Night Sweat by Robert Lowell, first published in his 1964 collection For the Union Dead, is an autobiographical reflection on the poet's struggle to express his thoughts in verse. The metaphors in the poem's opening illustrate how the sweat-drenched poet finds it challenging to write. In the next section, the presence of his beloved wife brings light to his surroundings, lifting his spirits and giving him the energy he so deeply craves. Ultimately, the poem concludes with a plea for his wife to help him escape from his stagnant, lifeless thoughts.
Night Sweat by Robert Lowell
Work-table, litter, books and standing lamp,
plain things, my stalled equipment, the old broom---
but I am living in a tidied room,
for ten nights now I've felt the creeping damp
float over my pajamas' wilted white . . .
Sweet salt embalms me and my head is wet,
everything streams and tells me this is right;
my life's fever is soaking in night sweat---
one life, one writing! But the downward glide
and bias of existing wrings us dry---
always inside me is the child who died,
always inside me is his will to die---
one universe, one body . . . in this urn
the animal night sweats of the spirit burn.
Behind me! You! Again I feel the light
lighten my leaded eyelids, while the gray
skulled horses whinny for the soot of night.
I dabble in the dapple of the day,
a heap of wet clothes, seamy, shivering,
I see my flesh and bedding washed with light,
my child exploding into dynamite,
my wife . . . your lightness alters everything,
and tears the black web from the spider's sack,
as your heart hops and flutters like a hare.
Poor turtle, tortoise, if I cannot clear
the surface of these troubled waters here,
absolve me, help me, Dear Heart, as you bear
this world's dead weight and cycle on your back.
Summary of ‘Night Sweat’ by Robert Lowell
‘Night Sweat’ by Robert Lowell is an emotionally complex poem that delves into the speaker’s inner turmoil, focusing on themes of creative block, personal frustration, and the redemptive power of love and companionship. The poem explores the speaker’s struggles with what he refers to as “life’s fever,” hinting at the physical and emotional challenges he faces. The poem is filled with a sense of anguish as the speaker tries to navigate through a period of creative paralysis and personal discontent.
- Speaker’s Struggle with Creative Block: The speaker begins by describing his condition as “night sweats,” which might initially seem like a physical ailment but is also a metaphor for his mental and emotional struggles. The phrase “my stalled equipment” alludes to the speaker’s inability to write, signifying a deep creative block. This metaphor conveys his frustration and helplessness, as he feels his mind and body have stalled in their ability to produce meaningful work.
- Creative Decline and Bias: As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his past creative biases and how they now hinder him from writing. His previous inclinations seem to have led him into a state of mental paralysis, blocking him from finding the clarity he needs to write the “one writing” he desires. This part of the poem reflects the speaker’s frustration with his own limitations and the feeling that he has lost his ability to create.
- Wife’s Redemptive Presence: Despite his anguish, the speaker acknowledges the comforting presence of his wife. Her personality is described as one that brings lightness to his troubled mind. The wife’s ability to transform even the mundane aspects of their life together is presented as a source of solace. In this section, the poem emphasizes the healing nature of love and companionship, suggesting that her presence provides a contrast to the speaker’s inner turmoil.
- Call for Redemption: At the conclusion of the poem, the speaker pleads for his wife to redeem him from his anguish and frustration. He reflects on how she has previously helped him overcome difficult times, and now he seeks her help once again. The emotional appeal underscores the deep connection between the speaker and his wife, showing that, despite his personal struggles, he relies on her for emotional stability and support.
In summary, ‘Night Sweat’ explores themes of personal and creative frustration, the downward spiral of self-doubt, and the healing power of love. Robert Lowell captures the anguish of the creative process while also highlighting the redemptive power of human connection, making this poem both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Structure of ‘Night Sweat’ by Robert Lowell
'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell is an intricate poem that is divided into two distinct sonnets, each with its own specific form and rhyme scheme. The structure of the poem contributes to its emotional depth, as it mirrors the speaker's internal turmoil through its formal composition. Below is a breakdown of the poem's structure:
- Two Sonnets: The poem consists of two sonnets, each following a different sonnet form. The first sonnet adheres to the Shakespearean (English) sonnet form, while the second is written in the Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet form. The use of these two forms helps create a sense of contrast between the speaker’s emotional state in the first part and his internal reflection in the second.
