Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Carlos Williams's "Foreign" is a reflective and conversational poem that examines themes of identity, cultural differences, and the universality of human experiences. By juxtaposing himself with Mikhail Artsybashev, a Russian writer known for his provocative works, Williams invites readers to consider the parallels and divergences between individuals across geographic and cultural boundaries.

The poem opens with a stark declarative statement: "Artsybashev is a Russian. / I am an American." This simple contrast sets the stage for a meditation on the distinctions and similarities that might exist between two men of different national and cultural identities. Williams's choice to use Artsybashev—a figure associated with existential and realist themes in literature—as his point of comparison suggests a desire to explore deeper questions about the human condition rather than surface-level cultural differences.

Addressing his "townspeople," Williams draws attention to the shared curiosity or idle speculation that might arise in small communities about the lives of others, particularly those perceived as foreign or different. The use of "my townspeople" not only establishes a conversational tone but also subtly underscores the poet's rootedness in his own local, communal identity. This sets up a contrast between the assumed familiarity of American small-town life and the imagined existence of Artsybashev.

Williams then delves into a series of hypothetical scenarios about Artsybashev's domestic and personal life, asking whether the Russian writer "tends his own fires" or relies on "neat servants." This inquiry reflects a curiosity about the mundane realities of life—childcare, domestic work, and personal relationships—rather than the loftier aspects of artistic or intellectual pursuits. By imagining Artsybashev’s life through such ordinary details, Williams collapses the distance between himself and the Russian writer, suggesting that the essential aspects of life—love, labor, struggle—might be universal.

The poem also touches on themes of failure and frustration, as seen in "gets himself cursed / for the baby's failure to thrive." This line evokes the shared vulnerability of human endeavors, whether in parenting or in other areas of life. The poet's speculations about whether Artsybashev "lives alone or with his mother / or sister" reveal a preoccupation with relationships and their role in shaping identity, further emphasizing the commonalities that transcend cultural differences.

Williams shifts focus to self-perception and existential questioning with "I wonder, my townspeople, / if Artsybashev looks upon / himself the more concernedly / or succeeds any better than I / in laying the world." Here, the poet contemplates whether Artsybashev, like himself, grapples with self-doubt and the struggle to make sense of the world. The phrase "laying the world" suggests both an attempt to understand and to exert influence over one's environment, raising questions about the effectiveness and meaning of such efforts. This introspective moment aligns with the modernist tendency to explore the interior life and the limits of human agency.

The penultimate lines, "I wonder which is the bigger / fool in his own mind," bring the poem to a pointedly self-aware conclusion. The idea of foolishness reflects the poet's acknowledgment of human fallibility and the tendency to judge oneself harshly. It also underscores the relativity of perspective; what one considers foolish might vary greatly depending on cultural or personal context.

Finally, Williams ends with a note of ironic detachment: "These are shining topics / my townspeople but -- / hardly of great moment." This closing reflects the poet's recognition of the triviality of his speculations in the grander scheme of life. While the questions he raises about Artsybashev's life and his own are deeply human, they ultimately do little to change the realities of either man. This ending serves as a reminder of the limitations of understanding and the futility of overanalyzing what might ultimately be unknowable.

Structurally, "Foreign" mirrors the conversational tone of Williams's other works, employing free verse and a casual, almost prosaic rhythm. The absence of rhyme or strict meter allows the poem to flow naturally, mimicking the spontaneity of thought. The enjambment between lines and stanzas creates a sense of continuity, reflecting the wandering nature of the poet's musings. The use of questions throughout the poem draws readers into the act of wondering alongside the poet, making the poem feel interactive and engaging.

"Foreign" exemplifies Williams's ability to ground profound meditations in the ordinary and the specific. By focusing on the imagined details of Artsybashev's life and connecting them to his own experiences, Williams explores the shared humanity that underlies cultural and personal differences. The poem’s blend of humor, humility, and introspection invites readers to reflect on their own tendencies to speculate about others while confronting the universality of human concerns. Through this delicate balance of universality and individuality, Williams captures the complexity of identity and the enduring mystery of human connection.

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