Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To a Daffodil, or Perhaps a Little Gossip About Flaubert," by Kenneth Fearing, is a satirical critique of the commodification of literature and art. Fearing blends irony and humor to expose how commercial interests often undermine the sincerity and quality of creative work. By employing commercial jargon and referencing well-known literary tropes, he creates a biting commentary on how consumerism distorts artistic integrity.

The poem opens with a direct and sardonic proclamation: "I sing of simple people and the hardier virtues, by Associated Stuffed Shirts and Company, Incorporated, 358 West 42nd street, New York, brochure enclosed." This proclamation parodies the grandiose opening lines of traditional literature while simultaneously mocking commercial enterprises. The "Associated Stuffed Shirts and Company, Incorporated" serves as a metaphor for a corporate entity that commodifies creativity. The inclusion of "brochure enclosed" reinforces the idea that creativity is reduced to a product that can be marketed and sold.

Fearing continues his critique with a reference to religious art: "of Christ on the cross, by a visitor to Calvary, first class art deals with eternal, not current verities, revised from last week's Sunday supplement." By describing the art of "Christ on the cross" as "revised from last week's Sunday supplement," Fearing points to the superficial treatment of religious themes in popular culture. "First class art deals with eternal, not current verities" satirizes the pretentious claims often made by artists and critics, suggesting that their supposed focus on "eternal verities" is in fact shaped by current trends and commercial interests.

The poem shifts to mock literary systems and the pursuit of profit: "guess what we mean, in The Literary System, and a thousand noble answers to a thousand empty questions by a patriot who needs the dough." "The Literary System" represents the publishing industry, where writers are expected to provide "noble answers to a thousand empty questions." The "patriot who needs the dough" suggests a writer compromising their artistic integrity for financial gain.

Fearing sums up this cycle with the resigned statement: "And so it goes." This phrase, made famous by Kurt Vonnegut's “Slaughterhouse-Five”, reflects the inevitability of commercialism shaping art and literature.

The poem then parodies inspirational slogans and the commercialization of creativity: "Books are the key to magic portals. Knowledge is power. Give the people light." These phrases mimic the platitudes used in advertising and educational campaigns, reducing books to mere products that promise enlightenment.

Fearing also mocks the romanticization of the writing profession: "Writing must be such a nice profession." This line underscores the naive perception that writing is an easy and glamorous career.

The poem concludes with a commercial call to action: "Fill in the coupon. How do you know? Maybe you can be a writer, too." This final line satirizes the self-help industry and writing courses that promise aspiring writers success without addressing the challenges and compromises involved.

In "To a Daffodil, or Perhaps a Little Gossip About Flaubert," Kenneth Fearing offers a scathing critique of the commodification of art and literature. By blending commercial jargon with literary and artistic references, he exposes the superficiality of a culture that prioritizes profit over artistic integrity. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder to approach creativity with sincerity and to resist the pressures of commercialization.

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