Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "New Yorkers," Edward Field humorously portrays the distinctive communication style and social behavior of New Yorkers. By highlighting the city's unique openness and directness, Field reveals how New Yorkers differ from people in other parts of the country. The poem is both a celebration and a satire of New Yorkers' social habits, emphasizing themes of authenticity, irony, and urban social conventions.

The poem opens by contrasting New Yorkers with people from other parts of the United States: "Everywhere else in the country, if someone asks, How are you? / you are required to answer, like a phrase book, Fine, and you?" Here, Field criticizes the superficial pleasantries that often characterize social interactions outside New York. In other parts of the country, responses to greetings tend to be formulaic, offering little insight into the person's actual state of mind.

In contrast, New Yorkers embrace honesty and directness: "Only in New York can you say, Not so good, or even, Rotten, / and launch into your miseries and symptoms." This frankness allows people to share their troubles without pretense, and the listener reciprocates by interrupting "to go into the usual endless detail about their own." However, the poem reveals that even this authenticity is tinged with a form of urban irony, as the participants "yawn and look bored" while the other person speaks. This suggests that New Yorkers value directness but may also be self-absorbed and impatient.

Field continues to explore the social dynamics of New Yorkers, describing how conversations often end with a disingenuous promise to reconnect: "Look, angel, I've got to run, I'm late for my ... uh ... uh ... analyst. / But let's definitely get together soon." The reference to an "analyst" plays into the stereotype of New Yorkers seeking therapy or professional help for their anxieties and neuroses. The trailing "uh ... uh ..." suggests that the excuse may not be entirely truthful, further emphasizing the casual insincerity of the interaction.

The conversation concludes with both parties agreeing, "Definitely!" to meet again soon, but Field notes that "both of you know what that means, Never." This final line underscores the irony and superficiality inherent in these social exchanges. The word "Definitely!" is spoken in "just as sincere a voice as yours," reinforcing the shared understanding that neither party intends to follow through on the promise.

Structurally, "New Yorkers" is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and anecdotal tone that mirrors the casual nature of New York social interactions. The poem's humor lies in its precise observations of urban life and the contrast between the straightforward language and the ironic subtext.

Overall, Edward Field's "New Yorkers" is a witty and affectionate satire of New York's social behavior. By contrasting the city's distinctive openness with the superficial politeness found elsewhere, Field captures the complexity of urban relationships. The poem celebrates the directness and irony of New Yorkers while also acknowledging the challenges of forging genuine connections in a fast-paced, self-absorbed environment.

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