Imagery In Sharon Olds On The Subway

Sharon Olds discusses two opposite characters in her poem, “on the Subway,” that literally appear on different sides of the track. Olds develops both figures with detailed imagery and metaphors to suggest that the boy and herself are nowhere near similar to each other, leading her to some somber conclusions.
The boy standing on the opposite track is described by Olds as having huge feet, hooded lids, and rough features. She suggests that his almost emotionless face is that of a mugger, watchful and very capable of causing harm. He is wearing red as opposed to her dark fur. This description is the first bit of imagery that truly begins to separate the two from each other. Skin color is the most significant characteristic that sets them

apart; he is black and she is white. This defining feature is what causes her to determine that no matter her struggle, she would never be able to honestly understand how easy her life is as a result of her race.
“We are stuck on opposite sides of the car, a couple of molecules stuck in a rod of light rapidly moving through darkness.” These molecules, despite occupying the same space at the same time, never once interact; they stay separate, opposite charges keeping them ever touch free. It is through comparisons such as this that begin her concluding that they are different. She uses similes to explain that she is “living off his life” and that “his own back is being broken” in a way that suggests he works hard, yet he is inferior to her.
Olds becomes aware that her life is easy because she is white. She benefits from his dark skin because she becomes priority around him; she is more important despite her lack of effort. Through seeing their differences, she knows that is neither of their faults, but that nothing may be changed.