The Hug
By Thom Gunn
It was your birthday, we had drunk and dined
Half of the night with our old friend
Who’d showed us in the end
To a bed I reached in one drunk stride.
Already I lay snug,
And drowsy with the wine dozed on one side.I dozed, I slept. My sleep broke on a hug,
Suddenly, from behind,
In which the full lengths of our bodies pressed:
Your instep to my heel,
My shoulder‑blades against your chest.It was not sex, but I could feel
The whole strength of your body set,
Or braced, to mine,
And locking me to you
As if we were still twenty‑two
When our grand passion had not yet
Become familial.My quick sleep had deleted all
Of intervening time and place.
I only knew
The stay of your secure firm dry embrace.
Summary of The Hug
- About the Poem: “The Hug” by Thom Gunn, published in his 1993 collection The Man with Night Sweats, beautifully explores quiet intimacy and enduring comfort in a long‑term relationship. It is a poem about love that has matured beyond passionate displays, finding a deeper connection in simple physical closeness.
- Central Idea: The poem shows a moment of profound connection between two lovers—a spontaneous hug that transcends time and rekindles youthful passion. It suggests that true love is not about grand gestures but about the comfortable, secure feeling of being truly known and held by another.
- Why it Resonates: Though rooted in a specific personal experience—a birthday celebration and a shared moment of physical intimacy—“The Hug” touches on universal themes of love, memory, and the comforting power of human connection. Its accessibility and emotional honesty contribute to its lasting appeal.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “The Hug”
Thom Gunn masterfully employs various literary devices to enrich the meaning and emotional impact of “The Hug.” These tools allow him to convey complex feelings with nuance and precision.
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creates a musical quality and emphasizes certain emotions. Note the repetition of the short “e” sound in lines like “we were still twenty‑two” and the long “o” sound in “drowsy with the wine dozed.” This creates a sense of fluidity and highlights the emotional resonance of these moments.
- Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, draws attention to specific phrases and adds to the poem’s sonic texture. An example is the repetition of the “d” sound in “had drunk and dined.” This subtle device adds emphasis and rhythm to the lines.
- Consonance: Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, creates a sense of harmony and reinforces the poem’s themes. Observe the repetition of the “s” sound in “My sleep broke on a hug,” which creates a hushed and intimate atmosphere.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next without punctuation. This technique mimics the natural flow of thought and creates a sense of momentum. For example:
And locking me to you
As if we were still twenty‑two
When our grand passion had not yet
Become familial.The continuous flow of lines emphasizes the unbroken connection between the lovers and the seamlessness of their shared intimacy.
- Imagery: Gunn uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the scene and evoke sensory experiences. Phrases like “the full lengths of our bodies pressed” and “secure firm dry embrace” appeal to the sense of touch and create a feeling of closeness and security. This imagery grounds the poem in a physical reality, making the emotional connection even more palpable.
- Metaphor: The poem utilizes metaphor to express the depth of the lovers’ connection. The hug itself becomes a metaphor for the enduring strength and security of their relationship. It is not simply a physical act but a representation of their emotional bond.
- Symbolism: The poem’s setting and details can be interpreted symbolically. The bed represents intimacy and vulnerability, while the act of sleeping symbolizes trust and surrender.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “The Hug”
Beyond literary devices, certain poetic techniques contribute to the poem’s overall effect. These choices shape the rhythm, sound, and meaning of the verses.
- Diction: Gunn’s careful choice of words contributes to the poem’s intimate and honest tone. He uses simple, direct language to convey complex emotions, avoiding overly sentimental or flowery phrasing. The diction feels authentic and unpretentious, creating a sense of genuine connection.
- Free Verse: “The Hug” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Gunn to create a natural, conversational rhythm that mimics the flow of thought and emotion. The lack of rigid structure emphasizes the spontaneity and authenticity of the moment.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into four stanzas, each contributing to the poem’s narrative and emotional arc. The varying stanza lengths reflect the shifting focus and intensity of the experience. The final, shorter stanza creates a sense of quiet resolution and lasting connection.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from the poem are particularly resonant and can be used to express feelings of intimacy, security, and lasting love.
I dozed, I slept. My sleep broke on a hug,
Suddenly, from behind,
In which the full lengths of our bodies pressed:
Your instep to my heel,
My shoulder‑blades against your chest.
This excerpt vividly captures the physical intimacy and unexpected tenderness of the moment, highlighting the comforting power of a simple embrace.