Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's "Mystery Story" is a concise and witty exploration of the conventions and frustrations inherent in the mystery genre. With its formal structure and playful tone, the poem captures the intricate dance between the buildup of suspense and the ultimate revelation, highlighting a common reader's experience: the anticlimax of not recalling the specifics of the crime once the perpetrator is revealed.

The poem begins by likening the mystery story to highly structured art forms: "Formal as minuet or sonnet." This comparison sets the stage for understanding the genre's reliance on precise construction and adherence to certain rules. Just as a minuet is a carefully choreographed dance and a sonnet follows strict metrical patterns, a mystery story meticulously builds its plot to guide the reader through a sequence of clues and red herrings.

"It zeroes in on the guilty one;" – Here, Nemerov points to the central objective of a mystery: identifying the culprit. The phrase "zeroes in" suggests a methodical narrowing of suspects, emphasizing the genre's logical progression towards unveiling the truth. This line captures the satisfaction that comes from the meticulous piecing together of clues, leading to the pinpointing of the perpetrator.

"But by the time I'm told who done it, / I can't remember what he done." These closing lines introduce a humorous twist, revealing the poet's personal experience with the genre. The anticipation and complexity of the narrative often overshadow the details of the crime itself. Once the mystery is solved, the specifics of the wrongdoing become secondary, almost forgotten. This reflects a common reader's experience where the journey to the solution overshadows the actual revelation.

Nemerov's choice of words, "who done it," playfully echoes the colloquial term for mystery novels, "whodunit," reinforcing the light-hearted tone of the poem. The forgetfulness about "what he done" humorously critiques the sometimes convoluted plots of mystery stories, where the intricate web of events can lead to a loss of focus on the original crime.

In "Mystery Story," Nemerov deftly captures the paradox of the mystery genre: the elaborate buildup to a climactic revelation, which, upon arrival, often leaves the details of the plot in a haze. Through its formal elegance and sharp humor, the poem encapsulates the joy and the folly of engaging with mystery narratives, celebrating the genre's intricate artistry while acknowledging its occasional shortcomings in delivering a memorable resolution.

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