Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Early Cinema" by Elizabeth Alexander is a narrative poem that intertwines themes of racial identity, the allure of cinema, and the interplay of fate and chance in history. Set in 1922 Washington D.C., the poem recounts the story of young Otwiner and Julia, who defy racial segregation to see a Rudolph Valentino film, only to narrowly escape a tragic accident.

Racial Segregation and "Passing":

The poem opens with Mister Hedges, a custodian, reporting to the parents of Otwiner and Julia that the girls were "misrepresenting themselves" at the Knickerbocker Theater, a segregated cinema. This line introduces the concept of "passing" – presenting oneself as a different race, in this case, to access the privileges of being white, such as attending a whites-only movie screening.

Desire for Escape and Adventure:

Otwiner and Julia's longing to see Rudolph Valentino, a symbol of exoticism and romantic adventure, reflects their desire for escapism and to experience the glamour and excitement depicted in early cinema. Valentino's portrayal as "swarthy like a Negro, like the finest Negro man" also suggests a challenge to the rigid racial boundaries of the time.

Creative Resistance to Segregation:

The poem details the ingenious ways in which Otwiner and Julia, along with their friends, circumvent the segregationist policies of the theater. These acts of defiance, such as pretending to be "of foreign extraction" or claiming diplomatic immunity, highlight both the absurdity of racial segregation and the girls' determination to resist it.

Conflict Between Desire and Responsibility:

The parental reprimand that follows – "shame upon the family, shame upon the race" – illustrates the pressure on young black individuals to uphold dignity and respectability in the face of systemic racism. This tension between personal desires and societal expectations is a central theme of the poem.

Irony and Tragic Twist:

The poem takes a dramatic turn with the news of the Knickerbocker Theater's roof collapse under heavy snow, killing one hundred people but sparing the girls due to their racial exclusion. The line "It appeared that God had spoken" introduces a sense of irony and divine intervention, suggesting that their exclusion from the theater ultimately saved their lives.

Reflection on Fate and Chance:

The final stanza reflects on the randomness of fate and the capricious nature of life and death. The fact that no black patrons were killed in the accident due to racial segregation is a poignant commentary on the absurdity and cruelty of such policies.

In summary, "Early Cinema" by Elizabeth Alexander is a multi-layered poem that explores the complexities of racial identity, the power of cinema as a means of escape, and the interplay of fate and societal constraints. Through the story of Otwiner and Julia, Alexander delves into the desires and struggles of young black women in the early 20th century, offering a poignant commentary on race, entertainment, and history.

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