Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "How Come He Got Canned at the Ribbon Factory" is a satirical poem that explores themes of competence, labor, and the dynamics of workplace culture. Through the voice of a chorus of working girls, Ginsberg critiques the naivety and incompetence of a newcomer who fails to grasp the intricacies of their work.

The poem begins with the introduction of a "character" who arrives to "pick up all the broken threads and tie them back into the loom." This metaphor of tying threads suggests an attempt to restore order or fix problems within the factory, a task that requires skill and experience. However, the newcomer's approach is immediately questioned as he believes that "what he didn’t know would do as well as well did." This highlights his ignorance and overconfidence, assuming that his lack of knowledge is inconsequential.

Ginsberg's use of the chorus of working girls as narrators provides a collective perspective that emphasizes their shared expertise and camaraderie. They describe the newcomer's attempts with disdain, noting his "real small knots" and his visible insecurity, "shivering in his shoes." The girls' skepticism and eventual mockery of the newcomer reflect their understanding of the complexities of their work and their recognition of his inadequacy.

The poem further delves into the girls' resentment towards the newcomer, who "showed his wish to be a god of all the knots we tended after suffering to learn them up." This line underscores the hard-earned proficiency of the working girls, which the newcomer arrogantly dismisses. Their work, which took "all of six months to perfect," is contrasted with his futile efforts after "five weeks of frigid circumstances." The phrase "frigid circumstances" suggests not only the physical discomfort of the factory but also the cold reception he receives from the girls, who intentionally "freeze up on him" to ensure he fails.

Ginsberg's portrayal of the newcomer's failure is laced with irony and a sense of poetic justice. The girls' final assessment of him as "not a real man anyway but a goop" serves as a dismissive and condescending judgment. The term "goop" implies foolishness and incompetence, reinforcing the newcomer's inadequacy in the eyes of the experienced workers.

The poem can be seen as a broader critique of workplace dynamics and the undervaluation of skilled labor. The newcomer's dismissal of the girls' expertise and his subsequent failure highlight the importance of respecting and acknowledging the knowledge and experience of workers. Ginsberg's use of humor and satire serves to underscore these themes while also providing a biting commentary on the consequences of arrogance and ignorance.

In conclusion, "How Come He Got Canned at the Ribbon Factory" by Allen Ginsberg is a satirical exploration of workplace competence and the dynamics of labor. Through the collective voice of the working girls, Ginsberg critiques the newcomer's arrogance and highlights the value of experience and skill in their work. The poem's humor and irony underscore its themes, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of competence and the consequences of dismissing the expertise of others.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...