.
In turn, the daughter eats the Parisian food and will
remain in the city and continue pursuing art.
Seventh stanza, the daughter brushes her mother off and tries to imbue the importance
and value of the city by saying how tourists and Parisians love them (daughter and the
boyfriend) but it can be inferred that this means nothing to the mother who views the city
and inhabitants as transitory and incapable of love.
Eight stanza, the food arrives and it is lavish and French. Direct allusion to Greek
mythology in which Persephone eats the six seeds of Pomegranate and mud remain in
Hades. In turn, the daughter eats the Parisian food and will remain in the city and continue
pursuing art.
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Ninth stanza
The mother asks what the Parisians admire about the
shop and the daughter responds it is the way they have
kept their art business afloat.
Tenth stanza
The mother is not pleased with the daughter's response
form the previous stanza because she takes that to mean
that her daughter is now posing nude for 'appalling
canvases'.
Eleventh stanza
The mother "ventures" to come by and see the studio
and the daughter says "Yes, if you wish..." but hen
delicately rebuffs her mothers wish.
Ninth stanza, the mother asks what the Parisians admire about the shop and the daughter
responds it is the way they have kept their art business afloat.
Tenth stanza, the mother is not pleased with the daughter's response form the previous
stanza because she takes that to mean that her daughter is now posing nude for 'appalling
canvases'.
Eleventh stanza, the mother "ventures" to come by and see the studio and the daughter
says "Yes, if you wish..." but hen delicately rebuffs her mothers wish.
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Twelfth stanza
The daughter talks about how her boyfriend now dresses
in all black (which is assumed the mother again finds
cliche) and dresses the daughter in blues and carmine.
However, she states how she prefers more muted
shades. This stanza is another reference to the power of
color in this poem in portraying mood and tone. The
daughter's desire to wear muted grays reflects the
mother's believe that she has lost her daughter even
though she is sitting in front of her. It is as if they live in
two different worlds.
Twelfth stanza, the daughter talks about how her boyfriend now dresses in all black (which
is assumed the mother again finds cliche) and dresses the daughter in blues and carmine.
However, she states how she prefers more muted shades. This stanza is another reference
to the power of color in this poem in portraying mood and tone. The daughter's desire to
wear muted grays reflects the mother's believe that she has lost her daughter even though
she is sitting in front of her. It is as if they live in two different worlds.
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Thirteenth stanza
The mother acknowledges, somewhat hesitantly, her
daughter's beauty even if it in a "spookily insubstantial"
manner.
Fourteenth stanza
The setting of Paris beyond the cafe in which they sit is
described. It is raining, sooty, and skyward - a city which
no doubt the mother finds drab and overwhelming.
Thirteenth stanza, the mother acknowledges, somewhat hesitantly, her daughter's beauty
even if it in a "spookily insubstantial" manner.
Fourteenth stanza, the setting of Paris beyond the cafe in which they sit is described. It is
raining, sooty, and skyward - a city which no doubt the mother finds drab and
overwhelming.
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Fifteenth stanza
The daughter talks of how she wishes her boyfriend artist
would eat just as more food arrives at the table.
Sixteenth stanza
The mother keeps her food simple but notes how fully her
daughter eats and all of the 'fancy' food she orders, no doubt a
reflection on her life in Paris versus the mother's simple life and
meal. The mother notes how the daughter is never satiated and
this again alludes to Persephone. In eating the pomegranate
seeds, Persephone lost any possibility of ever being fully restored
and thus became half living and half dead. In the poem, the
daughter eats plentifully and without hesitation, thus losing (willing
almost) any chance of restoring herself to her mother.
Fifteenth stanza, The daughter talks of how she wishes her boyfriend artist would eat just
as more food arrives at the table.
