Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Carlos Williams's "For Viola: De Gustibus" is a playful and whimsical poem that showcases the poet's distinctive modernist style and his ability to blend humor with earnest expression. In this light and affectionate poem, Williams employs imagery from the culinary world to create a unique metaphorical landscape that extols the beloved’s virtues through gustatory comparisons.

The title, "For Viola: De Gustibus," frames the poem with an air of specificity and universality. "For Viola" suggests a personal dedication, indicating the poem is directed toward someone dear to the speaker. The Latin phrase "De Gustibus," often used in the proverb "De gustibus non est disputandum" (There is no disputing about tastes), further emphasizes the subjective nature of preference, particularly in matters of love and admiration. This interplay between personal affection and universal sentiment forms the backbone of the poem.

The poem begins with an exuberant declaration: "Beloved you are / Caviar of Caviar." The repetition and elevation of "Caviar" establish the beloved as the epitome of luxury and refinement. Caviar, often associated with exclusivity and opulence, becomes a metaphor for the beloved's uniqueness and desirability. By emphasizing the metaphor with "of all I love you best," Williams positions the beloved as the ultimate object of the speaker's affection, surpassing all other pleasures or delights.

The line "O my Japanese bird nest" introduces an intriguing and exotic image. Bird's nest, traditionally associated with the delicacy used in certain Asian cuisines, conveys a sense of rarity and delicacy, paralleling the earlier metaphor of caviar. The addition of "Japanese" adds a layer of cultural specificity, possibly reflecting the speaker's perception of the beloved as both unique and aesthetically pleasing, akin to the intricacies of Japanese art and culture.

Williams's humor shines through in the comparison of the beloved to other culinary delights, as seen in "No herring from Norway / Can touch you for flavor. Nay." The playful dismissal of Norwegian herring, another delicacy, reinforces the idea that the beloved's "flavor" is unparalleled. The internal rhyme between "Nay" and "Norway" adds a lyrical quality to the poem, emphasizing the lighthearted tone.

The stanza continues with "Pimento itself / Is flat as an empty shelf / When compared to your piquancy." The imagery here contrasts the vibrant taste of pimento with the beloved's superior "piquancy." The metaphor of an "empty shelf" evokes absence and insignificance, underscoring the inadequacy of anything else when juxtaposed with the beloved. The whimsical nature of these comparisons adds charm, demonstrating Williams's ability to merge playfulness with profound admiration.

The final lines, "O quince of my despondency," bring the poem to a close with an unexpected turn. The quince, a fruit often associated with tartness and complexity, encapsulates the paradoxical nature of love and desire. By describing the beloved as the "quince of my despondency," the speaker acknowledges the bittersweet quality of longing and devotion. The choice of "despondency" suggests a depth of feeling that contrasts with the lighter tone of the preceding lines, adding emotional weight to the poem's conclusion.

Structurally, the poem's brevity and compact stanzas reflect Williams's modernist commitment to economy and precision in language. The irregular rhyme scheme and enjambment contribute to the playful rhythm, while the conversational tone ensures the accessibility of the imagery. Each line brims with inventive metaphors that capture the speaker's adoration in a series of vivid and often unexpected comparisons.

"For Viola: De Gustibus" exemplifies Williams's mastery of everyday language and his ability to elevate ordinary objects and experiences into the realm of poetic expression. Through his use of culinary imagery and lighthearted wit, Williams conveys a deep and personal affection that resonates beyond the immediate context of the poem. The juxtaposition of humor and earnestness, along with the interplay of cultural and sensory references, makes the poem a delightful exploration of love and taste in all its subjective glory.

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