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Mary Oliver If One Of Those Should Touch Me Analysis

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Mary Oliver in this passage is speaking about her fear that she can not control her emotions. She speaks about how the smallest things, like seeing an owl or a bed of roses, put her into a state of emotional imbalance. Oliver first speaks of her unconventional fear of the great horned owl. For example, Oliver states that “if one of those should touch me, it would be to the center of my life and I must fall.” This quote shows that even the thought of an owl,that can do her no harm, touching her causes her to have an emotional breakdown. In addition, Oliver later states that in fear of the owl she has “walked with prudent caution down paths at twilight.” This statement shows she allowed her fear control her actions instead of common sense as …show more content…

For instance, later in the passage Mary Oliver speaks of the immobilizing scent of roses. She speaks of them as “ a sweetness so palpable and excessive that, before it, I’m struck, I'm taken, I'm conquered.” This comment of Oliver’s shows that the simple scent of flowers overwhelms her mind. Further evidence is shown when Mary Oliver says in reference to the flowers that she is “filled to the last edges with an immobilizing happiness.” Here she is so happy that it engulfs her mind and renders her immobile. Oliver’s reaction towards this overpowering happiness is fear. For example, Oliver states in reference to her uncontrollable happiness that “ is this not also frightening?” Here Oliver shows her fear of her emotions getting the best of her. Her fear is further shown when she remarks that “Each flower is small and lovely, but in their sheer and silent abundance the roses become an immutable force.” This quote shows Mary Oliver’s that seeing a field flowers will fill her with such joy that it overtakes her mind.
In conclusion, Mary Oliver’s underlying idea in this passage is her fear of being overcome with emotion. She fears she can not control her feelings and that therefore they will control

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