Lines 1-6

The first several lines of “Knowledge” contain a dependent clause that forces the reader to continue reading without understanding the intent of the rumination until the middle of line 6. The first line suggests that the poem will explore events or behaviors that are outside the ordinary events of daily life. The words “Even when you know” imply that one can still be surprised, that not everything can be understood or anticipated. The second line continues in this mode, with the addition of “even when you pride yourself.” The inclusion of the word “pride” clarifies how fully the poem's addressee, “you,” claims to understand the world, in that this person is proud of this knowledge. Thus, the reader may anticipate that the narrator is asserting that even those who understand the cruelty and arbitrariness of the world can still be surprised by the level of cruelty that...