- Shakespearean Sonnet: The first sonnet follows the Shakespearean sonnet structure, which consists of 14 lines divided into three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme of this first sonnet is "ABBA CDCD EFEF GG." This specific structure builds tension throughout the quatrains and provides a concluding resolution in the final couplet, which adds a sense of closure to the first part of the poem.
- Petrarchan Sonnet: The second sonnet is written in the Petrarchan sonnet form, consisting of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The rhyme scheme in this sonnet is "ABABCDDC EFGFGE," which differs from the first sonnet and offers a contrasting rhythm and tone. This change in structure highlights the shift in the speaker’s emotional state, as the poem progresses toward reflection and resolution.
- Meter and Syllable Count: Each line of both sonnets contains ten syllables, following the pattern of iambic pentameter. This meter, often used in traditional English poetry, provides a rhythmic flow that mirrors the speaker's reflective and controlled tone. However, Lowell does not adhere strictly to iambic pentameter throughout the poem, allowing for variations that introduce moments of emphasis and emotional fluctuation.
- Variation in Meter: Throughout the poem, there are several variations in the metrical pattern. These include spondees (two stressed syllables), pyrrhics (two unstressed syllables), and trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable). These variations introduce a more dynamic rhythm, reflecting the speaker’s shifting emotions and inner conflict. The mixture of these metrical patterns creates a subtle but effective disruption in the otherwise regular iambic rhythm, mirroring the speaker’s emotional turmoil.
In summary, the structure of 'Night Sweat' plays an important role in conveying the speaker’s emotional journey. The use of two distinct sonnet forms, the specific rhyme schemes, and the variations in meter all contribute to the complexity of the poem, allowing Lowell to express his themes of frustration, longing, and redemption in a formal yet flexible way.
Literary Devices in ‘Night Sweat’ by Robert Lowell
'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell is rich in literary devices that enhance the poem's emotional depth and convey the speaker's internal struggle. The use of these devices helps to create vivid imagery and complex layers of meaning. Below are some of the key literary devices found in the poem:
- Anticlimax: In the second line of the poem, the phrase “stalled equipment” serves as an anticlimax. It’s a subtle moment where the poet's lofty expectations are contrasted with the reality of writer’s block or a creative stagnation, which stands in stark contrast to the earlier, more intense language.
- Metaphor: The phrase “stalled equipment” is a metaphor for the poet’s pen or creative imagination. It suggests that the poet is experiencing a blockage or an inability to produce new work. Another important metaphor is “my life’s fever,” which represents the poet’s internal emotional turmoil and exhaustion, symbolizing his “dead thoughts.” There is also a personal metaphor in “tidied room,” where the room represents a semblance of order in the face of inner chaos.
- Personification: The poet personifies the “creeping damp” to give it human-like qualities. This conveys a sense of inescapable encroachment, as if the dampness is actively invading the speaker's space, symbolizing the oppressive feelings of illness or despair.
- Enjambment: Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, is used throughout the poem. It helps create a sense of flow and urgency, as though the speaker is unable to contain his thoughts or emotions. This technique mirrors the uncontainable nature of his feelings and the ongoing, unresolved nature of his experience.
- Alliteration: In the phrase “wilted white,” the poet uses alliteration, the repetition of the "w" sound, to add rhythm and a sense of melancholy. The pairing of “wilted” with “white” also evokes a sense of something once pure or alive now decaying or fading away.
- Symbolism and Metonymy: The “urn” in the poem symbolizes the poet's body. The urn, typically a vessel for ashes, serves as a metaphor for the physical vessel that holds the poet’s soul, representing the inevitability of death and decay. This is a use of metonymy, where an object is substituted for something related to it.
- Anaphora: Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is used in both the first and second sonnet of the poem. This repetition emphasizes the speaker's internal frustration and longing, creating a rhythm that mirrors the poem’s emotional intensity.
- Simile: The line “as your heart hops and flutters like a hare” uses a simile to compare the heart’s frantic movements to the erratic movements of a hare. This creates a vivid image of anxiety or excitement, as the heart is depicted as nervous and out of control.
- Zoomorphism: The reference to the hare and tortoise brings in zoomorphism, where animal characteristics are attributed to humans. This could symbolize the speaker’s internal conflicts and emotional states, highlighting a struggle between urgency and slow endurance.
- Hyperbole: The exaggerated sense in the final line of the poem is an example of hyperbole, a literary device that involves deliberate exaggeration for effect. This heightens the emotional impact, amplifying the speaker's feelings of despair and helplessness.
