Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Last Bohemians," Edward Field reflects on the transformation of New York City's Greenwich Village and the lives of those who once thrived in its bohemian culture. The poem is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, change, and the persistence of identity amid shifting social landscapes. Through detailed imagery, candid reflections, and a conversational tone, Field examines the legacy of the Village’s artistic community and the impact of gentrification.

The poem opens with the speaker meeting a friend in a "cheap diner." They reflect on their enduring friendship and the shared history of Greenwich Village, remembering "the old days of the Village" when the friend owned a bookshop that was frequented by famous writers like James Baldwin and James Merrill. The friend recalls moving the bookshop to Eighth Street and adding gifts and art cards because "little magazines… couldn't pay the rent." This change disappointed the speaker, but now, forty years later, he insists that the friend shouldn't apologize for a decision made so long ago.

Field then turns to the broader changes in the Village: "Neither of us, without clinging to our old apartments, / could pay Village rents nowadays, / where nobody comes 'to be an artist' anymore." Gentrification has driven out artists who once flocked to the Village, and the speaker laments that he and his friend are "shabby as ever," though once, "shabby was attractive on us." He reminisces about a time when the latest works of poets like Williams, Stevens, and Moore were sold in just a few bookstores.

The theme of continuity emerges as the speaker recognizes that despite the passage of time, he and his friend are "still talking of our problems with writing, finding a publisher." He likens them to "old lefties" who haven't moved on from their ideals.

Field injects humor and irony into the poem by recounting a recent visit from someone who exclaimed, "Why, it's bohemian!" upon seeing the speaker's apartment. The speaker insists that his living style isn't a caricature of bohemianism, even though it contains elements of "Salvation Army junk" and "a mattress and pillows on the floor." His apartment represents an aesthetic and economic reality of a bygone era.

Field contrasts this past with the present, noting that the youth who visit Greenwich Village no longer come to see "a drag show" or "bull daggers fighting in the gutters," but are still expectant of finding something "once called (shiver) bohemian." The speaker acknowledges his own "sad face of a loser," which he fears incites rage in the youth.

At the same time, he finds solace in the older Villagers who still appreciate art with a message. He describes a movie audience full of "old Villagers," the women wearing "handcrafted jewelry" and the men not in berets, but with something "telltale" about their appearance. These remnants of "intellect, idealism" now seem odd in contemporary America.

Field laments that today, there's "nothing radical left," and that the young are focused solely on their "careers" and "trendy enclaves." He reflects on the legacy of the old Village, spotting fellow "Leftovers" drifting through "ghostly high rental picturesque streets" where "typewriters clacking and scales and arpeggios" are no longer heard.

The poem ends with the speaker finding comfort in the shared sense of continuity among the old bohemians who still meet in coffee shops. Though they are "shabbier and rarer," they cherish the historical legacy of their generation and "what our generation set out to do."

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Nostalgia and Change: The poem reflects a deep nostalgia for the past and mourns the transformation of Greenwich Village from a hub of creativity to a gentrified neighborhood.

2. Gentrification and Displacement: The high rents and loss of artistic spaces in the Village symbolize the impact of gentrification on creative communities.

3. Identity and Continuity: Despite the changes, the poem celebrates the continuity of identity and ideals among the old bohemians who still share their artistic struggles and ambitions.

4. Generational Divide: The poem contrasts the old bohemians' ideals with the contemporary focus on careers and trends, highlighting a generational divide in values.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, which allows Field to adopt a conversational and reflective tone. The language is straightforward yet poignant, capturing the humor, irony, and sadness of the speaker's reflections.

Conclusion:

"The Last Bohemians" by Edward Field is a heartfelt exploration of the legacy of Greenwich Village's bohemian culture. Through vivid imagery and candid reflections, Field captures the transformation of a once-vibrant artistic community and the persistence of identity amid change. The poem invites readers to reflect on the impact of gentrification, the continuity of ideals, and the importance of cherishing shared history.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...