The cynics in life are the people who are always trying to do things for people who don't want things done for them

The cynics in life are the people who are always trying to do things for people who don't want things done for them

Marianne Moore, a renowned American modernist poet, was known for her sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. In her work, she often explored the complexities of relationships and the ways in which people interact with one another. One of the recurring themes in Moore's poetry is the idea of cynicism and the futility of trying to help those who are not receptive to it.

Moore's poem "The Fish" is a prime example of her exploration of this theme. In the poem, the speaker describes a fish that has been caught and is struggling to escape. Despite the fish's efforts to break free, the speaker continues to hold onto it, ultimately leading to the fish's demise. This can be seen as a metaphor for the futility of trying to help someone who does not want to be helped. The fish represents the person in need of assistance, while the speaker represents the well-meaning but ultimately misguided individual who is trying to intervene.