Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem "People Who Eat in Coffee Shops" captures the carefree and rebellious spirit of individuals who dine in coffee shops. Through vivid imagery and a playful tone, Field portrays the coffee shop as a haven for those who reject societal expectations and embrace simple pleasures without guilt or concern.

The poem opens with a general statement that sets the tone: "People who eat in coffee shops / are not worried about nutrition." This line establishes that these individuals prioritize indulgence and satisfaction over health and dietary concerns. The "toasted cheese sandwiches" and "chocolate egg creams" they order embody a sense of blithe disregard for nutritional advice. The "plaster of paris / wedges of lemon meringue pie" further emphasize this carefree attitude, using the metaphor of "plaster of paris" to suggest that these desserts are more about appearance and indulgence than nutritional value.

Field contrasts these coffee shop patrons with those who live under constant scrutiny from authority figures: "They don't have parental, dental, or medical figures hovering / full of warnings." This implies that the patrons are free from external pressures and criticisms, able to enjoy their food without guilt or fear of judgment. The absence of "parental, dental, or medical figures" provides them with a sense of liberation.

The line "or whip out dental floss immediately" humorously illustrates the obsessive concern with health and hygiene that these figures represent. In contrast, the coffee shop patrons can "live in furnished rooms and whenever they want / go out and eat glazed donuts along with innumerable coffees." The image of living in "furnished rooms" suggests a transient or less conventional lifestyle, where the lack of long-term stability is balanced by the freedom to indulge in simple pleasures like "glazed donuts" and "innumerable coffees."

The final lines reinforce this sense of rebellion and carelessness: "dousing their cigarettes in sloppy saucers." This imagery conveys a sense of disorder and disregard for convention, as the coffee shop patrons carelessly extinguish their cigarettes in saucers instead of ashtrays. The use of "sloppy" further emphasizes the lack of concern for neatness and order.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Rebellion and Freedom: The poem portrays coffee shop patrons as rebels who reject societal norms and authority figures in favor of personal freedom. Their indulgent eating habits symbolize their rejection of conventional health and lifestyle advice.

2. Simple Pleasures and Indulgence: Field emphasizes the joy of simple pleasures, from "toasted cheese sandwiches" to "glazed donuts." These indulgences are celebrated without guilt or concern for health.

3. Critique of Societal Expectations: The poem subtly critiques the pressure exerted by authority figures ("parental, dental, or medical") and the obsession with health and nutrition. The coffee shop becomes a sanctuary for those who wish to escape these pressures.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, which allows Field to adopt a conversational and relaxed tone that mirrors the carefree attitude of the coffee shop patrons. The language is straightforward yet vivid, and the imagery paints a clear picture of the atmosphere and behavior in coffee shops.

Conclusion:

"People Who Eat in Coffee Shops" by Edward Field is a playful celebration of indulgence and rebellion against societal norms. Through vivid imagery and a relaxed tone, Field captures the spirit of those who find joy in simple pleasures without guilt or concern. The poem invites readers to embrace a carefree attitude and find liberation in the rejection of societal expectations.

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