Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Paul Muldoon's "Whim" is a witty and playful poem that juxtaposes ancient myth with modern-day romance, exploring themes of desire, chance encounters, and the surprising consequences of impulsive decisions. The poem is set in the Europa Hotel, a place with historical and cultural significance in Northern Ireland, known for its resilience during the Troubles. This setting, combined with references to Irish mythology, creates a layered narrative where the past and present intersect in unexpected ways.

The poem begins with a casual, almost mundane scene: a woman is sitting with a pint and a small drink in the Europa Hotel, engrossed in an old legend—specifically, "Cu Chulainn and the Birds of Appetite." The reference to Cu Chulainn, a hero from Irish mythology known for his extraordinary feats and tragic end, immediately introduces a sense of gravitas and allusion. Yet, this weighty mythological context is undercut by the setting—a modern hotel bar—and the woman's engagement with the text is interrupted by the arrival of a man who notices her choice of reading.

The man’s comment on the O'Grady translation of the legend is both knowledgeable and dismissive, characterizing it as "very old-fashioned" and suggesting a preference for a more authentic version by Kuno Meyer. This exchange sets the stage for a flirtatious dialogue that is both intellectual and subtly charged with sexual tension. The conversation quickly shifts from a discussion of translations to a more personal invitation: the man offers to lend her his edition of the tale, with the implication that she accompany him back to his place.

However, the poem takes a whimsical turn as the anticipated outcome of this flirtation is subverted. Instead of heading to his place, the couple finds themselves in the Botanic Gardens, where their casual stroll and kiss escalate into a more intimate encounter. The phrase "once he got stuck into her he got stuck / Full stop" introduces a literal twist to the narrative—a moment of physical entanglement that renders them unable to separate. This humorous and absurd situation contrasts sharply with the initial erudite discussion, highlighting the unpredictable nature of human interactions and the whims that drive them.

The poem's conclusion is both comical and tender, as the couple is discovered by an attendant at dusk and gently but firmly placed on a stretcher, "like the last of an endangered species." This image suggests a sense of rarity and fragility, as if their moment of connection, however absurd, is something precious and worth preserving. The reference to an endangered species also adds a layer of irony, as the couple's predicament is both extraordinary and entirely mundane—a fleeting moment of passion turned into a spectacle.

Muldoon's use of language throughout the poem is marked by a blend of the ordinary and the poetic, the colloquial and the intellectual. The dialogue between the characters is sharp and witty, reflecting both their attraction and the playful nature of their encounter. The poem’s structure, with its conversational tone and unexpected twists, mirrors the unpredictability of the whim that brings the characters together and the equally whimsical outcome of their encounter.

In "Whim," Muldoon captures the essence of chance and the way in which small decisions—like reading a particular book or engaging in a seemingly innocuous conversation—can lead to unforeseen and sometimes surreal consequences. The poem's blend of mythological reference and contemporary setting serves to remind the reader that, even in the modern world, the echoes of ancient stories and the unpredictable nature of human desire continue to shape our lives in unexpected ways. Through its humor, irony, and underlying tenderness, "Whim" offers a reflection on the complexities of human connection and the often whimsical nature of fate.

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