Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "Thoreau/Who Directed Le Boucher/& Pope" reflects on the nature of communication, its inherent distortions, and the enduring human need to connect across distances, both literal and metaphorical. The poem juxtaposes historical and modern forms of communication, illustrating how messages are transformed, misinterpreted, and imbued with personal meaning as they travel.

The poem opens with a quote from Thoreau, who criticizes the rush to create technological advancements like the telegraph without considering the significance of the messages being sent. Thoreau's skepticism about the meaningfulness of such communication sets the stage for Goldbarth's exploration of how messages evolve and degrade over distance and time.

Goldbarth begins with an interaction between two characters, Hiram and Walter, whose casual and humorous exchange is marked by a "jellied tobacco-rich gob of spit" that the wind carries away. This vivid image introduces the idea that messages, like the spit, are subject to the whims of the environment and can be distorted or lost altogether.

The poet reminisces about a child's invention of a communication device made from two tin cans and a string, which serves as a simple yet effective means of transmitting messages. This nostalgic image contrasts with the more complex and impersonal modern telegraph system. The tin can telephone symbolizes a time when communication was direct and personal, and it highlights how technology can complicate and obscure the simplicity of human connection.

Goldbarth then describes the phenomenon of the "Telephone" game, where a message is whispered from one person to the next, inevitably becoming garbled and transformed. This game serves as a metaphor for how information is altered as it passes through various intermediaries, ultimately becoming "gobbledygook." Despite this, the poem suggests that even distorted messages carry their own kind of truth and significance, reflecting the organic growth of language and communication.

The poem transitions to a domestic scene where a couple, presumably Hiram and his wife, share mundane yet intimate moments. Their everyday interactions, such as cleaning up spills and sharing affection, are portrayed as the essence of marriage. The phrase "Pass it on" emphasizes the continuity of their relationship and the shared experiences that bind them together, even in the face of miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Goldbarth further explores the theme of communication through the exchange between Hiram and Walter about Hiram's wife being in "The Tender State" of pregnancy. Hiram's joy and anticipation are evident, and his repeated affirmations of his happiness underscore the personal significance of their communication. Despite the casual and colloquial language, these exchanges carry deep emotional weight and reflect the human desire to share important life events with others.

As the poem moves towards its conclusion, Goldbarth shifts the focus to the broader context of nighttime communication. The image of a country "folded to sleep" contrasts with the "small lights, telegraphy flashes, switchboard blinks" that signify ongoing communication even in the dark. These "spinal twinklings of relay" suggest a continuous network of connections that persist despite the challenges of distance and time.

The poem ends with a nod to Alexander Pope's famous line, "Whatever is, is right," suggesting an acceptance of the imperfections and uncertainties inherent in communication. Goldbarth acknowledges that while great men may think great thoughts, the rest of us find meaning and connection in the "small functional murmurs" of everyday life. The final "Pass it on" reinforces the idea that communication, in all its forms, is a fundamental and enduring aspect of human existence.

Through rich imagery and a blend of historical and contemporary references, "Thoreau/Who Directed Le Boucher/& Pope" captures the complexity and beauty of communication, highlighting its power to connect us despite the inevitable distortions and misunderstandings. Goldbarth's poem celebrates the human spirit's resilience and creativity in finding ways to share and connect, even across great distances.

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