Sixteenth stanza, the mother keeps her food simple but notes how fully her daughter eats
and all of the 'fancy' food she orders, no doubt a reflection on her life in Paris versus the
mother's simple life and meal. The mother notes how the daughter is never satiated and
this again alludes to Persephone. In eating the pomegranate seeds, Persephone lost any
possibility of ever being fully restored and thus became half living and half dead. In the
poem, the daughter eats plentifully and without hesitation, thus losing (willing almost) any
chance of restoring herself to her mother.
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Seventeenth stanza
The mother asks "But are you happy?" but she is fearful and whispers it
quickly. The daughter replies "What?" although it is most likely she heard
the mother. She then quickly changes the subject back to food. This
further drives home the theme of the poem and how the daughter is lost.
It seems as if the daughter is more interested in the meal and in her lavish
Parisian life than in he conversation with her mother.
Eighteenth stanza
The mother thinks to herself "I've lost her." and it is important
to note that it is italicized thus drawing a parallel between the
first stanza in which there was also one italicized sentence and
this last stanza. By now it seems as if the mother has given up
hope. She will not regain her daughter. She calls for the bill.
Seventeenth stanza, the mother asks "But are you happy?" but she is fearful and whispers
it quickly. The daughter replies "What?" although it is most likely she heard the mother.
She then quickly changes the subject back to food. This further drives home the theme of
the poem and how the daughter is lost. It seems as if the daughter is more interested in
the meal and in her lavish Parisian life than in he conversation with her mother.
Eighteenth stanza, the mother thinks to herself "I've lost her." and it is important to note
that it is italicized thus drawing a parallel between the first stanza in which there was also
one italicized sentence and this last stanza. By now it seems as if the mother has given up
hope. She will not regain her daughter. She calls for the bill.
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Summary of Bistro Styx
1. The poem draws parallels between the myth of Demeter and Persephone and the
modern relationship between a mother and daughter.
2. The daughter represents a modern Persephone who is "abducted" by the "Hades
of modern civilization."
3. There's a noticeable communication gap and artificiality in the daughter's
demeanor and appearance, reflecting the strained relationship.
4. The daughter's role as a model for an artist symbolizes her immersion in the city
and the art world, distancing her from her mother and their rural background.
5. The theme of eating and drinking in the restaurant serves as a metaphor for the
daughter's detachment from her mother and her immersion in modernity.
6. The daughter's indulgence in food and drink hints at her inability to fully return
to her previous life or restore her relationship with her mother.
7. The comparison of the daughter's consumption of dishes to Persephone eating the
seeds of the pomegranate suggests her entrapment in the modern underworld.
8. Similarly, the daughter's drinking of wine parallels the dead drinking from the
river Styx, symbolizing her forgetfulness of her past life and traditions.
-
The Bistro Styx uses Greek mythology of Demeter and Persephone in order to depict the
troubled relationship between mother and daughter.
To mix-up both myth and the context of the poem, the poem is about modern Demeter
(the mother) who in her search discovers modern Persephone (the daughter) in the
underworld of modern Paris abducted by the Hades of modern civilization.
The poem begins with a narration of the mother who is waiting for her daughter. In her
description of her daughter and in the conversation between mother and daughter, we
can sense the trouble in the relationship which often results in communication gap.
The readers can observe artificiality in the daughter’s manner of clothing and an accent
(language).
The daughter was dressed in gray skirt which is symbolic of the death of human emotion
and sensibility and the daughter becomes more formal than affectionate.
The daughter works as a model for an artist who runs a studio that features the futuristic
paintings. The daughter tries to prove the significance of her life in the city taking the
reference of the love of tourists and Parisians.
The central theme of the poetry is the act of eating and drinking at the restaurant. The
daughter partakes in drinking and eating rather than having a conversation with her
mother. The way she is
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centered on drinking and eating gives the reader a clue that modern Persephone is not
going to be fully restored (saved).
According to ancient Greek myth, it was eating of few seeds of pomegranate that was a
reason behind Persephone's failure to restore herself completely in the world of living
beings.
Eating the seeds of pomegranate, Persephone becomes half-living and half-dead.
Similarly, in the poem the different varieties of dishes, that the daughter orders can be
compared to seeds of pomegranate.
