Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Egg Rolls" by Denise Duhamel is a poignant exploration of struggle, resilience, and the simple pleasures that can momentarily uplift one amidst adversity. This narrative poem captures a slice of life, portraying the poet's experiences during a financially and emotionally challenging period. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the poem delves deep into themes of poverty, ambition, and survival, illustrating how even small decisions—like purchasing egg rolls—can be laden with significance in the context of hardship.

The poem starts with the speaker recounting a moment of financial precarity: she is down to her last few dollars, with minimal food at home and just enough money for her train fare. She describes the strain of living paycheck to paycheck, the constant juggling of meager funds just to meet basic needs. This sets the stage for a reflection on the broader struggles of her life, including working multiple jobs while trying to pursue an advanced degree.

The narrative unfolds as the speaker reminisces about her life choices and the sacrifices made in pursuit of higher education. The mention of her sister, living comfortably and having meals catered, juxtaposes the speaker's own dire situation, eating inexpensive, possibly unsafe food and dealing with the daily grind of low-paying jobs. This contrast highlights not just economic disparity but also the emotional toll of navigating poverty.

Duhamel intricately weaves details of the speaker's various employments, from nannying to working at a health club, each job reflecting a facet of her struggle and the societal pressures she faces. The health club environment, with its focus on diets and calories, serves as a microcosm of societal values that often prioritize superficial appearances over genuine well-being. This critique is subtly laced through the speaker's interactions and the advice she receives, which focuses more on maintaining a certain physique rather than nourishing the body.

The physical and emotional toll of this lifestyle is vividly portrayed through the speaker's daily routine and living conditions. Her descriptions of waking up in the early hours, the uncomfortable living arrangements, and the injustice of her housing situation paint a vivid picture of her resilience and the inequities she endures. The cramped, grimy apartment and the disproportionate rent she pays add layers to her struggle, emphasizing the exploitation that often accompanies urban poverty.

Towards the end of the poem, the focus shifts to a moment of indulgence—the decision to buy egg rolls despite the financial consequences. This act, simple yet defiant, represents a reclaiming of agency in a life frequently constrained by economic hardship. The sensory details of eating the egg rolls, the grease, and the heat, transform this meal into a small celebration of survival and momentary escape from her troubles.

Duhamel captures the complexity of the speaker's emotions as she navigates through her difficult circumstances. The poem closes on a note that blends resignation with a sense of small triumph. Despite the challenges, the speaker finds a moment of joy and a feeling of richness in her experience—an affirmation of her continued struggle and the personal victories found in everyday resilience.

Overall, "Egg Rolls" is a powerful portrayal of the human spirit’s capacity to find solace in small pleasures amidst the relentless challenges of poverty. It is a testament to the strength required to pursue one’s dreams against daunting odds, and a reminder of the harsh realities many face in their quest for a better life.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Two_And_Two/fYJQAQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22I+was+walking+down+first+avenue+and+knew%22+duhamel&pg=PT11&printsec=frontcover

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