Poems About Conflict with Self: Exploring the Inner Battle

Poetry has long been a medium through which individuals express their deepest emotions and inner conflicts. One of the most powerful and poignant themes explored in poetry is the conflict with self. These poems delve into the complexities of our inner battles, the struggle between our desires and responsibilities, and the constant grappling with our own thoughts and emotions. In this article, we will explore some remarkable poems that beautifully capture the essence of this internal conflict.

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost:

Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" is a quintessential poem that delves into the conflict of making choices in life. The speaker stands at a crossroads, contemplating which path to take. Frost brilliantly captures the essence of internal conflict by presenting two equally enticing options. As the speaker ponders the choices, he acknowledges the impossibility of exploring both paths simultaneously. This poem serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle we face when making decisions, constantly questioning whether the path we chose was the right one.

Example verse:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

"Mad Girl's Love Song" by Sylvia Plath:

In "Mad Girl's Love Song," Sylvia Plath magnificently captures the internal turmoil and conflict experienced in love. Plath's speaker grapples with the dichotomy of intense emotions, vacillating between love and despair. The poem unravels the complexities of a troubled relationship, where the self is fragmented, torn between longing for love and the fear of rejection. It encapsulates the internal struggle of finding balance between the desire for love and the need for self-preservation.

Example verse:
I think I made you up inside my head.
The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(…)
God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
I dreamed you bewitched me into bed.

"Mirror" by Sylvia Plath:

Another exceptional poem by Sylvia Plath, "Mirror," portrays the battle with self-image and the internal struggle for acceptance. The mirror, personified and reflecting the speaker's true self, becomes a source of conflict. Plath brilliantly captures the torment experienced when confronted with one's reflection, highlighting the constant dissatisfaction and yearning for perfection. This poem delves into the depths of self-perception, revealing the war waged within oneself to find self-acceptance.

Example verse:
Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.
I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.
She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.
I am important to her. She comes and goes.

"This Be The Verse" by Philip Larkin:

Philip Larkin's "This Be The Verse" dissects the internal conflict that arises from familial relationships. The poem delves into the repercussions of parental influence, presenting a cynical and raw perspective on the impact of upbringing. Larkin's poem highlights the nature vs. nurture debate and the conflict individuals face when battling against the legacy of their family. It serves as a reminder that our internal conflicts can stem from external sources, deeply rooted in our own history.

Example verse:
They f**k you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.

Poetry has the uncanny ability to expose the complexities of our innermost struggles. Through these poems, we have witnessed the profound exploration of conflict with self, whether it be the choices we make, the challenges of love, the battle for self-acceptance, or the scars left by familial relationships. These poems serve as a reminder that our internal conflicts are an intrinsic part of the human experience, and through poetry, we find solace, understanding, and a means to transcend our personal struggles.