In conclusion, Robert Lowell's use of these literary devices in 'Night Sweat' adds depth to the speaker’s experience, intensifying the emotional resonance of the poem. Through metaphors, personification, symbolism, and other techniques, Lowell creates a vivid, multifaceted portrayal of inner turmoil and the process of confronting one's personal crisis.
Line by Line Detailed Analysis
Analysis of Lines 1–5 in 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
The poem opens with a vivid description of the poet's surroundings, which sets the tone for the emotional and psychological struggles that follow. In the first few lines, Lowell offers a snapshot of the environment as the poetic persona grapples with his mental state:
- Setting the Scene: The poet begins by describing ordinary, mundane objects in his room: "work-table, litter, books, and standing lamp." These are plain things, symbols of a routine and normal life, yet they are juxtaposed against the turmoil he is experiencing. The items reflect a sense of stability, despite the chaos within.
- Stalled Equipment and the Old Broom: Lowell refers to his “stalled equipment,” particularly the pen on the table. The word "stalled" suggests that the act of creation, writing poetry, has been halted, symbolizing his inability to express himself in his current state. The “old broom” represents something that is no longer functional or effective, further emphasizing a sense of stagnation.
- Order in the Chaos: Despite the emotional and mental chaos, the poet assures the readers that his room is in order. The items are placed properly and not scattered around. This paradox of an orderly space amid inner turmoil reflects the contrast between his external environment and his internal struggles.
- Physical Condition: Night Sweats: Following the description of the room, Lowell shifts the focus to his physical state. He references his mental turmoil and the night sweats he experiences, which serve as a physical manifestation of his psychological distress. The term “night sweats” evokes a creeping, uncomfortable sensation, suggesting that his struggles are not just mental but also have a physiological impact on his body.
Analysis of Lines 6–10 in 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
In this section of the poem, Lowell continues to explore the speaker's physical and mental anguish, using vivid imagery and metaphor to express the internal struggle. The lines reveal the overwhelming state of confusion and frustration that the poet faces:
- Oxymoron and Physical Sensation: The speaker begins by describing the sensation of “sweet salt embalms me,” an oxymoron that conveys the contradictory nature of his feelings. Salt, which typically symbolizes tears or distress, is paired with "sweet," suggesting a complex, bittersweet feeling. His head is “wet,” which could symbolize both physical perspiration and the emotional weight he carries, indicating that his mind is deeply entangled in his emotional state.
- Confusion and Mental Overload: The poet reflects on the confusion of his thoughts. Several ideas and thoughts flood his mind, but he struggles to decide which one he should focus on. This mental overload reflects the chaos within his mind, as he feels overwhelmed by the sheer volume of thoughts without the clarity to choose a direction.
- Life's Fever and Night Sweats: Lowell powerfully states, “life’s fever is soaking in night sweat.” This metaphor indicates that the poet’s mental turmoil is physically manifesting as night sweats, a condition associated with fever or emotional distress. It suggests that his life is in a constant state of unrest, where his mind and body are intertwined in a feverish cycle.
- Creative Struggle: Imagination's Downward Glide: The poet expresses his longing to write a significant piece of work, something every artist dreams of creating. However, he describes his imagination as having a “downward glide,” implying a sense of stagnation or decline in his creative process. The "existing bias" refers to the mental blocks or preconceptions that hinder his ability to create freely, leaving his imagination "dry" or infertile. In other words, the poet feels that he has run out of ideas or inspiration, unable to produce anything meaningful at the moment.
Analysis of Lines 11–17 in 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
In this section of the poem, Lowell delves deeper into the emotional and psychological turmoil of the speaker, reflecting on the loss of innocence, the weight of unfulfilled desires, and the presence of hope through his wife. The lines also explore the complex tension between the past and present, as well as the struggles of the mind:
- The Lost Child: Death of Innocence: Lowell begins with a powerful image: “always inside me is the child who died.” This child symbolizes the innocence and purity that the poet feels he has lost over time. The death of this child represents the loss of innocence and the passage from youth to adulthood, where dreams and desires become tainted by reality.
- Existential Struggle: The Verge of Extinction: The poet follows by saying, “What is left is also on the verge of extinction.” This implies that whatever remains of his spirit or emotional vitality is also dying, leaving him in a state of existential despair. The image of something fading away reflects his inner turmoil and the fragility of his mental state.
