Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson's poem "Cote d'Azur" captures the vibrant, somewhat chaotic atmosphere of a Mediterranean beach scene, filled with the contrasts and interactions of different cultures and characters. Through a mix of humor and observation, the poem explores themes of cultural differences, the trivialities of leisure, and the often absurd rituals of vacationing.

The poem opens with Christian, a local fisherman, mending his net and casually remarking, "You know, it's Paradise." His tone suggests a blend of pride and resignation, as he recognizes the beauty of his surroundings while also observing, perhaps with some amusement, how outsiders—particularly the English—interact with this "Paradise." Christian's comment about the English lying in the sun "until they are / As red as that roof" adds a layer of irony to the poem. The English tourists, who come to bask in the sun, end up harming themselves, becoming sunburned to the point of never fully recovering. This exaggeration humorously underscores the folly of overindulgence and the sometimes self-destructive behavior of tourists who are out of their element.

The poem then shifts focus to a group of local children—Roland, Giorgio, and Josette—who are playfully chaotic, plunging into the sea and scrambling on a raft. Their youthful energy contrasts with the more methodical, perhaps obsessive, behavior of the "official from Lyons," who is meticulously prepared with his "glass rod / And nylon gear." Roland's interaction with the official highlights the economic disparity between the local children and the well-equipped visitor. Roland’s comment about the official's gear—"That's not much of a rod"—reflects a blend of childlike bravado and practical knowledge, as he points out the unnecessary expense. The official’s retort, "What kind of a rod / Do you have?" followed by Roland’s shrug and response, "Me? I don't have all that money," further emphasizes this disparity, but also reveals a kind of resigned acceptance from the local boy.

The poem then takes a turn towards the absurd with the arrival of a stereotypical French family on an excursion "en famille." The family’s methodical and somewhat comical preparation for their beach outing is described in vivid detail, starting with the erection of a "yellow canvas tent" that "swallows them." The description of the family members as "mama-pig," "daughter-pig," "boy-pig," and "Baby" is humorous, yet it also carries a slight edge of satirical critique, perhaps pointing to the mindless routines and behaviors that characterize the ritual of family beach vacations.

The climax of this family’s beach preparation comes with the emergence of the father, who is described in exaggerated, almost cartoonish terms: "His face encased in glass, his feet / Froglike in flippers." The image of the father, with a "man-from-Mars / Tube curls" protruding from his head and a trident in hand, is a humorous exaggeration that plays on the absurdity of how seriously people can take their leisure activities. The trident, a tool for finding sea urchins, adds to the ridiculousness of the scene, as the father seems over-equipped and overly determined to conquer the simple task of enjoying the beach. His grand entrance, marked by the declaration "Me voici!" (Here I am!), underscores the theatricality and self-importance of the situation, turning what should be a relaxing family outing into a display of absurdity.

"Cote d'Azur" is a poem rich in irony, humor, and cultural commentary. Simpson captures the nuances of vacation culture, where different characters—from the local fisherman to the foreign tourists—interact in ways that reveal their values, economic realities, and sometimes, their foolishness. Through the use of vivid imagery and sharp contrasts, the poem offers a playful yet critical look at the ways people seek pleasure and relaxation, often turning simple activities into elaborate, sometimes ridiculous rituals. The poem invites readers to reflect on the cultural practices of leisure and the sometimes unintentional comedy that arises when people from different backgrounds come together in a shared space.

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