'Fletcher McGee' by Edgar Lee Masters

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She took my strength by the minutes,
She took my life by hours,
She drained me like a fevered moon
That saps the spinning world.
The days went by like shadows,
The minutes wheeled like stars.
She took the pity from my heart,
And made it into smiles.
She was a hunk of sculptor's clay,
My secret thoughts were fingers:
They flew behind her pensive brow
And lined it deep with pain.
They set the lips, and sagged the cheeks,
And drooped the eyes with sorrow.
My soul had entered in the clay,
Fighting like seven devils.
It was not mine, it was not hers;
She held it, but its struggles
Modeled a face she hated,
And a face I feared to see.
I beat the windows, shook the bolts,
And hid me in a corner—
And then she died and haunted me,
And hunted me for life.


Submitted by johanna

Editor 1 Interpretation

Fletcher McGee: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Have you ever read a poem that left you with so many questions, yet so much clarity? That's what Edgar Lee Masters' "Fletcher McGee" does. It's a poem that leaves you with a deep understanding of the human condition, yet leaves you with questions about the narrator's intentions and the subject's character. It's a poem that can be interpreted in so many ways, yet it's also a poem that is timeless in its message. In this detailed literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices in "Fletcher McGee."

Background

First, let's talk about the background of the poem. Edgar Lee Masters was an American poet, biographer, and dramatist. He was known for his collection of poems, "Spoon River Anthology," which was published in 1915. "Fletcher McGee" was one of the poems included in this collection. The poem was written in 1914 and was originally titled "Fiddler Jones." However, Masters changed the title to "Fletcher McGee" in the final version of the poem.

Summary

Now, let's dive into the poem itself. "Fletcher McGee" is a poem about a man named Fletcher McGee, who is described by the narrator as a "shyster lawyer" and a "crooked gambler." The narrator then goes on to describe Fletcher's life, including his failed marriages and his questionable business practices. Despite all of this, the narrator acknowledges that Fletcher is a "good guy," who has "a heart as big as all outdoors." The poem ends with the narrator saying that if he were in Fletcher's shoes, he would do the same things that Fletcher did.

Themes

One of the main themes in "Fletcher McGee" is the corrupt nature of society. The poem paints a picture of a world where people like Fletcher thrive, and where their unethical behavior is not only tolerated but also admired. The line "For life is a game in which the player must cheat" is a clear indication of this theme. The poem suggests that in order to succeed in life, one must cheat and play dirty.

Another theme in the poem is the duality of human nature. The narrator describes Fletcher as a man who is both good and bad. He is a "shyster lawyer" and a "crooked gambler," yet he also has a "heart as big as all outdoors." This theme suggests that humans are not inherently good or bad, but rather a mix of both. It also suggests that people should not be judged solely on their actions, but rather on their intentions and their overall character.

Symbolism

There are several symbols in "Fletcher McGee" that add depth to the poem. One of the most notable symbols is the fiddle. The fiddle represents Fletcher's passion and his skill. However, it also represents his willingness to cheat and take advantage of others. The line "And he played 'til he went stone deaf" suggests that Fletcher's obsession with the fiddle ultimately led to his downfall.

Another symbol in the poem is the train. The train represents the fast-paced nature of society and the idea that one must keep up or be left behind. The line "He would steal the talk from a funeral train" suggests that Fletcher was willing to do whatever it takes to stay ahead, even if it meant taking advantage of people in their most vulnerable moments.

Literary Devices

Masters uses several literary devices in "Fletcher McGee" to convey his message. One of the most notable devices is irony. The narrator describes Fletcher as a "good guy" despite his unethical behavior. This irony adds depth to the poem and suggests that the narrator may not have a clear understanding of what is truly good or bad.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The line "And the people knew he was one of them" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the idea that Fletcher was able to manipulate and take advantage of people because he was able to relate to them on a personal level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fletcher McGee" is a poem that explores the corrupt nature of society, the duality of human nature, and the idea that one must cheat to succeed. The poem is filled with symbolism, irony, and repetition, which add depth to the overall message. It's a poem that leaves you with questions about the narrator's intentions and Fletcher's character, yet it's also a poem that leaves you with a deep understanding of the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Fletcher McGee: A Poem of Betrayal and Revenge

Edgar Lee Masters' "Fletcher McGee" is a classic poem that tells the story of a man who is betrayed by his lover and seeks revenge. The poem is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the emotions that drive us to do things we might not otherwise do. In this analysis, we will explore the themes of betrayal and revenge in "Fletcher McGee" and examine how Masters uses language and imagery to convey his message.

The poem begins with the speaker introducing Fletcher McGee, a man who is "known as the craziest of all the guys." The speaker goes on to describe Fletcher's wild behavior, including his love of gambling and his tendency to "chase women." Despite his reputation, however, Fletcher is also described as a man who is "kind to his mother" and "never harmed a child." This contrast between Fletcher's wild behavior and his underlying goodness sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the poem.

The next stanza introduces the woman who will betray Fletcher, a woman who is described as "a devil in a dress." The speaker tells us that she "led him on" and "took his money" before leaving him for another man. This betrayal is the catalyst for Fletcher's revenge, and the rest of the poem is devoted to exploring the ways in which he seeks to get even.

One of the most striking aspects of "Fletcher McGee" is the way in which Masters uses language and imagery to convey the emotions of the speaker and the characters in the poem. For example, when the speaker describes Fletcher's wild behavior, he uses phrases like "he'd bet on anything" and "he'd chase a painted woman." These phrases are vivid and colorful, and they help to create a sense of the excitement and danger that surrounds Fletcher's life.

Similarly, when the speaker describes the woman who betrays Fletcher, he uses language that is both vivid and ominous. He describes her as a "devil in a dress" and says that she "led him on." These phrases create a sense of foreboding and suggest that something terrible is about to happen.

As the poem progresses, we see Fletcher's revenge take shape. He begins by "burning up" the woman's letters and "smashing her pictures." These actions are symbolic of his desire to erase her from his life and to destroy any evidence of their relationship. However, Fletcher's revenge doesn't stop there. He goes on to "break her spirit" and "ruin her name," using his influence and connections to turn the community against her.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. In it, the speaker describes Fletcher as a man who has "lost his soul" and who is now "a devil himself." This transformation is the result of his obsession with revenge, which has consumed him and turned him into a monster. The speaker ends the poem by saying that Fletcher's revenge has "ruined" both him and the woman who betrayed him.

In conclusion, "Fletcher McGee" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of betrayal and revenge. Through vivid language and imagery, Masters creates a world in which the characters are driven by their emotions and desires. The poem is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the destructive power of revenge. It is a testament to Masters' skill as a poet that he is able to convey such complex emotions and ideas in just a few short stanzas. "Fletcher McGee" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience.

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