- Anaphora for Emphasis: The poet uses anaphora (the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) to emphasize his mental condition. This repetition of phrasing serves to underline the cyclical nature of his thoughts and feelings, further highlighting his frustration and sense of being trapped in his mental state.
- Life's One Opportunity: No Other Universe: Lowell reflects on the finite nature of life, stating that “there is no other ‘universe’” in which a person can fulfill their dreams. This line suggests a sense of urgency and existential limitation—the poet feels that time is running out and he only has one chance to accomplish what he desires in life.
- Burning Spirit and Animal Night Sweat: The poet then describes his spirit as “burning with desires,” which also burns his “animal night sweat.” This intense image signifies the uncontrollable desires that consume him, leading to his physical and mental distress. The phrase “animal night sweat” emphasizes the primal, visceral nature of his emotions and the toll they take on his body.
- Recovery and Glimmer of Hope: Despite the overwhelming sense of despair, the poet begins to show signs of recovery at the end of the first sonnet. The burning spirit that once felt like a source of torment also becomes the catalyst for his potential recovery. This marks a turning point in the poem, where the poet starts to move beyond his mental block.
- The Wife's Presence: A Source of Light: In the following section, the poet introduces his wife, who becomes a source of hope and comfort in his life. Her presence is described as enlightening, offering the poet a sense of clarity and warmth in contrast to the darkness surrounding him. She acts as a beacon of light for his blackened eyes, symbolizing how love and support can bring clarity amidst confusion.
- Skulled Horses Whinny: Struggling Mind: The poet then refers to the “skulled horses” that “whinny for the soot of night.” These horses seem to symbolize the speaker’s troubled mind, struggling to move forward. The “soot of night” evokes an image of darkness, decay, and confusion, suggesting that the poet’s mind is caught in a dark, cyclical state. The horses, with their skull-like appearance, emphasize the death of his mental clarity, pulling him back into the abyss of despair.
Analysis of Lines 18–24 in 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
In this section of Night Sweat, the poet begins to experience a shift in his emotional and mental state, largely due to the presence of his wife. Her role as a source of light and energy is explored in greater depth, as Lowell contrasts the previous darkness with a newfound sense of clarity and awakening:
- Dabbling in the Daylight: A New Beginning: The poet describes his actions as “dabbling in the dapple of the day,” suggesting that he is now engaging with the light, both literally and figuratively. The use of the alliteration of the “d” sound creates a sense of harmony and fluidity, symbolizing a shift from the chaos and confusion of his previous mental state to a more peaceful and clear one. This internal rhyme reflects the poet’s awakening as he begins to recover, with the “day” symbolizing a fresh start.
- Her Light: The Sun of His Life: The poet further emphasizes the positive impact of his wife’s presence, noting that “her light has made everything bright.” The darkness that once clouded his mind is now dissipating, and he feels as though the sun has risen in his life. This image of the sun emerging in the sky signifies a moment of clarity and hope, where the gloom of depression is fading away.
- Resurrection of the Child: A Burst of Energy: The poet continues by describing how the child inside him, previously “dead,” now wakes up. This resurrection is likened to the “explosion of dynamite,” suggesting that his awakening is both powerful and intense. The dormant child represents his lost innocence and energy, and the return of this child signals a rejuvenation of his spirit and a burst of creativity or vitality.
- Gratitude for His Wife: Breaking Mental Barriers: Lowell expresses his deep gratitude for his wife, describing how she “tears the ‘black webs’” that represent the mental barriers or obstacles that have previously hindered him. These “black webs” can be seen as metaphors for his negative thoughts, anxieties, or mental health struggles. Her presence is instrumental in breaking through these barriers, helping him find freedom from his mental constraints.
- The Spider’s Sack: Subconscious Mind: The poet further describes these mental barriers as a “spider’s sack,” which can be interpreted as a reference to the subconscious mind. A spider’s sack, where it stores its prey, suggests that the mind holds onto troubling thoughts or emotions, trapping them in a dark, hidden place. By tearing this sack, the poet's wife helps to release these trapped feelings, leading to a cleansing of the mind.
- Comparison to a Hare: Energy and Spontaneity: The poet concludes this section by comparing his wife to a hare, noting that her heart “hops and flutters like a hare.” This comparison emphasizes her energy, spontaneity, and vitality. The image of a hare, a creature known for its quick movements and liveliness, contrasts with the poet's previous state of mental stagnation, highlighting how her presence brings a sense of movement, lightness, and emotional renewal to his life.
