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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"The Accountant" by Michael Blumenthal is an insightful and subtly humorous exploration of the intersection between the intellectual and the mundane, the classical and the contemporary. Set against the backdrop of Cambridge, a place renowned for its academic prestige, the poem delves into the life of an accountant who, despite his education in the Classics, finds himself engrossed in the practicalities and decisions of modern financial matters. Through this character study, Blumenthal navigates themes of satisfaction, the search for meaning, and the joy found in the pursuit of one's work, no matter how ordinary it may seem. The poem opens by grounding the accountant in a world of academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, noting his minor in Classics from Brandeis University and his readings of Herodotus. This introduction serves not only to establish the character's background but also to juxtapose the lofty ideals and epic cycles of history with the grounded, everyday concerns of tax filings and financial decisions. The shift from the "cycles of history" to "whether to file married, filing separately, or married, filing jointly" humorously highlights the transition from the theoretical to the practical, from the ancient to the modern. Blumenthal then introduces the notion, relayed by a friend, that accountants are among the happiest professionals, a statement that prompts reflection on the nature of happiness and fulfillment. The suggestion that accountants find contentment in "working towards some tangible outcome in a world already codified for them" speaks to a broader human desire for clarity, purpose, and the ability to make sense of one's surroundings. The poem suggests that there is a form of satisfaction to be found in navigating a system with clear rules and objectives, a stark contrast to the often ambiguous and subjective interpretations of classical texts and historical cycles. The character of Don, the accountant, becomes a symbol for the blending of these two worlds. His enjoyment of the Oresteia "for no particular purpose beyond pleasure" alongside his dedication to his "ordinary, happy occupation" illustrates the balance between intellectual pursuit for its own sake and the fulfillment derived from everyday work. Don's contentment in both realms challenges the dichotomy often drawn between intellectual and practical pursuits, suggesting that joy and meaning can be found in the harmonious integration of both. The closing line, "delighted merely to ponder the possibility that things may yet add up to add up," encapsulates the essence of the poem. It reflects a hopeful and optimistic view that, despite the complexities and uncertainties of life, there is value in the attempt to find coherence and balance. This line, in many ways, mirrors the accountant's work of making numbers align, as well as the human endeavor to make sense of our experiences and narratives. "The Accountant" by Michael Blumenthal is a thought-provoking and engaging meditation on the nature of fulfillment, the value of diverse pursuits, and the beauty found in the seemingly mundane aspects of life. Through the character of an accountant who bridges the worlds of ancient history and modern finance, Blumenthal invites readers to reconsider what it means to lead a meaningful and contented life.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TEN MILLS: THE HARDSHIP OF ACCOUNTING by ROBERT FROST SURFACES AND MASKS; 30 by CLARENCE MAJOR SYMPATHETIC PORTRAIT OF A CHILD by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS LINES INSCRIBED UPON A CUP FORMED FROM A SKULL by GEORGE GORDON BYRON IN HARDWOOD GROVES by ROBERT FROST TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME by ROBERT HERRICK THE GROVES OF BLARNEY by RICHARD ALFRED MILLIKIN FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: SORROW by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES PSALM 98 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |
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