Therefore, this modern Persephone will forever be in the underworld with the Hades.
Another mythical allusion in the poem is to the river of forgetfulness; Styx. According to
the myth, if the dead drink water from Styx while crossing the boundary between the
world of living being and the world of dead, they forget everything about their previous
life.
The daughter’s drinking of wine resembles the dead drinking water from Styx. The
daughter has forgotten her relationship, life in the village, tradition, and rural values. The
pain of mother is losing her child in the chaotic world even if she wants to bring back her
to home (earlier state) but she can’t do so as it has become too late.
Modern daughters are not being abducted by Hades per se, but in the name of careers,
jobs, and personalities, they are abducted. The ancient Persephone was always urging to
go back to her mother but this modern Persephone has willingly chosen to be the victim
of the modern Hades
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Overall Interpretation of Bistro Styx
The interpretation highlights themes of
loss, detachment, and the impact of
modernity on familial relationships,
offering commentary on the challenges
faced by modern women in balancing
personal aspirations with familial ties.
The Bistro Styx uses Greek mythology of Demeter and Persephone in order to depict the
troubled relationship between mother and daughter.
To mix-up both myth and the context of the poem, the poem is about modern Demeter
(the mother) who in her search discovers modern Persephone (the daughter) in the
underworld of modern Paris abducted by the Hades of modern civilization.
The poem begins with a narration of the mother who is waiting for her daughter. In her
description of her daughter and in the conversation between mother and daughter, we
can sense the trouble in the relationship which often results in communication gap.
The readers can observe artificiality in the daughter’s manner of clothing and an accent
(language).
The daughter was dressed in gray skirt which is symbolic of the death of human emotion
and sensibility and the daughter becomes more formal than affectionate.
The daughter works as a model for an artist who runs a studio that features the futuristic
paintings. The daughter tries to prove the significance of her life in the city taking the
reference of the love of tourists and Parisians.
The central theme of the poetry is the act of eating and drinking at the restaurant. The
daughter partakes in drinking and eating rather than having a conversation with her
mother. The way she is
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centered on drinking and eating gives the reader a clue that modern Persephone is not
going to be fully restored (saved).
According to ancient Greek myth, it was eating of few seeds of pomegranate that was a
reason behind Persephone's failure to restore herself completely in the world of living
beings.
Eating the seeds of pomegranate, Persephone becomes half-living and half-dead.
Similarly, in the poem the different varieties of dishes, that the daughter orders can be
compared to seeds of pomegranate.
Therefore, this modern Persephone will forever be in the underworld with the Hades.
Another mythical allusion in the poem is to the river of forgetfulness; Styx. According to
the myth, if the dead drink water from Styx while crossing the boundary between the
world of living being and the world of dead, they forget everything about their previous
life.
The daughter’s drinking of wine resembles the dead drinking water from Styx. The
daughter has forgotten her relationship, life in the village, tradition, and rural values. The
pain of mother is losing her child in the chaotic world even if she wants to bring back her
to home (earlier state) but she can’t do so as it has become too late.
Modern daughters are not being abducted by Hades per se, but in the name of careers,
jobs, and personalities, they are abducted. The ancient Persephone was always urging to
go back to her mother but this modern Persephone has willingly chosen to be the victim
of the modern Hades
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Rita Dove — Demeter’s Prayer to Hades
Up next is Demeters prayer to Hades
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Up next is Demeters prayer to Hades....
Lets read....
The tone of Demeter's Prayer to Hades by Rita Dove can be described as complex and
multifaceted, why? because it has elements of disappointment, sadness, wisdom, and a
subtle hint of passive-aggressiveness.
The poem does not adopt a traditional prayerful tone, as one might expect from the title,
but rather conveys a sense of urgency and a desire to impart knowledge and
understanding to Hades.
Demeter's tone shifts throughout the poem, moving from a wish for knowledge for Hades
to a reflection on the consequences of desires and actions.
