Feast

The poet had drunk at every \"vine\". \"vines\”,which are creepers which are inedible. But, the poet seeks \"wine\" in \"vines\" which is a logical impossibility. She finds no difference among the last and the first, because all are the same for poor people. Poverty stricken people have no option. They have to succumb to reality and accept whatever they are given. So, after an unsuccessful attempt of finding \"wine\" from \"vines\" she says that thirst was so wonderful. It is an ironical remark to show how she suffered because of her thirst.

In the second stanza, the poet says \"I gnawed at every root\" where most roots are inedible, resulting her to find no food. She demeans herself to the state of a squirrel/ a rat that gnaws. Just like her previous unsuccessful attempt, she ends up fruitlessly.

In the last stanza, we are given an idea that the poet works for the vintner and monger. She, who feeds the plants, has nothing for her in return. So, at last she is exhausted and wearied. Only the rich can feast, while the poor are left only to dream about feasts. They are not provided with the basic necessities either.

In the last stanza we are given an idea that the poet works for the vintner and monger. She, who feeds the plants, has nothing for her in return. So at last she is exhausted and wearied. Only the rich can feast, while the poor are left only to dream about feasts. They are not provided with the basic necessities even.

Source: www.eliteskills.com/analysis_poetry/Feast_by_Edna_St_Vincent_Millay...‎03.05.2013