Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson’s poem "Caviare at the Funeral" is a wry, ironic reflection on human behavior and social expectations, set against the backdrop of a funeral—a time traditionally associated with solemnity and decorum. Through the lens of a small, seemingly insignificant incident, Simpson explores themes of guilt, social judgment, and the absurdity of human nature.

The poem begins by referencing a story from Anton Chekhov’s "In the Ravine," immediately situating the narrative in a village setting familiar to readers of Russian literature, where small communities often magnify the trivial into the significant. The mention of the deacon who "ate all the caviare at the funeral" sets the stage for an exploration of how a minor social faux pas can spiral into a personal crisis.

The setting shifts to the aftermath of the funeral, where the mourners gather in the parlor to discuss the funeral arrangements and the sermon, which was "such a comfort to the family." This typical post-funeral conversation reflects the social rituals that surround death, where the living find solace in routine discussions and reassurances. However, this veneer of propriety quickly begins to crack as the focus shifts to the deacon, who is drawn to a plate "heaped with caviare."

The deacon’s actions, initially innocent, quickly become problematic as he helps himself to "a spoonful. Then another." The repetition here signals the beginning of his downfall, as he succumbs to temptation despite the social expectations of moderation and restraint, especially in a setting meant for mourning. The moment of realization hits when he becomes "aware that everyone’s eyes were upon him," an experience familiar to anyone who has ever overstepped social boundaries and suddenly finds themselves the center of uncomfortable attention.

The phrase "ruin staring him in the face" captures the gravity of the situation from the deacon’s perspective. What was likely a moment of weakness—taking one more spoonful—now feels like an irreversible social blunder. The deacon’s immediate response is one of panic, as he turns pale, recognizing the judgment from those around him. Yet, in a twist of irony, he decides to "carry it off" with a sense of defiance, reasoning that "one may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb." This idiom suggests that since he has already committed the transgression, he might as well embrace it fully.

With a "stern expression," the deacon boldly continues to eat, taking "another spoonful, and another," until he has "finished the plate." This act of defiance is both comical and tragic—it highlights the absurdity of human pride and the lengths to which people will go to save face, even when they know they are in the wrong. The deacon’s over-the-top response turns a small act of indulgence into a symbol of his downfall.

The final stanza adds a further layer of irony as it describes the deacon being seen the next morning at the station, buying a ticket for Kurovskoye, "a village much like ours, only smaller." The implication is that the deacon, unable to face the shame of his actions, feels the need to flee, seeking refuge in a smaller, perhaps less judgmental community. Yet, the idea that he is simply moving to another village "much like ours" suggests the futility of his escape—social expectations and judgments will follow him wherever he goes.

"Caviare at the Funeral" is a masterful exploration of the small yet significant ways in which human beings navigate social expectations, guilt, and the desire to maintain dignity in the face of judgment. Through the character of the deacon, Simpson captures the absurdity and pathos of trying to uphold social appearances even when they have been shattered. The poem’s tone, both humorous and poignant, reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the often irrational ways we respond to the pressures of social conformity. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to reflect on the tension between individual desires and societal norms, and the often comical lengths to which people will go to reconcile the two.

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