Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Irving Feldman’s poem "No Big Deal" is a satirical commentary on the pervasive culture of indifference and casualness that permeates modern society. Through three distinct sections, Feldman critiques humanity's flippant attitudes toward profound events, historical figures, and global catastrophes. The poem exposes the absurdity and nihilism inherent in downplaying significant issues, revealing a world where nothing is taken seriously.

The poem begins with a scenario that sets the tone for the entire work. In the first section, Anthony tries to “hit on this chick,” urging her to “knock off a piece or three.” The informal, colloquial language reveals a nonchalant attitude toward intimacy. Feldman writes, “The old story: First, I'll see him perspire. / And then we'll see. / No sweat.” The dismissive language reduces a potentially meaningful connection to a casual pursuit. When Anthony says, “Hey, babe, it’s no big deal,” he trivializes the encounter further, demonstrating a lack of emotional engagement. The woman's response, "hornier than she cares to admit," implies a reluctant participation in this culture of nonchalance, reinforcing the normalization of dismissive attitudes toward relationships.

In the second section, Feldman expands his critique to include historical and cultural figures: “Washington Attila Mozart Elvis God / old Albert with that funny wild hair of his / cute little Pablo the duende of Elmer Fudd.” By placing these names together in a jumbled list, Feldman levels the distinction between them, suggesting that the modern world has reduced them to mere caricatures. These figures, whether conquerors, musicians, or scientists, are now "unforgettable names, franchisable faces." They are commodified and stripped of their historical significance, made to appear as trivial and interchangeable as “Madonna Shakespeare Andy whoever.”

The imagery in this section paints a surreal picture of these figures performing or posing for an audience, with Feldman emphasizing their reduced significance through phrases like "Playing the Palladium" or "modeling tux for the Swedes' Academy." Even God, often portrayed as omnipotent, is described as a nihilist, reinforcing the idea that nothing matters beneath the "hype." The repetition of “Hey, it’s no big deal” becomes a refrain that embodies the collective attitude of indifference and trivialization.

In the third section, Feldman illustrates the consequences of this mindset. He describes an apocalyptic scenario where a nuclear reactor explodes, destroying the atmosphere and plunging people into chaos. The language is stark and graphic: “it blew / the atmosphere to shit.” Amid the disaster, Joe Blow—a stand-in for the everyman—tries to calm the panicking crowd, who are “grabbing up each other’s legs for crutches and making noises like you wouldn’t believe.” In the face of unimaginable catastrophe, Joe’s response, “Hey, don’t go getting your balls into such an uproar—it’s NO BIG DEAL!” highlights the absurdity of minimizing such a disaster.

Structurally, the poem is divided into three numbered sections, each building on the satirical tone established in the first. Feldman’s use of free verse and colloquial language lends an air of casualness to the poem, which mirrors the dismissive attitudes it critiques. The repetition of the phrase “it’s no big deal” creates a refrain that ties the sections together while emphasizing the central theme.

Feldman’s imagery is vivid and often surreal, particularly in the second section, where he juxtaposes historical figures and pop culture icons. The effect is disorienting but effective, as it underscores the poem’s critique of a world where everything is reduced to commodified, franchisable content. The third section's abrupt shift to a catastrophic event demonstrates the dire consequences of this pervasive indifference.

"No Big Deal" ultimately reveals the dangers of trivializing significant issues, whether they are personal relationships, historical legacies, or global disasters. Feldman’s satirical tone exposes the absurdity of a culture that prioritizes convenience and casualness over depth and understanding. By reducing everything to "no big deal," the poem argues, society risks losing its ability to recognize and respond to real challenges. Through this powerful critique, Feldman invites readers to reflect on their attitudes and the impact of indifference on both personal and global scales.

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