Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Tales of Three Brothers," John Hollander delves into the motif of triads within mythology, literature, and culture, examining their roles and the inherent gender dynamics. The poem weaves a rich tapestry of references to classical and contemporary triads, juxtaposing the often mundane and functional roles of male triplets against the more symbolic and elevated roles of their female counterparts.

The poem begins with the familiar reference to "Three little pigs," a classic children's tale where the older two brothers serve as "narrative straight-men for the youngest." This sets the stage for exploring how male triads often function within stories: as pragmatic entities rather than symbolic figures. Hollander extends this notion to Huey, Dewey, and Louie, who are depicted as "triumvirs of quack," humorously alluding to their cartoonish and inconsequential roles in popular culture.

Next, Hollander invokes the biblical Magi—Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior—alongside the three visitors at Abraham's tent in Mamre, one of whom inadvertently reveals his divine nature. This theological reference contrasts the secular tales mentioned earlier, suggesting that even in sacred texts, male triads are defined by their actions and roles rather than symbolic grandeur. The poem hints at scholarly debates about the identities of these figures, specifically citing the belief that they were archangels Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. The insistence that "each angel can only have a single task" serves as a critique of rigid, compartmentalized roles attributed to these figures, further emphasizing their functional existence.

Hollander contrasts these male triads with female triads like the Three Graces, who preside over human lives "from the great distances of symbol." The Graces, unlike their male counterparts, embody abstract ideals such as beauty, charm, and creativity, thus enriching human experience on a symbolic level. This dichotomy raises the question: "Why must [male triads] remain / Agents merely of tale-telling?" Hollander critiques the reduction of male triads to mere narrative devices, focused on actions and order rather than embodying deeper, symbolic meanings.

The poem highlights the "banal and ordinal" nature of these male triads, which are "the real deities of realism." They are grounded in the practicalities of who did what, when, and how, reflecting the everyday realities of human interactions and societal structures. Unlike the mythic and artistic realms influenced by female triads, these male groups are "in, of, and merely all about themselves," representing the prosaic aspects of life.

Hollander concludes by acknowledging the enduring presence and variability of these male triads, stating that they are "paradigmatic (A, B & C) but various enough / so that there will always be stories, always life itself." This recognition affirms the importance of these figures in narrative structures, suggesting that their simplicity and relatability ensure the perpetuation of stories and, by extension, the continuation of life’s intricate tapestry.

In "Tales of Three Brothers," Hollander offers a nuanced examination of triads, emphasizing the functional and often mundane roles assigned to male triplets in contrast to the symbolic and elevated roles of female triads. Through references to folklore, theology, and popular culture, he critiques the limited scope of male triads while acknowledging their essential place in the fabric of storytelling and realism. The poem invites readers to reflect on the gender dynamics inherent in these narrative roles and the broader implications for understanding identity, power, and symbolism in cultural narratives.

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