Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Aristocracy" by Wendell Berry presents a vivid and critical exploration of the contrast between an idyllic, almost utopian vision of society and the stark reality embodied by an individual who represents its failings. Through rich imagery and a nuanced portrayal of the setting, Berry crafts a narrative that juxtaposes the potential for paradise with the disappointing human elements that fall short of this ideal.

The poem begins with a description of a place that seems poised on the brink of perfection, a setting where "Paradise might have appeared, surprising us." Berry's depiction of "sublime coordinates figuring over the trees" and the natural and architectural beauty of the location—highlighted by "the taut statuary of the oaks; venerable churches of muted brick; Greek porches presiding at the ends of approaches; delicate fanlights over doorways"—suggests a harmony and balance conducive to an Edenic existence. The precision and care in the arrangement of this scene imply a readiness, an anticipation for something grand and transformative.

However, this anticipation is undercut by the poem's assertion that "all it needs to be Paradise is populace," introducing the human element as the final, crucial component to complete this idyllic picture. This line sets the stage for a revelation that shifts the tone from one of hopeful expectation to one of disillusionment.

The appearance of "a rich, fat, selfish, spavined, ignorant, ugly old bitch, airing her cat" serves as a stark, jarring contrast to the preceding descriptions of potential paradise. This character, with her "expansive exquisitely garmented paunch" and her inability to see her own feet, becomes a symbol of the decadence, selfishness, and moral decay that Berry suggests underlies the veneer of aristocracy. The meticulous attention to the physical description of the woman emphasizes the gap between the ideal and the real, suggesting that the flaws of the individual (and, by extension, society) are not merely superficial but are deeply ingrained and perhaps insurmountable.

Berry's use of the term "aristocracy" in the title and the detailed portrayal of the woman as an embodiment of this class critique the social structures that uphold such individuals, questioning the values and priorities of a society that allows its potential paradises to be marred by greed, excess, and disregard for the communal good.

"The Aristocracy" is a poignant commentary on the failure to achieve an ideal society, not because of a lack of natural beauty or architectural grace, but because of the human elements that fall short of these ideals. Wendell Berry, through this poem, invites readers to reflect on the disparity between the beauty and order of the natural world and the often disappointing reality of human society, urging a reconsideration of the values and behaviors that contribute to this disconnect.

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