This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the iceboxand which
you were probably
saving
for breakfastForgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
Summary of This Is Just To Say
“This Is Just To Say,” penned by William Carlos Williams in 1934, is a remarkably simple yet profoundly relatable poem. It’s a brief confession, a note left by someone who has indulged in a forbidden treat: plums kept in the icebox. The speaker acknowledges that the plums were likely reserved for breakfast and offers a quick apology, but almost immediately diminishes it by describing how incredibly delicious they were. At its heart, the poem explores themes of impulse, small transgressions, and the often-weak connection between regret and desire. It’s a poem about a moment of immediate gratification, and the slightly disingenuous attempt to soften the impact of that indulgence.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Knowledge
The central idea isn’t about the plums themselves, but about the human tendency to yield to temptation and then offer a flimsy excuse. It’s a universally recognizable situation. Williams skillfully captures the casual, almost offhand nature of everyday guilt and the way we often prioritize immediate pleasure over consideration for others. It’s noteworthy for its minimalist style—its deliberate use of short lines and sparse language—which forces the reader to focus on the subtle nuances of the speaker’s tone and motivation. This poem is often used as an entry point for discussing poetic form, voice, and the power of suggestion.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “This Is Just To Say”
Assonance and Consonance
Williams employs subtle sound devices to enhance the poem’s rhythm and create a pleasing auditory experience. Notice the repetition of the short “u” sound in “but” and “you.” This use of assonance creates a connection between these words, subtly highlighting the speaker’s awareness of the other person. Similarly, the repetition of the “s” sound in “saving” and “sweet”—consonance—contributes to the poem’s soft, almost sensuous quality.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a key element of the poem’s style. Consider these lines:
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
The poem does not pause at the end of each line. Instead, it flows naturally, mirroring the speaker’s impulsive act. The enjambment creates a sense of forward momentum and emphasizes the simplicity of the confession. The reader is compelled to continue reading to uncover the complete thought.
Imagery
Though brief, the poem is rich in imagery—language that appeals to the senses. Phrases like “the plums,” “in the icebox,” “delicious, so sweet, and so cold” create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. We can almost taste and feel the cold, sweet plums. This sensory detail transforms a simple confession into a more compelling and relatable experience. The imagery isn’t about grand landscapes; it’s about the immediate, tangible pleasure of a stolen treat.
Irony
A subtle layer of irony permeates the poem. The apology, “Forgive me,” feels somewhat insincere, immediately undercut by the enthusiastic description of the plums. The speaker acknowledges the transgression but seems more interested in justifying it by emphasizing how enjoyable the plums were. This creates a humorous tension and reveals a certain amount of self‑deception. It is not a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, but a casual acknowledgement of wrongdoing paired with an unapologetic enjoyment of the act.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “This Is Just To Say”
Free Verse
“This Is Just To Say” is a prime example of free verse—poetry that does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. Williams deliberately rejects traditional poetic constraints, opting for a natural, conversational rhythm. This allows him to focus on the content and tone of the poem, creating a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The lack of formal structure mirrors the speaker’s spontaneous act and casual tone.
Stanza Form
The poem is structured into three short stanzas, each contributing to the poem’s overall effect. The first stanza introduces the act, the second explains the context (the plums were saved), and the third offers the apology and justification. This structure, while simple, provides a clear and concise narrative arc. The brevity of each stanza further emphasizes the poem’s minimalist style and the speaker’s concise confession.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines resonate with relatable scenarios and can be used to discuss impulsive actions and making amends:
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox.
This is a straightforward confession that can be used to initiate discussions about owning up to mistakes. It’s a simple phrase that encapsulates the idea of a minor transgression and the need to acknowledge it.
In conclusion, “This Is Just To Say” is more than just a confession about stolen plums. It is a deceptively simple poem that explores universal themes of temptation, guilt, and the often‑tenuous relationship between words and actions. Its minimalist style and masterful use of poetic devices make it a timeless piece of literature, deserving of careful analysis and appreciation.