Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poem "Don Juan Discovered By Haidee" is a playful and contemporary reinterpretation of a scene from Ford Madox Brown’s painting depicting a classic episode from Byron’s “Don Juan”. Ferlinghetti infuses the narrative with humor and modern sensibility while reflecting on the timeless allure of love, lust, and desire.

The poem opens with the enthusiastic cry of Haidee, who exclaims, "Hot dog I got me a naked lover," upon discovering the unconscious Don Juan. Ferlinghetti immediately sets a playful tone, as Haidee’s expression contrasts with the more formal language expected in classical literature. Don Juan is "lying knocked out & naked on a lonely strand," and Haidee’s exuberant reaction underscores her delight at finding such an attractive man.

Ferlinghetti references Ford Madox Brown’s painting directly, noting that Don Juan made it to the beach with an oar despite his "boat had an hole in it / and lay overturned on some rocks offshore." This detail mirrors the original scene from Byron’s poem and Brown’s painting, emphasizing Don Juan's survival against the odds and setting the stage for his encounter with Haidee.

The poem then shifts to describe Haidee’s reaction: "And here’s Haidee hanging over Don / and stroking him (God what a hunk)." Ferlinghetti's casual language brings a sense of levity and contemporary flavor to the scene, capturing Haidee’s immediate attraction to Don Juan. Her possessiveness is evident as she gazes down at him, while another "pulchritudinous virgin / hovers about with a / wish-I’d-seen-him-first look." The second woman introduces a hint of competition and jealousy, foreshadowing potential conflicts.

Despite the competitive tension, the poem paints a picturesque scene: "And well anyway it’s a / fine golden eve at the end of the world / with promise of a hot night with / a beached knight." This imagery combines the natural beauty of sunset with the promise of romance, portraying Don Juan as a "beached knight" ready to be rescued and loved. Ferlinghetti’s wordplay on "beached knight" adds to the humor, while also hinting at the chivalrous undertones of the original story.

The poem then explores the complications of desire, as Ferlinghetti notes that if Don Juan awakens and "sees Three’s crowd," he will have to find a way to "get rid of his other / swooning enchantress." This task "ain’t going to be too easy on / this here desert island with / the last boat sunk and / him the last man in sight." The imagery of a desert island and the sunk boat reinforces the isolation of the scene, creating a sense of intimacy while also highlighting the difficulties of navigating romantic entanglements in such close quarters.

Ferlinghetti’s poem "Don Juan Discovered By Haidee" is a humorous and modern take on a classical narrative, blending Ford Madox Brown’s painting with Byron’s original story to create a playful meditation on love and desire. By using contemporary language and humor, Ferlinghetti brings the characters to life in a relatable way, capturing the timeless appeal of Don Juan while also critiquing the absurdity of romantic competition. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the joy and complexity of love, suggesting that even on a "desert island," the pursuit of passion remains as captivating as ever.

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