Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "The Book of the Dead: The Doctors" presents a critical examination of the medical and legal responses to the silicosis epidemic that afflicted the workers of the Gauley Bridge tunnel project. This segment of her poetic sequence juxtaposes factual testimony with poignant, personal reflections, underscoring the devastating human cost of industrial negligence.

The poem opens with a formal interrogation, setting the stage for a courtroom scene where Dr. Emory R. Hayhurst is called to testify. His credentials are meticulously detailed, emphasizing his authority and extensive experience in occupational diseases. This establishes a foundation of credibility, preparing the reader for the gravity of his testimony. The recitation of his educational and professional background—"High school Chicago 1899 / Univ. of Illinois 1903 / M.A. 1905, thesis on respiration"—underscores the depth of his expertise and the seriousness of the situation.

Hayhurst's testimony is interwoven with references to historical and technical details about silicosis. The disease, also known as "Miner’s phthisis," "fibroid phthisis," "grinder’s rot," and "potter’s rot," is described as an occupational hazard that has long been recognized but inadequately addressed. The poem highlights the fatal consequences of silica dust exposure: "here was pure danger / Dept. of Mines / came in, was kept away." This succinctly encapsulates the bureaucratic negligence and the deadly conditions that the workers faced.

The poem shifts to a more personal narrative with the mention of Dr. L. R. Harless, who initially hesitated to discuss the cases due to his involvement in numerous lawsuits. Despite his reluctance, he eventually acknowledges the severity of the situation: "Dr. Harless has probably become very / self-conscious about this matter." Harless's account adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, illustrating the conflict between professional duty and the personal toll of witnessing so much suffering.

Rukeyser juxtaposes Harless's formal letter with the raw, direct statements of workers and their families, exposing the disparity between official records and lived experiences. The letter attempts to downplay the extent of the epidemic, claiming, "I am at a loss to know where those figures were obtained," yet it also admits to the presence of lung damage in numerous cases. This contradictory stance reflects the broader attempts by companies and officials to minimize their culpability.

The poem continues with an exchange between Mr. Marcantonio and Dr. Goldwater, which further explores the nuances and uncertainties of medical diagnosis. Goldwater's cautious language—"Medicine has no hundred percent"—contrasts with the demand for definitive answers in a courtroom setting. This dialogue highlights the inherent tension between scientific inquiry and legal proceedings, where clear-cut answers are often elusive.

The poem culminates with a powerful, rhythmic refrain: "The man in the white coat is the man on the hill, the man with the clean hands is the man with the drill, the man who answers 'yes' lies still." This couplet encapsulates the central irony and tragedy of the situation: those who labor and suffer are often rendered voiceless, while those who testify and make decisions from a distance remain unscathed.

Rukeyser's "The Book of the Dead: The Doctors" is a compelling blend of documentary poetics and lyrical narrative. It confronts the reader with the stark realities of industrial exploitation, medical negligence, and the human cost of economic progress. Through the voices of experts, witnesses, and the afflicted, Rukeyser weaves a tapestry of injustice and resilience, urging us to remember and to act.

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