Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"An Importer" by Robert Frost is a witty and satirical poem that examines the cultural exchange between the East and the West, highlighting the superficiality and potential dangers of this exchange. Through playful language and irony, Frost critiques the tendency of Westerners to appropriate and misunderstand Asian culture, while also hinting at the larger implications of industrialization and mass production.

The poem opens with the character of Mrs. Someone, a quintessential figure representing Western curiosity and consumption of exotic cultures. Her return from Asia, laden with various artifacts and curiosities, sets the stage for Frost's exploration of cultural imports and their impact. The list of items she brings back—bamboos, ivories, jades, lacquers, and firecrackers—paints a picture of an eclectic collection, each item symbolizing different aspects of Asian culture.

Frost's description of these items, particularly the "devil-scaring firecrackers" and "sacred rigmaroles to mutter," carries a tone of amused bewilderment. These objects and practices, foreign and mystical, highlight the Western fascination with the exotic. However, the poem quickly shifts to a more critical tone as it mentions "subterfuge for saving faces" and "arguments too stale to mention / Gainst American intervention." Here, Frost touches on the complex and often contentious relationship between the East and the West, particularly in terms of political and cultural interventions.

The poem's central critique becomes clear with the lines "Most of all the mass production / Destined to prove our destruction." Frost suggests that the import of Asian mass production techniques, far from being beneficial, could lead to the West's downfall. This is a prescient observation, considering the later global shifts in manufacturing and the rise of consumer culture. The reference to "telephones, skyscrapers, / Safety razors, Sunday papers" as "the silliest evasion / Of the truths we owe an Asian" underscores the irony that Western advancements and conveniences are trivial compared to the profound cultural truths offered by Asia.

The highlight of Mrs. Someone's collection is a "prayer machine from Tibet" powered by a brook, which continually repeats "Pardon, pardon." This device, a blend of spirituality and simple mechanics, stands in stark contrast to the complex and often superficial inventions of the West. Frost uses this image to emphasize the depth and simplicity of Asian spiritual practices, which are depicted as more meaningful than the technological advances of the West. The prayer machine, described as "picturesque machinery," serves as a symbol of the enduring and unpretentious wisdom found in Asian culture.

Frost's final lines, "Teach those Asians mass production? / Teach your grandmother egg suction," encapsulate the poem's satirical tone. The phrase "teach your grandmother egg suction" is an old adage implying that one should not presume to teach someone who already possesses superior knowledge. By using this adage, Frost underscores the futility and arrogance of trying to impart Western methods of mass production to cultures that have long mastered the art of creating meaningful and efficient systems.

Through "An Importer," Robert Frost uses humor and irony to critique the Western approach to cultural exchange and industrialization. The poem highlights the superficiality of merely collecting and displaying exotic artifacts without understanding their deeper significance. It also warns of the potential consequences of adopting mass production without considering its cultural and spiritual costs. Frost's use of vivid imagery and playful language invites readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural interaction and the true value of the knowledge we exchange.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...