The Circle

Summary of the poem:

• The poem 'The Circle' by Don Paterson explores the profound themes of fate and humanity through the simple act of the poet's son drawing outer space.
• It delves into the imperfection of human existence and the beauty to be found in imperfection.

The inspiration for the poem:

• The poem is inspired by the personal experience of the poet, watching his son attempt to draw 'outer space.' This seemingly ordinary event serves as a gateway to profound contemplation on the nature of humanity.

Form of the poem:

• The poem is structured as nine quatrains with a strict AABB rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter rhythm.
• The combination of full rhymes and half rhymes in the poem relates to the theme of perfection and imperfection.

Explanation of each stanza

Stanza 1:

In the opening stanza, the poet describes his son, Jamie, attempting to draw "outer space." The poet takes pride in his son's ambitious endeavour and introduces the idea of creation and design. The imperfect circle drawn by Jamie symbolizes the imperfections in human existence.

---

Poetry

Stanza 2:

This stanza delves further into the concept of design and creation, suggesting that the universe, like Jamie's drawing, is part of a "great heavenly design." The use of "circuitry" connects celestial bodies in circular orbits, hinting at a sense of fate. The enjambment emphasizes the vastness of the universe.

Stanzas 3-4:

These stanzas explore Jamie's fragility and the challenges he faced at birth, particularly a "shake" he retained. The poet highlights the idea of imperfection in both Jamie and the universe. The phrase "one inch from home" suggests the nearness of safety and well-being, reminding us of the vulnerability of human existence.

Stanzas 5-6:

In these stanzas, the poem shifts from observing Jamie to addressing him directly. The poet reassures Jamie that making mistakes is a universal human experience. The word "taxed" carries a dual meaning, implying both strain and the loss of some of our aspirations. This reflects the imperfection inherent in pursuing our dreams.

Stanzas 7-9:

These stanzas further explore the theme of fate and humanity. The reference to "Krishna" links to Hindu mythology and the idea of fate. The poem suggests that, like arrows shot with a bowstring, our actions are influenced by external forces. However, it also implies that we have some control over our destiny.

The poem returns to the initial image of Jamie's drawing, which went awry. This act is likened to the biblical stone sealing Christ's tomb, symbolizing despair. Yet, the poem concludes with the idea that perfection can be found in the humblest of places, such as a "muddy water-jar." The "perfect ring" hidden within this imperfection represents the acceptance of imperfection as an intrinsic part of being human.

---

Poetry

Themes:

Fate and humanity:

• The concept of drawing and design in the poem reflects the theme of fate.
• The boy's drawing of a planet is seen as part of a "great heavenly design."
• The poem explores the idea that none of us can achieve perfection, and we must accept the imperfections in our lives.

Father and son relationships:

• The poem begins with the poet expressing pride in his son's attempt to paint outer space.
• There is a sense of wonder and awe in the way the poet regards his son throughout the poem, suggesting a deep father-son connection.

Imagery:

The Circle:

• The central image of the "circle" runs throughout the poem, starting from the imperfect circle drawn by the boy and leading to the "perfect ring" at the end. This image symbolizes the quest for perfection and the acceptance of imperfection.

The muddy water-jar:

• The image of the "muddy water-jar" represents the idea that perfection can be found in the most humble and imperfect places. It serves as a metaphor for the beauty of imperfection in human existence.

Style techniques

Repetition:

• The use of repetition in lines like "breathing-space" and "breath" emphasizes the idea of having space and time.

---

Poetry

Enjambment:

• The enjambment in the poem creates a sense of continuity and unbroken flow, much like the continuous themes and ideas explored in the poem.
• It also suggests that the vastness of the universe cannot be contained within the confines of a single line or stanza.

Language techniques

Simile:

• The poem employs similes to create vivid comparisons, such as "a stone" in the line "his little fist coming down like a stone." This simile conveys the sense of finality and emphasizes the weight of the action, as if the boy is giving up with the force of a falling stone.

Metaphor:

• The metaphor of shooting an arrow is used to describe human actions and the idea that, once released, they are beyond our control.
• The metaphor of "the perfect ring" found in the "muddy water-jar" symbolizes the idea that perfection can be discovered in the most unexpected and imperfect places.

Personal Reflection

1. How does the poem's exploration of imperfection and the pursuit of perfection resonate with your own experiences and understanding of life's challenges?

2. What emotions does the poem evoke as it shifts from the pride of a father watching his son to the realization of life's imperfections? How does this emotional journey impact your perception of the human condition?

3. In what ways does 'The Circle' challenge your perspective on fate and the balance between human agency and external forces in shaping our lives?