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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
John Hollander's "Lazy Susan" is a brief, clever poem that uses the form of a lazy Susan—a rotating tray often used to serve food—to explore themes of passivity and utility. The poem's structure and content reflect the dual nature of the lazy Susan, which serves others while remaining static. The poem begins with a biblical allusion: "She toils not neither does she spin." This echoes the words from Matthew 6:28, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin," highlighting the lazy Susan's effortless role. This opening line sets up the paradox of the lazy Susan—it doesn't work or spin on its own, yet it facilitates the activity of others. The phrase "around quickly when she bears / lot and a great noisome lot / of hungry hands grab at / it all" depicts the chaotic scene around the lazy Susan. It is laden with items and surrounded by "hungry hands" that grab at the food or objects it holds. This conveys a sense of urgency and demand placed upon the otherwise passive object, emphasizing its role in serving others. The final line, "as Susan snoozes in the hall," personifies the lazy Susan, giving it a human-like quality of laziness or passivity. This adds a touch of humor to the poem, as the lazy Susan, despite being central to the activity around it, remains inactive and indifferent to the commotion. The poem's form, resembling a lazy Susan, reinforces its content. The circular nature of the lazy Susan is mirrored in the poem's layout, creating a visual representation of its subject. This interplay between form and content enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of the poem's themes. In "Lazy Susan," Hollander skillfully uses imagery and structure to explore the concept of passivity and service. The poem's concise and witty presentation invites readers to reflect on the ways in which seemingly inactive objects or beings can still play a crucial role in the activity and fulfillment of others. Through its clever wordplay and visual form, the poem captures the essence of the lazy Susan and its paradoxical nature.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SENT ON A SHEET OF PAPER WITH A HEART SHAPE CUT OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF IT by JOHN HOLLANDER THE LOVER IN HELL by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ALEXANDER'S FEAST; OR, THE POWER OF MUSIC by JOHN DRYDEN TO PRIMROSES FILLED WITH MORNING DEW by ROBERT HERRICK THE WORLD by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI AFTERWARDS by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN VOICES BY A RIVER by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN THE WANDERER: 1. IN ITALY: CHANGE by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON |
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