Narrator, “Days I Enjoy”
The narrator of this poem can best be described and characterized as an introvert. During much of the poem, the narrator describes the peace, comfort, and joy she finds in time alone. It is clear that the narrator’s relationships and experiences with others have influenced her introverted tendencies. She does not enjoy nor appreciate how the expectations of other weigh upon her and compel her to exhibit a personality that is not her own. In other words, the narrator uses this poem to express the comfort she finds in independence and simplicity.
Narrator, “And So It Ends”
The narrator in this poem uses each stanza to reflect upon her time spent in an abusive relationship. She explains how this relationship came to an end and, though the narrator appears relieved, there is also a bittersweet tone in her literary voice. This is not uncommon, as her abuser was emotionally manipulative and convinced the narrator that she was not deserving of love, care, of affection. As such, the narrator uses this poem as a cathartic reflective experience where she is able to parse through her relationship and rejoice in her departure from her abuser.
Abuser, “And So It Ends”
Little is known about the characterization and physical characteristics of the narrator’s abuser in this poem. Much of his characterization stems from his physical and emotional abuse of the narrator. What is known about this abuser, however, is that he was emotionally manipulative. The narrator describes how this man used his finesse and trickery to convince her of his affections, care, and authenticity. As the relationship progressed, however, the man became violent and emotionally abusive. He took advantage of her affections for him and used it to convince her of their love. As the narrator divorced herself from this man—physically and emotionally—little else is known of him or his actions after their departure.
Narrator, “Song”
As with the narrator of “And So It Ends,” the narrator of this poem uses the poetry was a way to excise her thoughts and feelings. This narrator feels particularly jilted by a past lover and is struggling to release him from her memory. The narrator wishes that she had only loved the man’s flesh and not been so enthralled by his intellectual and emotional wiles. She wishes that she had not pursued the relationship, and rather viewed it as nothing more than a fling.
Narrator’s Lover, “Song”
Little is known about the jilted narrator’s lover. What is known is that he was likely emotionally manipulative and pressured the narrator to pursue a relationship, despite the fact that he was uninterested. In short, the narrator’s lover can be characterized as an emotionally abusive man whose endeavors left the narrator feeling used and abused.