There is a sense of resignation and a hint of bitterness in Demeter's words, as she
addresses Hades about the repercussions of his actions and the lack of self-awareness in
his rule over the underworld.
Overall, the tone of the poem is one of introspection, contemplation, and a subtle warning
about the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences
........................
Analyzing "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" by Rita Dove line by line reveals the depth of
emotion and meaning in the poem:
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1. "This alone is what I wish for you: knowledge." - Demeter expresses her desire for Hades
to gain knowledge, highlighting the importance of understanding consequences.
2. "This is going to come back to haunt you." - Demeter warns Hades that his actions will
have repercussions, emphasizing the inevitability of facing the consequences.
3. "There is a knife's edge that's going to cut you one day." - Demeter alludes to the sharp
consequences awaiting Hades, suggesting a sense of impending judgment.
4. "No faith comes without cost." - Demeter points out that faith and desires have
consequences, underscoring the idea that every belief or action carries a price.
5. "I'm not going to curse you." - Demeter clarifies that she is not placing a traditional
curse but rather leaving Hades to face the reflections of his actions.
6. "It's mirrors." - Demeter metaphorically refers to the reflections of one's actions,
implying that Hades will see the consequences mirrored back to him.
7. "Believe in yourself and see what it costs you." - Demeter challenges Hades to reflect on
his actions and the true cost they entail, urging him to understand the weight of his
decisions.
This analysis showcases the intricate layers of meaning, warning, and wisdom embedded
in Demeter's communication with Hades in Rita Dove's poem
.........................
The poem captures Demeter's anguish over the abduction of Persephone by Hades and
her subsequent efforts to communicate with Hades about the consequences of his
actions.
As a mother, Demeter's prayer conveys a sense of maternal love and concern for
Persephone's well-being, highlighting her unwavering commitment to her daughter's
safety and happiness.
Demeter's words to Hades emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of
desires, the responsibility for one's actions, and the interconnectedness of lives,
showcasing her maternal wisdom and guidance.
For deeper insight into the myth...Watch this video on The myth of Hades and Persephone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLAYGZeVTPQ
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Structure of the Poem
The structure of "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" by Rita Dove is free verse,
with irregular meter and a unique form that slightly exceeds the length of
a sonnet.
The poem consists of two stanzas, the first stanza containing ten lines
and the second stanza containing five lines.
There is thematic and tonal division between the two stanzas is evident:
First half focusing on Demeter's wishes for knowledge for Hades
and..
Second half is about the consequences of desires and the importance
of self-belief.
The structure of "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" by Rita Dove is free verse, with irregular
meter and a unique form that slightly exceeds the length of a sonnet. The poem consists
of two stanzas, the first stanza containing ten lines and the second stanza containing five
lines.
Despite the lack of a formal structure, the poem still has been crafted
deliberately/intentionally through the use of literary devices like enjambment, caesurae,
and imagery.
Enjambment
in-jamb-ment
Enjambment occurs when a line is cut off before its natural stopping point. It is a
transition/continuation between lines.
Imagery
i-muh-juh-ree
Imagery refers to the elements of a poem that engage a reader’s senses. These are the
important sights, sounds, feelings, and smells.
Caesura
See-ZOO-ra
A caesura is a break or pause in the middle of a line of verse. These breaks can be towards
the
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beginning, middle, or the end of a line.
For example, line one of the first stanza reads: “This alone is what I wish for you:
knowledge”.
There is another example in line four of the same stanza. It reads: “we change. No faith
comes without cost”.
The thematic and tonal division between the two stanzas is evident, with the first half
focusing on Demeter's wishes for knowledge for Hades and...
the second half is about the consequences of desires and the importance of self-belief.
Overall, the structure of the poem enhances its thematic depth and allows for a nuanced
exploration of the relationship between Demeter and Hades
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Structure
The structure of "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" by Rita Dove is free verse,
with irregular meter and a unique form that slightly exceeds the length of
a sonnet.
