Skunk Hour

Robert Lowell

Fiction | Poem | Adult

Book Brief

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Robert Lowell

Skunk Hour

Fiction | Poem | Adult

Book Details

Format

Poem • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1950s

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

In "Skunk Hour" by Robert Lowell, the poem explores themes of isolation, decline, and the search for meaning. It begins with impressions of a wealthy coastal town’s transformation and transitions into the speaker's personal introspection. The presence of skunks signifies resilience and survival amidst despair, reflecting life’s persistence despite decay.

Melancholic

Dark

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.7

23 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Skunk Hour by Robert Lowell is praised for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, portraying themes of decay and isolation. Critics commend its confessional style and powerful symbolism. However, some find its complex structure challenging, with dense references that may elude casual readers. The poem's raw introspection and stark language offer a profound, though somber, experience.

Who Should Read Skunk Hour?

Readers who appreciate introspective, confessional poetry, and vivid imagery would enjoy Robert Lowell's "Skunk Hour." Fans of Sylvia Plath's Ariel or Anne Sexton's Live or Die may find a similar exploration of personal despair and keen observation of the mundane. Such readers often seek emotional depth and complex human experiences.

3.7