Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Duhamel’s poem "Bulimia" is a visceral and haunting exploration of the psychological and physical turmoil associated with bulimia nervosa. The poem delves into the intricate and painful experiences of a woman grappling with this eating disorder, using vivid imagery and poignant metaphors to depict her struggles with self-image, control, and consumption. Through this narrative, Duhamel captures the complexities of the disorder, highlighting the intense emotional conflicts and destructive behaviors that characterize bulimia.

The poem starts by distancing romantic or sexual kisses from the act of eating, yet quickly parallels the two by describing eating as an act of trying to incorporate another into oneself, reminiscent of the total nourishment experienced in the womb. This comparison sets a tone of deep psychological need and dependency that runs through the rest of the poem. The physical act of eating, laden with emotional weight, becomes a metaphor for deeper desires for intimacy, acceptance, and self-worth.

The narrative then moves to a description of a sex manual, which grotesquely blends the act of eating with sexual acts, highlighting the protagonist’s distorted relationship with food, which is both a source of comfort and a trigger for self-loathing. The “gagging, the choke” she experiences while trying to perform an act suggested by the manual metaphorically connects to her struggles with bulimia, where ingestion leads to physical and psychological pain.

As the poem progresses, the protagonist’s actions become increasingly desperate and destructive. The detailed account of her ordering a wedding cake "from a different bakery this time" illustrates the lengths to which she goes to hide her disorder and her shame. Her consumption of the cake is described with a mixture of compulsive pleasure and self-disgust, a dichotomy that encapsulates the cycle of bingeing and purging that defines bulimia.

The comparison to a "Third World child" consuming gruel starkly contrasts her compulsive eating with real hunger, underscoring the psychological rather than physical nature of her need. This moment highlights the guilt and self-awareness she feels about her actions, further complicating her emotional state.

Duhamel also incorporates cultural elements, like the "engraved Valentine candies," which the protagonist devours. These candies, bearing messages like "CRAZY, DREAM GIRL, ACT NOW, YOU'RE HOT," symbolize the societal pressures and mixed messages about femininity and desirability that contribute to her disorder. The fact that they "taste like chalk" underscores the hollowness and dissatisfaction that accompany her attempts to conform to these ideals.

The climax of the poem is in the bathroom scene, a raw and disturbing depiction of the act of purging. Duhamel uses intense, almost violent imagery to convey the brutality of the act against oneself, likening it to a violation. This scene is not only a graphic depiction of the physical act of vomiting but also a powerful metaphor for the violence the protagonist inflicts upon herself psychologically and emotionally.

In conclusion, "Bulimia" by Denise Duhamel is a powerful and unsettling portrayal of the struggle with bulimia nervosa. Through vivid imagery, disturbing metaphors, and a deep dive into the protagonist’s psyche, Duhamel offers a poignant exploration of the disorder, exposing the deep-seated emotional pains and societal pressures that drive such destructive behaviors. The poem is a compelling commentary on body image, self-worth, and the often hidden battles of those suffering from eating disorders.

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