Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Two Japanese Maples," William Meredith presents two poems—"Picture of a Castle" and "At the Kabuki-za"—that reflect on aspects of Japanese culture and identity. Both pieces explore themes of weariness with cultural expectations, the desire for truth, and the interplay between appearance and reality.

"Picture of a Castle"

The first poem, "Picture of a Castle," begins with the Daimyo's declaration: "Now I am tired of being Japanese." This statement suggests a fatigue with the cultural identity and expectations associated with being Japanese, particularly after a significant event like a war. The Daimyo, a feudal lord, expresses a desire for change, envisioning a "kempt jungle in a valley" from which "a tall, unmoated fortress" rises. The imagery of a kempt jungle contrasts with the typical chaotic nature of jungles, suggesting a controlled, cultivated environment that symbolizes a new, orderly beginning.

The fortress, described as "unmoated," breaks from traditional defensive architecture, indicating openness and vulnerability. The presence of dolphins on the gables, "tails in the sky," introduces an element of whimsy and freedom, contrasting with the rigid structures of traditional castles. The dolphins "swim from the separate quarters of the kingdom / Without thinking," symbolizing an effortless movement and unity that transcends the usual divisions within a kingdom.

The poem continues with the image of a balcony "to every hour / Facing the hills, apart." This detail emphasizes a connection with nature and the passage of time, suggesting a contemplative space for reflection. The final lines introduce a "sweet particular girl" who "will say the truth / Over and over until I take it in." This girl's role as a truth-teller represents an aspiration for honesty and clarity, a desire to transcend superficial appearances and grasp deeper truths.

"At the Kabuki-za"

The second poem, "At the Kabuki-za," shifts focus to a performance at a Kabuki theater. It describes a lady who "wobbles down the flowerway," showcasing her leisurely and joyful demeanor. The poem highlights the elaborate display of "gold brocade" on her outfit, emphasizing the weight and opulence of the traditional attire. A maid is needed "to hold the weight up of her two gold sleeves," underscoring the performative aspect of the scene and the burden of maintaining appearances.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the nature of the performance: "what no one really quite believes / Anymore, that she is a puppet anyway." This line suggests a recognition of the artificiality of the performance and the constructed nature of the persona being presented. The reference to the lady as a "puppet" implies that she is not entirely autonomous, controlled by cultural expectations and the demands of tradition. The audience's disbelief highlights a modern skepticism towards these traditional roles and performances, suggesting a disconnect between appearance and reality.

Overall Analysis

Together, these poems explore the tension between cultural identity, tradition, and the desire for authenticity. In "Picture of a Castle," the Daimyo's fatigue with being Japanese and his vision of a new, open, and honest environment reflect a yearning to break free from the constraints of cultural expectations. In "At the Kabuki-za," the emphasis on the elaborate costume and the acknowledgment of the performative nature of the Kabuki theater highlight the artifice involved in maintaining traditional appearances.

Meredith's use of vivid imagery and symbolic elements in both poems underscores the complexities of navigating cultural identity and the longing for truth amidst the performance of tradition. The juxtaposition of these two poems within "Two Japanese Maples" invites readers to consider the balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing change, as well as the challenge of reconciling appearance with reality.

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