Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Writing for Money," Edward Field explores the motivations and aspirations of writing for financial gain. Through the candid and humorous voice of the speaker, the poem highlights the often overlooked, practical side of being a writer. The poem touches on themes of ambition, creativity, and the relationship between art and commerce.

The poem begins with a straightforward declaration: "My friend and I have decided to write for money, / he stories, I poems." The speaker and his friend have a clear goal: to make money by selling their work to magazines.

The speaker envisions a future where "the cash rolls in" from their writing. With the money, the friend's plan is to "choose clothes for me that make me stylish and buy himself a tooth where one fell out." This humorous and practical detail emphasizes the simple yet important aspirations of the two friends.

The vision expands further as the speaker imagines traveling: "Perhaps we will travel, to Tahiti maybe." The tone is light and whimsical, reflecting the hopeful dreams of the friends. However, the speaker acknowledges a more immediate and achievable goal: "Anyway we'll get an apartment with an inside toilet and give up our typing jobs."

The poem ends with the speaker stating, "That's why I'm writing this poem, to sell for money." This closing line encapsulates the direct and practical motivation behind the poem itself, linking creativity and commerce in a candid manner.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Ambition and Aspiration: The poem captures the ambitious dreams of the speaker and his friend, who hope to improve their lives through writing. Their goals range from the practical (an apartment with an inside toilet) to the aspirational (traveling to Tahiti).

2. Creativity and Commerce: Field explores the intersection between art and commerce, acknowledging the financial motivations behind writing. The poem itself is framed as a product intended for sale.

3. Humor and Practicality: The poem uses humor to emphasize the practical and sometimes mundane desires of the speaker and his friend. The mention of buying a tooth or stylish clothes adds a relatable and whimsical touch.

4. Hope and Imagination: Despite the practical focus on making money, the poem is filled with hope and imagination. The friends dream of a better life through their creative work.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and intimate tone. The language is simple yet evocative, capturing the humor and aspirations of the speaker.

Conclusion:

"Writing for Money" by Edward Field is a humorous and candid reflection on the practical motivations behind creative work. Through relatable aspirations and a whimsical tone, Field captures the intersection between art and commerce, highlighting the hopes and ambitions that drive writers to pursue their craft. The poem invites readers to reflect on the balance between creativity and practicality and the simple joys of pursuing one's dreams.

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