This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

Understanding “This Is Just To Say” by William Carlos Williams

William Carlos Williams’ “This Is Just To Say” is a deceptively simple poem that captures a moment of everyday human experience with remarkable precision. Penned in 1934, this brief, confessional piece has resonated with readers for generations due to its relatable scenario and understated emotional depth. It presents a speaker’s note, acknowledging the consumption of plums that were likely reserved for someone else, offering a quick apology that is immediately softened by the enthusiastic description of the fruit’s delightful taste.

“This Is Just To Say” Summary and Central Idea

The poem functions as a concise note of confession. The speaker admits to having eaten plums stored in the icebox, acknowledging that these plums were probably being saved for another person’s breakfast. An apology is offered, but it is swiftly followed by a vivid description of the plums’ deliciousness, emphasizing their sweetness and coldness. This brief narrative encapsulates a common human dilemma: the impulse to indulge in immediate gratification, followed by a somewhat perfunctory attempt at apology or justification.

The central idea of “This Is Just To Say” extends beyond the mere act of eating plums. It delves into the universal human tendency to yield to temptation, to commit minor transgressions, and then to offer an apology that is often tinged with a lingering satisfaction or even a subtle lack of genuine remorse. The poem brilliantly captures the casual nature of everyday guilt and the way personal pleasure can sometimes overshadow consideration for others. It highlights the complex interplay between desire, action, and the often-weak connection between regret and enjoyment.

Noteworthy Aspects of “This Is Just To Say”

This poem is celebrated for its minimalist style and directness. Williams deliberately employs short lines and sparse language, compelling readers to focus on the subtle nuances of the speaker’s tone and underlying motivations. Its conversational quality makes it feel like an authentic, hastily scribbled note, enhancing its relatability. “This Is Just To Say” serves as an excellent example for exploring how profound meaning can be conveyed through seemingly simple language and structure, making it a cornerstone for discussions on poetic form, voice, and the power of suggestion in literature.

“This Is Just To Say” Analysis: Literary Devices

Imagery in “This Is Just To Say”

Despite its brevity, “This Is Just To Say” is rich in vivid imagery, appealing directly to the senses and allowing readers to experience the poem’s central event. The lines:

the plums
that were in
the icebox

immediately establish a tangible setting and object. The “icebox” suggests a cool, refreshing environment, preparing the reader for the sensory climax. This is powerfully reinforced in the final stanza:

they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

These descriptive words engage taste and touch, allowing readers to almost feel the chill and savor the sweetness of the fruit. This precise sensory detail transforms a simple confession into a more compelling and universally relatable experience, emphasizing the immediate, tangible pleasure of the stolen treat.

Irony in “This Is Just To Say”

A subtle yet profound layer of irony permeates the poem, creating much of its enduring appeal and complexity. The speaker’s apology, “Forgive me,” appears almost insincere, immediately undercut by the enthusiastic and detailed description of the plums’ delightful qualities. The lines:

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

reveal a speaker who acknowledges a transgression but seems more interested in justifying the act by emphasizing how enjoyable the plums were. This creates a humorous tension and exposes a certain amount of self-deception or a casual disregard for the other person’s feelings. It is not a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, but rather a casual acknowledgment of wrongdoing paired with an unapologetic enjoyment of the act, highlighting the irony of a “sorry, but not really” sentiment.

Sound Devices: Assonance and Consonance

Williams masterfully employs subtle sound devices to enhance the poem’s rhythm and create a pleasing auditory experience. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be observed in phrases such as “plums” and “delicious,” where the short “u” and “i” sounds create a soft, almost indulgent quality. Similarly, the repetition of the long “e” sound in “sweet” subtly emphasizes the sensory pleasure. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is evident in the recurring “s” sound in “saving,” “delicious,” “so sweet,” and “so cold.” This repetition contributes to the poem’s soft, almost sensuous quality, mirroring the smooth, satisfying experience of eating the plums. The “l” sound in “plums,” “delicious,” and “cold” also adds to this lyrical, flowing effect, making the language itself as appealing as the fruit described.

“This Is Just To Say” Analysis: Poetic Devices

Free Verse in “This Is Just To Say”

“This Is Just To Say” is a quintessential example of free verse, a poetic form that does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme, metrical pattern, or consistent line length. Williams deliberately rejects traditional poetic constraints, opting instead for a natural, conversational rhythm that mimics everyday speech. This choice allows the poem to feel like an authentic, spontaneous note rather than a formal literary composition. The lack of a rigid structure enhances the sense of immediacy and authenticity, enabling the poet to focus entirely on the content and the speaker’s casual, confessional tone. The lines flow organically, reflecting the impulsive nature of the act described.

Enjambment in “This Is Just To Say”

Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a key stylistic element that contributes significantly to the poem’s natural flow and conversational tone. Consider these opening lines:

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

The poem does not pause at the end of each line; instead, the thought spills over, compelling the reader to continue reading to grasp the complete idea. This technique mirrors the speaker’s impulsive act and the straightforward, almost hurried nature of the confession. Enjambment creates a sense of forward momentum, making the poem feel less like a structured verse and more like a direct, unedited thought, enhancing its authenticity and immediacy.

Stanza Form and Structure

The poem is structured into three short stanzas, each comprising four lines. This simple, consistent structure contributes to the poem’s minimalist aesthetic and its resemblance to a brief, handwritten note. Each stanza serves a distinct purpose in the narrative arc of the confession:

• The first stanza presents the direct admission of the act: “I have eaten the plums.”
• The second stanza provides the context and acknowledges the transgression: “and which you were probably saving for breakfast.”
• The third stanza offers the apology and immediate justification: “Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold.”

The brevity of each stanza further emphasizes the poem’s concise nature and the speaker’s direct, almost casual approach to the confession. This clear, segmented structure allows the poem to unfold with a deliberate yet unadorned clarity, making each part of the message impactful.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of “This Is Just To Say”

“This Is Just To Say” is far more than a simple confession about stolen plums. It is a masterclass in conveying profound human insights through minimalist artistry. William Carlos Williams’ poem explores universal themes of temptation, minor guilt, and the often-complex relationship between our actions, our words, and our true feelings. Its deceptively simple language, combined with masterful use of literary and poetic devices such as vivid imagery, subtle irony, free verse, and enjambment, creates a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate deeply with readers. The poem’s ability to capture a fleeting, everyday moment with such precision and psychological nuance ensures its place as a cherished and endlessly analyzable work in the canon of modern poetry.