The poem consists of two stanzas, the first stanza containing ten lines
and the second stanza containing five lines.
There is thematic and tonal division between the two stanzas is evident:
First half focusing on Demeter's wishes for knowledge for Hades
and..
Second half is about the consequences of desires and the importance
of self-belief.
Overall, the structure of the poem enhances its thematic depth and allows for a nuanced
exploration of the relationship between Demeter and Hades
Rita Dove — The Bistro Styx & Demeter’s Prayer to Hades
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Themes
Power
There is power struggle. Demeter, as a goddess, wields significant power
over the natural world, particularly in her role as the goddess of agriculture
and fertility. However, her power is challenged by Hades.
Knowledge/
Wisdom
Demeter's plea to Hades reflects her desire for him to gain knowledge and
wisdom regarding the consequences of his actions. Demeter's appeal is
rooted in the belief that wisdom can lead to greater empathy and foresight,
ultimately influencing one's decisions and actions.
Responsibility
Both Demeter and Hades grapple with the weight of responsibility in the
poem. Demeter feels a profound sense of responsibility towards her
daughter, Persephone, and the well-being of the natural world. Conversely,
Hades must confront the responsibility he bears for the suffering caused by
his actions
Consequences
of Desires
Hades's desire for Persephone leads to her abduction, triggering a chain of
events that disrupts the harmony of the natural world and plunges Demeter
into despair.
The themes in "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" by Rita Dove include power,
knowledge/wisdom, responsibility, and the consequences of desires and actions.
Power: The poem grapples with the concept of power on multiple levels. Demeter, as a
goddess, wields significant power over the natural world, particularly in her role as the
goddess of agriculture and fertility. However, her power is challenged by Hades, the god
of the underworld, who exerts his authority by abducting Persephone. This power struggle
highlights the dynamics of dominance and submission within the realm of the gods.
Knowledge/Wisdom: Demeter's plea to Hades reflects her desire for him to gain knowledge
and wisdom regarding the consequences of his actions. She implores him to understand
the gravity of separating a mother from her daughter and the ripple effects it has on the
natural order. Demeter's appeal is rooted in the belief that wisdom can lead to greater
empathy and foresight, ultimately influencing one's decisions and actions.
Responsibility: Both Demeter and Hades grapple with the weight of responsibility in the
poem. Demeter feels a profound sense of responsibility towards her daughter,
Persephone, and the well-being of the natural world. Her quest to reunite with
Persephone underscores her commitment to fulfilling her maternal duties and
safeguarding the balance of life. Conversely, Hades must confront the responsibility he
bears for the suffering caused by his actions, prompting him to reconsider the
implications of his choices.
Consequences of Desires and Actions: The poem underscores the profound consequences
that
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arise from desires and actions, particularly those driven by selfish motives. Hades's desire
for Persephone leads to her abduction, triggering a chain of events that disrupts the
harmony of the natural world and plunges Demeter into despair. Through Demeter's
prayer, the poem explores the interconnectedness of desires and their repercussions,
highlighting the importance of considering the long-term effects of one's actions.
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Themes
Loss and grief
This theme is central to the poem, as Demeter grapples with the loss of her
child and the longing to be reunited with her.
Motherdaughter
relationships
Demeter's anguish over her daughter's absence underscores the depth of
maternal love and the pain of separation.
Cycle of life
and death
The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of existence, particularly the
recurring themes of life, death, and rebirth. Demeter's plea for Persephone's
return symbolizes the eternal cycle of the seasons and the inevitability of
change.
Feminine
agency and
empowerment
Despite being a goddess, Demeter challenges Hades and asserts her
autonomy, refusing to succumb to despair and actively seeking to reclaim
her daughter.
we can explore additional layers of themes:
Loss and grief: Demeter's plea to Hades stems from her profound grief over the abduction
of her daughter, Persephone. This theme is central to the poem, as Demeter grapples with
the loss of her child and the longing to be reunited with her.
Mother-daughter relationships: The poem delves into the intricate dynamics between
mothers and daughters, particularly the bond between Demeter and Persephone.
