Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In the poem "Dietrich," Edward Field presents a nuanced tribute to the iconic actress and singer Marlene Dietrich. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Field captures Dietrich’s mystique and explores her persona as a symbol of strength, allure, and resilience. The poem delves into her public image while hinting at the complexities that lie beneath.

The poem opens with a declaration of Dietrich’s confidence and transcendence: “She never had to make up / for not being popular at school— / she started out well beyond all that.” This statement establishes Dietrich as someone who was always assured of her worth, never needing to prove herself to the world. Field contrasts her with other girls who struggle with societal expectations: “She was never a bobby-soxer, for example, / nor one of those girls fighting / against going all the way.” These lines emphasize that Dietrich has always been above the conventional norms and conflicts of her time.

Field further distinguishes Dietrich's persona from the ordinary by referring to the songs she performed with alluring confidence: “When she sings ‘My ideal is a big blond man’ / or ‘Every night another bliss’ / you know just what she means by this.” Her songs, with their suggestive lyrics, convey her sexual freedom and boldness. The use of "you know just what she means" implies that her messages transcend mere words, resonating deeply with her audience.

The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone as it describes Dietrich's later years in Paris: “Ancient in Paris, / perfect setting for monuments / where the boulevards culminate / in a granite bust.” The imagery of monuments and granite suggests a timeless quality, presenting Dietrich as a living statue adored by the public. Paris, known for its appreciation of art and culture, becomes the ideal backdrop for Dietrich's iconic persona.

Despite her seemingly unshakable façade, Field hints at the vulnerability beneath Dietrich's mask: “where the populace adores / the will that invents / an inviolable mask.” This "mask" represents her carefully crafted image of strength and allure. While the public admires her for this persona, the poem suggests that it requires a strong will to maintain.

The poem's closing lines reveal Dietrich’s view of the world and her enduring struggle: “still she writes ‘This rotten world,’ / as if tied to a mast and forced / to witness, as she always has, / her eyes windows / with the shades permanently up.” The metaphor of being “tied to a mast” evokes the image of Odysseus, bound while listening to the Sirens, unable to escape the harsh realities around him. Dietrich, too, is “forced to witness” the “rotten world” despite her status and strength. Her “eyes windows / with the shades permanently up” suggests an unwavering awareness, always observing the world without turning away.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to shift between reflections on Dietrich’s public persona and insights into her inner world. The language is straightforward yet evocative, with carefully chosen metaphors and imagery that convey Dietrich's complexity.

Overall, "Dietrich" by Edward Field is a compelling tribute to Marlene Dietrich’s enigmatic persona. By exploring both her public image and the vulnerability beneath, Field crafts a poem that celebrates her allure while acknowledging the challenges she faced. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem captures the timeless appeal of an icon who remains relevant despite the passage of time.

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