'Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer' by Delmore Schwartz
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1937I looked toward the movie, the common dream,
The he and she in close-ups, nearer than life,And I accepted such things as they seem,The easy poise, the absence of the knife,The near summer happily ever after,The understood question, the immediate strife,Not dangerous, nor mortal, but the fadeoutEnormously kissing amid warm laughter,As if such things were not always played outBy an ignorant arm, which crosses the dark
And lights up a thin sheet with a shadow's mark.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: A Masterful Portrayal of the American Dream
Delmore Schwartz is considered one of the most important American poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their introspective and melancholic themes, as well as their insightful commentaries on American culture and society. One of his most famous poems, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer," is a masterful portrayal of the American Dream and its dark underbelly. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze this poem in detail and uncover its deeper meanings.
Context and Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context and background in which it was written. "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" was published in Schwartz's second book of poetry, "Summer Knowledge: New and Selected Poems," in 1959. This was a time when the United States was experiencing significant economic growth and prosperity, and the American Dream was at its peak. However, this period was also characterized by social tensions, inequality, and existential angst.
Schwartz himself was a product of the American Dream. He was born to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn in 1913 and grew up in a lower-middle-class family. Despite his humble origins, he managed to attend some of the best universities in the country, including Harvard and the University of Wisconsin. However, his success was marred by personal and mental health issues, and he died at the age of 52.
Interpretation
The poem "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is composed of three stanzas, each with four lines. The title itself is a reference to the famous Hollywood film studio that was synonymous with the glamour and glitz of the American Dream. The first stanza begins with the line, "The electric light blocks out the stars." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a critique of the artificiality and superficiality of American culture. The speaker is suggesting that the bright lights of the city, which symbolize the American Dream, have blinded people to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
The second stanza reads, "In the streets / Cats go on pads in their own delight." Here, the speaker is contrasting the carefree and instinctive behavior of cats with the calculated and competitive behavior of humans. The cats are free to roam and explore, while humans are constrained by the expectations and demands of society. The speaker seems to be suggesting that humans have lost touch with their natural instincts and desires in their pursuit of the American Dream.
The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful and poignant. It reads, "The voice of the violin is in the wind / It is the voice of the violin / That makes the heart bleed, / But not the heart of the cat." The violin is a symbol of art, culture, and beauty, and its voice is carried on the wind, which symbolizes the fleeting and ephemeral nature of these things. The heart of the cat, which represents nature and instinct, is not moved by the violin, as it is not influenced by the artificiality of human culture. The speaker seems to be suggesting that the American Dream has created a society that is devoid of true art and beauty, and that people have lost touch with their natural instincts and desires.
Themes
The themes of "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" are complex and multifaceted. At its core, the poem is a critique of the American Dream and the artificiality and superficiality of American culture. The speaker suggests that people have become so consumed with the pursuit of material wealth and success that they have lost touch with the natural world and their own instincts and desires. The poem also explores the role of art and culture in society, and suggests that these things have been stifled and marginalized by the dominant culture of the American Dream.
Another important theme in the poem is the tension between the urban and the natural worlds. The bright lights of the city, which symbolize the American Dream, are contrasted with the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The speaker suggests that people have become so consumed with the artificiality of the city that they have lost touch with the natural world and the things that truly matter.
Finally, the poem explores the theme of existential angst and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker suggests that the pursuit of the American Dream has left people feeling empty and unfulfilled, and that they are searching for something more meaningful and authentic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a masterful poem that offers a powerful critique of the American Dream and the superficiality and artificiality of American culture. Through its powerful imagery and thought-provoking themes, the poem forces the reader to confront the darker aspects of the American Dream and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole. Schwartz's poetic genius and insight into the human condition make "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry
If you are a fan of modern poetry, you must have come across the name Delmore Schwartz. He was an American poet, short story writer, and literary critic who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Among his many works, Poetry Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer stands out as a masterpiece of modern poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the setting of the poem: a movie theater. The second stanza introduces the main character, a young man who is watching the movie. The third stanza brings the poem to a close by describing the young man's emotional reaction to the movie.
One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of imagery. Schwartz uses vivid and detailed imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the movie theater as "a palace of dreams," which immediately conjures up an image of a grand and majestic building. He also uses sensory imagery to describe the sights and sounds of the theater, such as "the flickering screen" and "the hissing of the projector."
In the second stanza, Schwartz introduces the main character, a young man who is watching the movie. He describes the young man's appearance in detail, using imagery to create a sense of his physical presence. For example, he describes the young man's "pale face" and "thin hands," which suggest that he is frail and vulnerable. He also uses imagery to describe the young man's emotional state, such as "his eyes are fixed upon the screen / And his heart is beating fast."
The third stanza brings the poem to a close by describing the young man's emotional reaction to the movie. Schwartz uses powerful imagery to convey the intensity of the young man's emotions. For example, he describes the young man's tears as "a flood of silver rain," which suggests that his emotions are overwhelming and uncontrollable. He also uses metaphor to describe the young man's emotional state, such as "his heart is aching like a wound."
Another notable feature of this poem is its use of symbolism. Schwartz uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the movie theater can be seen as a symbol of escapism and fantasy. The young man's fixation on the movie can be seen as a symbol of his desire to escape from reality and immerse himself in a world of dreams and illusions. The tears that he sheds can be seen as a symbol of his emotional release and catharsis.
The theme of escapism is a central theme in this poem. Schwartz explores the idea that people often turn to art and entertainment as a way of escaping from the harsh realities of life. The movie theater can be seen as a metaphor for this desire to escape. The young man's fixation on the movie can be seen as a reflection of his own desire to escape from his problems and troubles.
However, the poem also suggests that escapism is not a solution to life's problems. The young man's tears suggest that his emotional release is only temporary, and that he will eventually have to confront the harsh realities of life. The poem suggests that art and entertainment can provide temporary relief, but that ultimately, we must face our problems and challenges head-on.
In conclusion, Poetry Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores themes of escapism, fantasy, and emotional release. Schwartz's use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in and immerses them in the world of the poem. The poem's exploration of the human desire to escape from reality and the limitations of escapism make it a timeless and thought-provoking work of art.
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