Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Smile!" by Denise Duhamel is a striking and confrontational poem that navigates the unsettling dynamics of power and vulnerability, particularly from the perspective of a woman dealing with inappropriate advances in a professional setting. Set primarily in a dentist's office, the poem blends elements of fear, discomfort, and defiance, while exploring themes of harassment, bodily autonomy, and the broader societal implications of such experiences.

The poem opens with the speaker's seemingly innocuous decision to choose a dentist based on proximity, but the narrative quickly delves into darker territory. Dr. Alexander, the dentist, uses his professional role to exert power over the speaker, making inappropriate propositions and leveraging dental procedures as bargaining tools. His suggestion that the speaker accompany him on a weekend trip in exchange for a discounted crown reveals his misuse of professional authority for personal gain.

As the narrative unfolds, Duhamel skillfully juxtaposes routine dental procedures with the underlying tension of the encounter. The physical discomfort of dental work—pinching with a Novocaine needle, drilling too deep—mirrors the psychological discomfort caused by the dentist's behavior. This alignment of physical and emotional pain amplifies the sense of violation felt by the speaker.

The imagery Duhamel employs intensifies the sense of violation. Descriptions of the dentist's tools and actions are laden with menacing undertones, transforming the dental office into a site of potential horror. The reference to the dental light as the "flash of white before the start of a horror movie" sets the tone for the intrusion and discomfort that follows.

In response to her situation, the speaker draws on an inner well of anger and resilience. She recalls a childhood incident where her sister bit her, leaving marks that turned into "battle scars of good luck." This memory serves as a metaphor for surviving and bearing the marks of confrontation and resistance. It connects personal history with the present challenge, underscoring the recurring nature of such struggles and the resilience required to navigate them.

The dentist's offhand comments about his career choice further reveal his detachment and opportunism, contributing to the speaker's growing sense of alienation and determination to resist his advances. This interaction highlights the disparity in their perspectives and the casualness with which he treats the personal boundaries of his patients.

Duhamel's poem culminates in a powerful moment of silent rebellion and reflection. As the dentist prepares to fill a cavity he created, the speaker envisions a future where women's smiles—their resilience and forced composure—are what remain. This vision is both haunting and empowering, suggesting that while the physical presence may fade, the strength and defiance expressed through those smiles endure.

"Smile!" is a compelling critique of power dynamics and sexual harassment disguised under the guise of professionalism. It challenges the reader to consider the deeper implications of consent and resistance within spaces that should be governed by trust and respect. Duhamel uses the dental setting as a microcosm for broader societal interactions, making a profound statement on endurance and the preservation of dignity in the face of adversity.

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