Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Hall's poem "Beans and Franks" captures the essence of a small-town American experience through the lens of a closing store, Newberry's, in Franklin, New Hampshire. The poem intertwines themes of economic decline, the loss of community landmarks, and the disconnect between local realities and distant ownership. Through rich, descriptive imagery and a poignant narrative, Hall evokes a sense of nostalgia and lament for a bygone era.

The poem begins with the straightforward announcement of Newberry's closure, setting the tone of loss and finality. The store's "homely lime front" on Main Street situates it firmly in the heart of the town, making it a familiar and integral part of the local landscape. The use of "homely" suggests a sense of comfort and familiarity, indicating that Newberry's was more than just a store; it was a community hub.

Hall paints a vivid picture of Franklin, New Hampshire, describing it as a "mill town depressed / since nineteen twenty-nine." This reference to the Great Depression situates the town's long-term economic struggles within a historical context, highlighting the enduring impact of past economic downturns. The description of Main Street's "closed storefronts" underscores the pervasive decline, creating a somber backdrop for the narrative.

The poem then shifts to the specific details of Newberry's, focusing on its lunch counter that served "beans and franks and coleslaw." This imagery evokes a sense of simple, traditional fare, representative of the working-class community that frequented the store. The mention of "bins of peanuts, counters of acrylic, / hair nets, underwear, workshirts, / marbled notebooks, Bic pens, plastic / toys, and cheap sneakers" captures the variety of everyday items that filled the store, further emphasizing its role as a one-stop shop for the town's residents.

Hall introduces the store's employees, adding a human element to the narrative. Marjorie, who worked at the iron cash register for ten years, and Alcibide Monbouquet, who pushed a broom at night, represent the hardworking individuals whose livelihoods depended on Newberry's. Their mention personalizes the impact of the store's closure, reminding the reader of the real people affected by the loss.

The poem's climax reveals the disconnect between the local community and the store's distant owner. The revelation that "a man from Beverly / Hills owned it, who never saw / the streets of Franklin, New Hampshire" underscores the impersonal nature of modern business practices. This man, removed from the everyday realities of the town, "drew with a well-groomed hand / a line through 'Franklin, New Hampshire.'" The act of drawing a line through the town's name symbolizes the erasure of a community's lifeline by someone who has no personal connection to it.

The poem's structure is free verse, allowing Hall to weave his narrative without the constraints of a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This form mirrors the organic and somewhat disordered reality of the town's decline. Hall's language is direct and unembellished, which enhances the authenticity and immediacy of the scene he depicts.

"Beans and Franks" serves as a poignant commentary on the effects of economic decline and the loss of community institutions. Hall's detailed depiction of Newberry's and its place in Franklin, New Hampshire, highlights the broader issues of disconnection between local communities and distant economic powers. The poem captures the sadness and inevitability of change, as well as the deep sense of loss felt by those who are left behind when a familiar and cherished part of their lives is taken away. Through this narrative, Hall invites readers to reflect on the importance of community, the impacts of economic decisions, and the human stories that lie behind every closed storefront.

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