'The Emperor Of Ice-Cream' by Wallace Stevens
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Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one, and bid him whip
In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.
Let the wenches dawdle in such dress
As they are used to wear, and let the boys
Bring flowers in last month's newspapers.
Let be be finale of seem.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Take from the dresser of deal.
Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet
On which she embroidered fantails once
And spread it so as to cover her face.
If her horny feet protrude, they come
To show how cold she is, and dumb.
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Emperor of Ice-Cream: A Masterpiece of Literary Ambiguity
The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a classic poem penned by one of the most celebrated American modernist poets, Wallace Stevens. First published in 1923, the poem is a remarkable piece of literary ambiguity that has challenged readers and critics alike for nearly a century. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll dive deep into the poem's text, themes, symbols, and language to understand its complexity and significance.
The Text
The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a 32-line poem divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of eight lines and the second stanza consisting of 24 lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter. Here's the text of the poem:
Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one, and bid him whip
In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.
Let the wenches dawdle in such dress
As they are used to wear, and let the boys
Bring flowers in last month's newspapers.
Let be be finale of seem.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Take from the dresser of deal,
Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet
On which she embroidered fantails once
And spread it so as to cover her face.
If her horny feet protrude, they come
To show how cold she is, and dumb.
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
The Themes
The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a poem that is rich in themes and meanings. The poem is a complex meditation on life, death, beauty, and the human condition. Here are some of the main themes that emerge from the poem:
The Impermanence of Life
One of the central themes of the poem is the impermanence of life. The poem seems to suggest that life is fleeting and that we should enjoy it while we can. The poet reminds us that life is brief and that we should make the most of it. The poem also suggests that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we should not fear it.
The Paradox of Beauty
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the paradox of beauty. The poem suggests that beauty is both fragile and enduring. The poet reminds us that beauty is fragile because it is fleeting and can be easily destroyed. At the same time, the poem suggests that beauty is enduring because it can be found in unexpected places.
The Illusion of Power
The poem also explores the illusion of power. The poet suggests that power is an illusion and that the only real power in the world is the power of nature. The poem reminds us that no matter how powerful we may feel, we are ultimately at the mercy of the natural world.
The Complexity of Human Relationships
Finally, the poem explores the complexity of human relationships. The poet suggests that human relationships are complex and that there is often more going on beneath the surface than we realize. The poem reminds us that we should be mindful of the hidden complexities of human relationships and that we should not take them for granted.
The Symbols
The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a poem that is rich in symbols. The poem is filled with images and metaphors that are meant to convey deeper meanings. Here are some of the main symbols that emerge from the poem:
Ice Cream
The most obvious symbol in the poem is the ice cream. The poem suggests that the only true emperor is the emperor of ice cream. The ice cream symbolizes the transience of life, and the fact that we should enjoy life while we can.
Flowers
The flowers in the poem symbolize beauty and the fragility of life. The poet suggests that beauty can be found in unexpected places, just as flowers can be found in last month's newspapers.
The Dresser of Deal
The dresser of deal symbolizes the human condition. The poet suggests that we are all like the dresser of deal, imperfect and incomplete. The dresser of deal also represents the fragility of human life, and the fact that we are all subject to the ravages of time.
The Lamp
The lamp in the poem symbolizes the illumination of truth. The poet suggests that the truth can be harsh and difficult to face, but that it is ultimately necessary for us to face it if we are to live life fully.
The Language
The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a poem that is rich in language. The poem uses vivid and striking imagery to convey its themes and symbols. Here are some of the most striking examples of language in the poem:
"Let the wenches dawdle in such dress / As they are used to wear"
This line is a perfect example of the way that Stevens uses language to convey deeper meanings. The phrase "such dress / As they are used to wear" suggests that the women in the poem are comfortable in their own skins and do not need to conform to society's expectations of beauty.
"If her horny feet protrude, they come / To show how cold she is, and dumb."
This line is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life. The phrase "to show how cold she is, and dumb" suggests that the woman in the poem is both physically and emotionally cold. The phrase "horny feet" is also a vivid image that suggests the woman's poverty and hardship.
"The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream."
This line is the most famous line in the poem, and for good reason. The phrase "the only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream" is a striking image that suggests the transience of life and the need to enjoy life while we can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Emperor of Ice-Cream is a remarkable poem that is rich in ambiguity, symbolism, and language. The poem is a complex meditation on life, death, beauty, and the human condition. The poem challenges us to see the world in new ways and to appreciate the beauty that can be found in unexpected places. It is a testament to the genius of Wallace Stevens, and remains one of the most celebrated poems in American literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Emperor of Ice-Cream: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry
Wallace Stevens, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his complex and enigmatic works that challenge readers to think beyond the surface level. His poem, "The Emperor of Ice-Cream," is no exception. This classic piece of modern poetry is a masterpiece that explores the themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of existence. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and uncover its hidden meanings.
The poem begins with a seemingly simple scene: a group of people preparing for a wake. However, as we read on, we realize that there is much more going on beneath the surface. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem:
"Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds. Let the wenches dawdle in such dress As they are used to wear, and let the boys Bring flowers in last month's newspapers."
The language here is rich and evocative, with words like "concupiscent" and "wenches" adding a sense of sensuality and decadence to the scene. The roller of big cigars is a symbol of power and luxury, while the curds represent the fleeting pleasures of life. The use of last month's newspapers as a vessel for the flowers is a nod to the transience of existence – yesterday's news is quickly forgotten, just as life is fleeting and impermanent.
The second stanza introduces us to the "emperor of ice-cream," who is described as "a concubine / Of naked summer." This image is both beautiful and haunting, as it suggests that even the most beautiful things in life are ultimately fleeting and impermanent. The emperor of ice-cream is a symbol of the transience of existence, reminding us that life is short and we must make the most of it while we can.
The third stanza brings us back to the wake, where we see the mourners gathered around the dead body. However, the language here is anything but mournful:
"Let be be finale of seem. The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream."
This final couplet is the key to understanding the poem. The phrase "let be be finale of seem" suggests that we should accept things as they are, without trying to make them something they are not. The only true emperor is the emperor of ice-cream, a symbol of the fleeting nature of existence. In other words, we should embrace life for what it is, rather than trying to make it something it is not.
So what is the meaning of this poem? At its core, "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" is a meditation on the nature of life and death. It reminds us that life is short and we must make the most of it while we can. The emperor of ice-cream is a symbol of the transience of existence, reminding us that even the most beautiful things in life are ultimately fleeting and impermanent. The poem encourages us to embrace life for what it is, rather than trying to make it something it is not.
But there is more to this poem than just its message. The language and imagery used by Stevens are rich and evocative, creating a sense of sensuality and decadence that draws the reader in. The use of words like "concupiscent" and "wenches" adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that there is more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.
Overall, "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of existence. It is a poem that challenges readers to think beyond the surface level and embrace the complexities of life. Stevens' use of language and imagery is masterful, creating a sense of sensuality and decadence that draws the reader in. This is a poem that rewards multiple readings, as each time you read it, you will discover something new.
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