Analysis of Lines 25–28 in 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
In the concluding lines of Night Sweat, Robert Lowell continues to explore his emotional turmoil, but this time he expresses a sense of longing and dependence on his wife. Through the use of vivid metaphors, he underscores the burden of his responsibilities and his need for her support in times of struggle:
- Addressing His Wife as the "Poor Turtle": Lowell begins by referring to his wife as a “poor turtle,” a metaphor that evokes sympathy and tenderness. The poet acknowledges her enduring presence and the weight of her role in supporting him through his emotional and mental struggles. The use of the word “poor” reflects his awareness of the emotional toll that his condition might have on her, recognizing the sacrifices she makes to care for him during his darkest times.
- The Tortoise's Carapace: A Symbol of Responsibility: The poet compares his mental and emotional burdens to the tortoise’s carapace, describing it as a “dead weight.” The carapace, a heavy shell that the tortoise carries, symbolizes the weight of responsibility and the emotional baggage that Lowell feels. He feels burdened by the demands of life, comparing them to a weight that he cannot shake off. This image of the “dead weight” also suggests stagnancy, as the tortoise is slow and weighed down by its shell, just as the poet feels immobilized by his depression and anxieties.
- Request for Absorption and Release from Burden: Lowell’s plea for his wife to “clear” the dead weight from his back reveals his desire for liberation from his mental turmoil. He longs for her support to help him shed the burdens that have been dragging him down. This request can be seen as a plea for emotional release and healing, hoping that her presence and care will free him from the cycle of despair he has been trapped in.
- Cycle of Burden: Repetition of Struggle: The poet ends with a poignant reflection on the ongoing nature of his emotional struggles, saying that he wishes to “cycle on your back.” Here, the “cycle” represents the repetitive and often overwhelming nature of life’s challenges. However, the mention of “your back” implies that he is relying on his wife to carry him through these cycles. Just as the tortoise must continue moving with its heavy load, the poet feels that he is caught in a constant struggle, unable to escape the burdens of his mind without her support.
Historical Context of 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
- Background of the Poem: 'Night Sweat' was published 13 years before Robert Lowell's death. This poem reflects his personal struggles with mental health and the impact it had on his life.
- Robert Lowell's Battle with Bipolar Disorder: Throughout his adult life, Lowell grappled with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. This condition is characterized by alternating periods of intense depression and abnormally elevated moods, also known as mania. These emotional extremes could last for days or weeks, deeply affecting the poet’s mental state and creative output.
- Impact of Bipolar Disorder on the Poet: In 'Night Sweat,' Lowell expresses how this debilitating condition consumed his thoughts, illustrating the toll it took on his mental and emotional well-being. His struggles are mirrored in the imagery and themes throughout the poem.
- Gratitude for His Wife: The poem also reflects Lowell's gratitude for his wife, who played a crucial role in his recovery. She was the one constant presence in his life, supporting him through the darkest moments of his depression. Through his writing, Lowell acknowledges her importance in helping him navigate his mental health challenges.
Similar Poetry to 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell
If you found 'Night Sweat' by Robert Lowell compelling, the following poems explore similar themes of mental health struggles, isolation, and emotional turmoil:
- The Man with Night Sweats by Thom Gunn: This poignant poem delves into the experience of a man who suffers from AIDS while dealing with the loneliness and isolation that come with the disease. Like Lowell's portrayal of mental health, Gunn's poem highlights the emotional and physical toll of illness.
- Wish by Carol Ann Duffy: In one of her most celebrated poems, Duffy opens up about her own depression, reflecting on the feelings of longing, regret, and sorrow. The poem speaks to the internal struggles faced during periods of emotional pain and despair.
- Acquainted with the Night by Robert Frost: This well-known poem by Frost, one of the most celebrated 20th-century American poets, explores the theme of depression through a speaker who grapples with solitude and an overwhelming sense of sadness. Frost's vivid imagery and introspective tone reveal the dark aspects of his adult life.
- No worst, there is none by Gerald Manley Hopkins: In this intense poem, Hopkins explores the nature of the speaker’s depression, conveying a sense of hopelessness and despair. The poem reflects on the emotional and psychological depth of suffering, akin to Lowell’s struggles in 'Night Sweat.'