Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jack Gilbert’s poem "Fidelity" delves into themes of obsession, beauty, and the fleeting nature of youth and innocence. Through the lens of a character’s fixation on a seemingly insignificant fountain, Gilbert explores deeper questions about the values we hold, the impact of societal expectations, and the tension between idealism and reality.

The poem begins with a stark declaration: "He's absurd about the fountain. / Obsessed." This opening sets the stage for the reader to understand the character’s fixation on something that, at first glance, appears trivial. The use of the word "absurd" immediately positions the character's obsession as something unreasonable or disproportionate, yet it invites curiosity about why this fountain holds such significance.

Gilbert describes the character’s desires for the fountain: "That the verse be pure / And the letters cut with grace." This indicates a deep appreciation for artistry and perfection. The character’s concern with the purity of the verse and the grace of the letters suggests a longing for an ideal form of beauty and craftsmanship, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding environment described as "this sorry square, / The brutality of this sun." The juxtaposition highlights the character’s struggle to find or create something beautiful and pure in a harsh and unforgiving setting.

The poem continues to explore this theme of idealism versus reality: "Proportions, / When there isn't even a library." Here, the character’s preoccupation with proportions and aesthetic perfection seems almost frivolous or misguided in a place lacking even basic educational resources like a library. This contrast underscores the futility or misdirection of the character's obsession, suggesting that their efforts might be better spent addressing more practical or pressing needs.

The focus then shifts to the character’s thoughts about the village girls: "Or he speaks of the girls / Coming for water. / How that one arranges the light, / Is this year's accomplishment." This observation introduces a new layer to the character’s fixation, showing an appreciation for the transient and natural beauty of the village girls. The idea that a girl "arranges the light" and this being seen as an "accomplishment" reflects the character’s tendency to idealize and romanticize everyday moments.

Gilbert then introduces a more critical perspective: "What if she does take the morning / On her? And those breasts? / Already there is gossip / That leaves her only peasants." This part of the poem highlights the societal pressures and judgments that the girls face. The admiration of their beauty and youth is tempered by the harsh reality of gossip and the limitations imposed by their social status. The phrase "leaves her only peasants" suggests that despite the character’s celebration of her beauty, the girl is ultimately reduced to a lower status by the community’s gossip and moral scrutiny.

The final lines of the poem bring a sense of inevitability and melancholy: "To celebrate so a village girl / Soon to be broken." Here, Gilbert captures the tragic reality that the idealized beauty and purity of the village girl will inevitably be tarnished or destroyed by the harsh realities of life. The phrase "soon to be broken" conveys a sense of foreboding and loss, suggesting that the fleeting moment of beauty and innocence will not last.

"Fidelity" by Jack Gilbert is a rich and layered poem that examines the complexities of beauty, obsession, and societal expectations. Through the character’s fixation on the fountain and the village girls, Gilbert explores the tension between idealism and reality, and the ways in which societal judgments can undermine and devalue what is genuinely beautiful. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and the sometimes harsh consequences of idealizing the ephemeral.

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