Q. Comment on the theme of Wallace Steven’s poem The Emperor of Ice-cream
Introduction:
The theme of Wallace Steven’s poem The Emperor of Ice-cream Wallace Stevens (1879-1955) was an American poet renowned for
his distinctive and complex poetry that explored profound philosophical and existential
themes. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Stevens grew up in a family that valued
education and culture. He attended Harvard University, where he developed a
passion for literature and began writing poetry.
Stevens' first collection of poems, "Harmonium,"
was published in 1923 when he was 44 years old. This debut work received mixed
reviews but laid the foundation for his reputation as a significant modernist
poet. Throughout his career, Stevens published several collections of poetry,
including "Ideas of Order" (1936), "The Man with the Blue
Guitar" (1937), "Notes Toward a Supreme Fiction" (1942), and
"The Auroras of Autumn" (1950).
Wallace Stevens' poem "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" is
a vivid and enigmatic work that delves into the complexities of life, death,
and the transient nature of existence. Written in 1922, the poem presents a
contrast between the banality of everyday life and the inevitability of
mortality. Through a series of richly symbolic images and juxtapositions,
Stevens explores the idea that life's fleeting moments should be cherished, and
death should be accepted as an integral part of the human experience.
I. Embracing Life's Mundanity:
The opening lines of the poem set the stage for its
exploration of life's ordinary and mundane aspects:
"Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and
bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds."
The imagery of the roller of cigars and the muscular figure
performing the task of whipping curds in kitchen cups conveys the everyday
activities of regular people. These seemingly trivial tasks evoke the sense of
the ordinary and mundane nature of life. Stevens does not romanticize or
idealize life; instead, he presents it in its raw form, devoid of grandeur and
spectacle.
II. The Symbolic Realm of Ice Cream:
The title itself, "The Emperor of Ice-Cream,"
serves as a metaphor for the temporal nature of life. The imagery of ice cream,
a frozen and fleeting pleasure, signifies the transient moments of joy and
delight that one encounters during their lifetime. Just like ice cream, these
moments are ephemeral and must be savored while they last. The poem reflects on
the idea that life, like ice cream, melts away quickly, and one must embrace
its impermanence.
III. Death as an Integral Part of Life:
Stevens seamlessly weaves in the theme of mortality
throughout the poem, reminding readers of the inevitability of death. One such
instance is the description of the old woman in the poem:
"She is not here to beg Passage to afterlife."
The old woman, possibly a widow or a grieving mother, is
depicted as someone who has already experienced loss and come to terms with the
finality of life. Stevens' choice of words, "She is not here to beg,"
implies that she has accepted death as a natural progression, and her presence
serves as a reminder to the living that death is an inescapable reality.
IV. The Wake and Its Significance:
The second stanza of the poem introduces the image of a wake,
a gathering held after a person's death, further emphasizing the theme of
mortality:
"Let be be finale of seem. The only emperor is the
emperor of ice-cream."
The lines suggest that life is what it is, and death is the
ultimate conclusion of that existence. "Let be be finale of seem"
implies that there should be no pretense or illusion about life's impermanence.
The phrase "The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream" reinforces
the idea that death, represented by the cold and fleeting ice cream, is the
ultimate ruler, the emperor that governs all life's transient pleasures and
experiences.
V. The Dance of Life and Death:
Stevens concludes the poem with a juxtaposition of life and
death through the imagery of a woman dancing and a corpse lying on the bed:
"Let the lamp affix its beam. The only emperor is the
emperor of ice-cream."
The act of dancing symbolizes the vibrancy and vitality of
life, while the presence of the corpse signifies death's inevitability. The
lamp's beam acts as a spotlight on the dancing woman and the life she embodies,
while the presence of death in the same room serves as a stark contrast,
highlighting life's temporary nature. The repetition of the line "The only
emperor is the emperor of ice-cream" at the end of the poem serves as a
powerful reminder of the overarching theme of mortality. Comment on the theme of Wallace Steven’s poem The Emperor of Ice-cream
Conclusion:
In "The Emperor of Ice-Cream," Wallace Stevens
masterfully explores the theme of transience and mortality, presenting a
poignant reminder of life's fleeting nature. The poem encourages readers to
embrace the ordinary and mundane moments of life and appreciate the ephemeral
pleasures it offers. Death, symbolized by the cold and transient ice cream, is
portrayed not as a dark and morbid event, but rather as an integral part of the
human experience. Through rich imagery and thought-provoking juxtapositions, Stevens
invites us to confront the impermanence of life and to find meaning in the
fleeting beauty that surrounds us. "The Emperor of Ice-Cream"
continues to resonate with readers, prompting introspection and contemplation
about the delicate balance between life and death. Comment on the theme of Wallace Steven’s poem The Emperor of Ice-cream.
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