Wd Snodgrass Leaving The Motel

W.D. Snodgrass sets the theme of the poem, "Leaving the Motel", immediately within the title itself. Using symbolism heavily throughout the poem to show the actions of the two people. Laying the foundation of the theme as well as the tone as a romantic encounter. Much different from most love poems, Snodgrass doesn't go into particulars of the passion or loving feelings these individuals have for one another. Snodgrass uses details to indicate how they proceed with particular actions of covering up behind themselves. Using such language to show imagination and directness, nearly giving orders for how to clear the room. The image is quickly set to indicate the situation in the motel room. The symbolism, tone, language and characterization show these two individuals are carrying out a secretive rendezvous.

Fascinating, how the first phrase informs us quickly what time of day it is, with, "Outside, the last kids holler" (1), symbolizing nightfall, when most of the kids have left the pool area.

This also reflects their sexual encounter together during the night, which will be coming to an end soon. Symbols are used numerous times throughout the poem. The flowers, "Our lilacs" (22), expresses they desire to be a couple, as the word "Our" (22) is symbolizing togetherness. The flowers in the vase symbolize the relationship between the two and how lively they are together. The author creates many images using symbolism, especially with the lilac flowers. He could have used just the word flower, but instead, he chose to use lilacs. Lilacs create an image of a delicate, although fresh and vivacious emotions between the two. By using lilacs we are given the indication that this meeting took place in the

spring when lilacs are in bloom. This rendezvous is sinful and cheating on their spouses causes them to be worried. There are many myths about lilacs; they are known to represent several different situations and we can see this in the way Snodgrass used the flower in, "Leaving the Motel". Myths such as the aroma of lilacs will keep evil spirits away and the woman who wears lilacs will never be wed. In the poem, we know they are hiding this relationship from their spouses and there is no plan to leave those relationships to be married to one another. The symbol of using lilacs reiterates this for us. "An aspirin to preserve" (21), indicates aspiration for their relationship to thrive and live longer. They attempt to keep the flowers fresh and preserve them, even though they know they can't keep them for themselves.
As the poem continues, we see how they are keeping their passionate encounter secret by the tone the author is using in the poem. "Check" (5, 15), allows us to view their cover up, as a list of things to do or not to do before leaving the motel. Using a checklist emphasizes how important it is to keep this relationship a secret from the outside world. The process of the relationship and leaving is very strict and corporate like. "Unrumpled, as agreed?" (6), is confirmation to us that their relationship to each other is on firm rules. These guidelines must be followed and unbroken to continue having their relationship with each other. The tone set, expresses the intensity and nervousness of the encounter, leaving out expression of any signs of true love or dedication to one another.
They are debating a souvenir of sorts, one may be expressing the desire to have such an item while the other is insisting that cannot happen. Language as the speaker declares, "don't take / The matches" (9, 10) and "We've nowhere we could keep a keepsake-" (11), implies how secretive this relationship must be and stay. The need to keep themselves as a couple hidden among others, for no accidents are acceptable, hence the straight formality of leaving no traceable evidence. Throughout the poem the term "we" are often used, portraying that they are in this together. Both parties will assume responsibility for their actions together. A change takes place in one stanza where one person solely takes responsibility. "Your license number only," (17), takes the language of togetherness to only one responsible person. The vulnerability is left on the person who checked in using their identity and paying for the room. They continue to leave no trace in the room or with one another. "Check: take nothing of one another's" (15). Normally a love relationship shares things between them as a memento of their short time together. Snodgrass is sure to show that this relationship is much different. Take nothing at all of the others, eludes to keeping free of one another's belongings, hair strands, and even perfumes. Leaving no clues to keep from being discovered is of most importance throughout the poem.
Neither lover's identity can be found described physically within any stanza. The characterization indicates clearly that they are only on false pretenses and are doing everything they can to stay unknown even to the reader. The author paves the way for our imagination to roam, not giving details of their physical appearance or actions. Fear is obvious as they clear the motel room that their character of the motel room is unlike their character of their normal lives in the outside world. Their families would never suspect or believe that this is where they had been during the day and returning home at dark. The last stanza, "We'll come back," also leads you to believe they may return to this motel. Although, "We would no doubt have other rooms then, / Or other names.”, creates an illusion that they possibly will not be with one another.
W.D. Snodgrass has written this poem forcing us to use our imagination and search for the small specifics to see what is happening in the motel with symbolism. The poem concentrates on the cheating couple the deception they are leaving behind. He leaves the perception of their relationship has one without love, only a physical sexual encounter, using direct tone. Urgency, fear, and hurriedness can be seen within the language of the entire poem the speaker has used. Clarifying with a slight hint of their character being out of the norm and leading us to conclude, there are only two individuals in the motel, although there are families that could be hurt by this encounter.