Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Yellow", Robert Creeley delves into themes of identity, dissatisfaction, and the desire to transform oneself. Through a mixture of surreal and literal language, he examines the longing for change, the ways in which people try to reshape their identities, and the social and personal implications of this pursuit. The poem juxtaposes individual desires for transformation against societal expectations and limitations, creating a meditation on the complexities of identity and self-acceptance.

The poem begins with a character who “wants to be an Indian, / someone else a white man, / or black man,” setting up the theme of yearning for transformation. This character’s desire to change their identity speaks to a deeper dissatisfaction, a feeling that one’s current self is somehow insufficient or limiting. Creeley uses this character’s wish to highlight a universal theme: the tendency to believe that a different identity might bring more fulfillment, freedom, or authenticity. This yearning for transformation is both poignant and troubling, suggesting a disconnection between the self and societal roles or identities.

The line “pacing / this to a reason simply given” implies that the motivation behind these desires may be vague or superficial. The character’s longing is perhaps driven not by a deep understanding of what it would mean to be “an Indian” or “a black man,” but rather by a simplistic belief that a different identity might solve their internal struggles. This line introduces a critique of such superficial yearnings, hinting that the desire to adopt another identity may lack true depth or understanding.

Creeley then poses a question: “What do they put in the graves of / dissatisfied men?” This line suggests a grim inevitability, as if dissatisfaction is an inherent part of the human experience, something that follows people to their graves. By referring to these individuals as “dissatisfied men,” Creeley implies that dissatisfaction is a powerful and pervasive force, something that may remain unresolved even at the end of life. The graves symbolize the finality of existence and hint at the futility of constant longing, as if no transformation or change in identity can truly satisfy the deeper, existential needs of these individuals.

The poem continues with another question: “What for the women / who denied them, changing / their colors into / greens, reds, blues, / yellow.” Here, Creeley introduces the idea of women who have adapted or altered themselves in response to the dissatisfaction of men. The “changing / their colors” suggests a kind of self-sacrifice or transformation on the part of these women, who perhaps shift their identities or appearances to accommodate the desires of others. The vivid colors—“greens, reds, blues, / yellow”—represent a spectrum of identities or roles that these women take on, hinting at a performative aspect of identity where individuals mold themselves to meet societal or relational expectations.

The repetition of “yellow” as a defining color in the poem brings attention to one particular woman’s transformation. “Her hands were / yellow, her eyes were / yellow.” Yellow, often associated with brightness, warmth, or even caution, becomes a defining characteristic of this woman, as if her identity has been overtaken by this singular quality. The repetition of yellow gives it a surreal quality, as if she has been colored by her attempts to satisfy or fulfill others, transforming her entire being. This yellow identity could symbolize a kind of absorption of others’ expectations, a way in which she has internalized and embodied the dissatisfaction around her.

The final lines introduce a surprising turn: “The Indians want / her to be their queen / because she is such a / lovely color.” This line complicates the narrative by presenting the woman’s transformation as something desirable or even revered by others. The fact that “the Indians” see her yellow color as something beautiful or royal contrasts with the previous associations of dissatisfaction and adaptation. This transformation, though initially presented as a response to dissatisfaction and societal pressures, is now reinterpreted as something valuable or unique.

This ending is layered with irony and ambiguity. On one hand, the woman’s yellow color, which may have resulted from her attempts to adapt or change for others, is now recognized as a “lovely” quality. On the other hand, the desire of “the Indians” for her to be their queen because of her color raises questions about the role of appearance in identity and value. Her “lovely color” becomes a point of admiration, yet it is unclear whether this admiration is genuine or simply another way in which identity becomes performative and externalized.

In "Yellow", Robert Creeley critiques the societal pressures that shape identity and examines the dissatisfaction that drives people to seek transformation. Through the imagery of color and the yearning for different identities, the poem reveals the complexity of selfhood and the ways in which people adapt to fit external expectations. Creeley’s depiction of transformation, both voluntary and imposed, raises questions about authenticity and the extent to which people can or should reshape themselves to satisfy others. The poem leaves readers with a sense of ambiguity, suggesting that identity is not only shaped by internal desires but also by the gaze and expectations of society. Through this nuanced exploration, "Yellow" offers a meditation on the ways in which color, identity, and desire intersect, leaving the reader to ponder the value and consequences of transforming oneself in response to the world’s demands.

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