Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ted Kooser's poem "The Salesman" presents a vivid, almost caricatured image of a door-to-door salesman, capturing not only the details of his appearance but also the subtle dynamics of his interactions and the emotional responses he evokes. Through meticulous description and rich metaphor, Kooser explores themes of superficiality, persistence, and the power of persuasion.

The poem begins by drawing attention to the salesman's footwear: "Today he’s wearing his vinyl shoes, / shiny and white as little Karmann Ghias / fresh from the body shop." This comparison of the shoes to newly polished cars not only highlights their artificial shine but also sets the stage for the salesman's overall artificial and polished appearance. The imagery of the shoes "honking the horns of their soles" further anthropomorphizes them, adding a playful yet slightly ridiculous element to the salesman's persona.

Kooser continues with a detailed description of the salesman's attire: "His hose are black and ribbed and tight, as thin / as an old umbrella or the wing of a bat. / (They leave a pucker when he pulls them off.)" The use of simile here emphasizes the tightness and aged quality of the salesman's clothing, suggesting a lack of genuine elegance and comfort. The description of his double-knit leisure suit in "pond-scum green, with a tight white belt / that matches his shoes but suffers with cracks / at the golden buckle" reinforces the theme of superficiality. The suit, with its unpleasant color and worn-out belt, symbolizes the facade of professionalism that the salesman maintains despite its evident flaws.

The description of his shirt, "brown / and green, like a pile of leaves," and his "Brillo pad / of graying hair" adds to the image of a man past his prime, trying to maintain a semblance of youth and vitality. The "cross and chain" around his neck, swinging as he walks, introduces a hint of incongruous religiosity or perhaps a superficial attempt at presenting a trustworthy image.

Kooser's attention to detail extends to the salesman's accessories: "He’s swinging a briefcase full of the things / of this world, a leather cornucopia / heavy with promise." This briefcase, described as a "leather cornucopia," symbolizes the abundance and allure of material goods the salesman offers, suggesting a promise of fulfillment through consumption. However, the briefcase's weight also hints at the burden of this materialism.

The final lines of the poem shift focus to the perspective of the potential customer: "Through those dark lenses, / each of the doors along your sunny street / looks slightly ajar, and in your quiet house / the dog of your willpower cowers and growls, / then crawls in under the basement steps, / making the jingle of coin with its tags." The "dark lenses" through which the salesman views the world suggest a distorted perspective, seeing opportunities for sales where there might be none. The metaphor of "the dog of your willpower" captures the internal conflict and vulnerability of the homeowner, whose resolve weakens in the face of the salesman's persistence. The jingling of coins with the dog's tags adds an auditory dimension, reinforcing the idea of material temptation and the insidious nature of the sales pitch.

In "The Salesman," Ted Kooser masterfully combines detailed description with metaphorical depth to create a portrait of a figure who is both comical and slightly menacing. The poem captures the essence of the salesman's role in society, embodying the superficial charm and relentless persistence that characterize the act of selling. Through his vivid imagery and nuanced portrayal, Kooser invites readers to reflect on the nature of persuasion, the superficiality of appearances, and the internal struggles faced when confronted with temptation.

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