Demeter's anguish over her daughter's absence underscores the depth of maternal love
and the pain of separation.
3. Cycle of life and death: Through Demeter's address to Hades, the poem reflects on the
cyclical nature of existence, particularly the recurring themes of life, death, and rebirth.
Demeter's plea for Persephone's return symbolizes the eternal cycle of the seasons and
the inevitability of change.
Feminine agency and empowerment: Demeter's assertiveness in confronting Hades
showcases feminine agency and empowerment. Despite being a goddess, Demeter
challenges Hades and asserts her autonomy, refusing to succumb to despair and actively
seeking to reclaim her daughter.
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Themes
Sacrifice and
perseverance
Her determination underscores the lengths to which a mother is willing to go
for the sake of her child.
Nature and
fertility
As the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter's anguish over
Persephone's abduction has broader implications for the natural world. The
poem explores the interconnectedness between human emotions and the
cycles of nature, emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance.
Divine
intervention and
mortal affairs
Demeter's appeal to Hades reflects the interplay between divine entities
and mortal concerns, blurring the boundaries between the supernatural and
the human realm.
Feminine
agency and
empowerment
Despite being a goddess, Demeter challenges Hades and asserts her
autonomy, refusing to succumb to despair and actively seeking to reclaim
her daughter.
Sacrifice and perseverance: Demeter's willingness to negotiate with Hades and endure
hardships in her quest to reunite with Persephone highlights the themes of sacrifice and
perseverance. Her determination underscores the lengths to which a mother is willing to
go for the sake of her child.
Nature and fertility: As the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter's anguish over
Persephone's abduction has broader implications for the natural world. The poem
explores the interconnectedness between human emotions and the cycles of nature,
emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance.
Divine intervention and mortal affairs: The interaction between gods and mortals is a
recurring theme in Greek mythology, and "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" is no exception.
Demeter's appeal to Hades reflects the interplay between divine entities and mortal
concerns, blurring the boundaries between the supernatural and the human realm.
These additional themes deepen our understanding of the complexities inherent in Rita
Dove's poem, offering insights into the human experience and the enduring relevance of
Greek mythology.
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Compare and contrast Rita
Doves Poems Bistro Styx and
Demeters Prayer to the Hades
Compare and contrast Rita Doves Poems Bistro Styx and Demeters Prayer to the Hades
In comparing and contrasting Rita Dove's poems "The Bistro Styx" and "Demeter's Prayer
to Hades," both delve into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships through the
lens of Greek mythology, specifically the myth of Demeter and Persephone.
Similarities:
- Mythological Allusions:Both poems draw inspiration from Greek mythology, using the
characters of Demeter and Persephone to explore themes of loss, transformation, and
familial bonds
.
- Modern Interpretation:They offer a modern reinterpretation of the ancient myth,
reflecting contemporary issues such as career aspirations, societal pressures, and
personal sacrifices.
- Symbolism:Symbolic elements like food, drink, and clothing are used in both poems to
convey deeper meanings about relationships, identity, and societal expectations.
Differences:
- Narrative Focus: "The Bistro Styx" primarily focuses on the strained relationship between
a modern mother and daughter in a bustling city setting, while "Demeter's Prayer to
Hades" delves into Demeter's plea to Hades for her daughter's return from the
underworld.
- Tone:The tone in "The Bistro Styx" is more reflective of a contemporary struggle between
tradition and modernity, while "Demeter's Prayer to Hades" carries a tone of desperation
and
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longing for reunion.
- Outcome: While both poems touch on themes of separation and sacrifice, "The Bistro
Styx" concludes with a sense of irreversible loss and acceptance, whereas "Demeter's
Prayer to Hades" ends with a plea for reconciliation and restoration.
In essence, both poems by Rita Dove intricately weave together mythological elements
with contemporary realities to explore the intricate dynamics of familial relationships
amidst societal changes and personal aspirations.
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Thank You
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