Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s "The Parlor Joke" is a biting satire that exposes the exploitation and class divide inherent in the rapid urbanization of early 20th-century America. The poem combines a narrative of social criticism with vivid, almost fantastical imagery to underscore the detachment and callousness of the wealthy towards the suffering of the poor. Frost's deft use of irony and symbolism weaves a narrative that critiques the societal structures and attitudes that perpetuate inequality.

The poem begins with a group of the wealthy, the “few,” who, in their pursuit of profit, construct a modern city where there was none before. This act of creation is not born of a desire to improve living conditions but rather to exploit those less fortunate. Frost’s description of the city as being filled with “the miserable many” sets a tone of stark division and highlights the consequences of unchecked capitalism.

Drawing on the historical reference of Ellis Island, Frost evokes the mass immigration that brought countless people to America, seeking a better life. The imagery of a “living deluge” flooding the land underscores the overwhelming influx of immigrants who become the labor force for the city’s development. The ease with which the wealthy manipulate this situation—raising a hand to let in the masses—reveals their power and indifference.

Frost then contrasts this manipulation of human lives with the control of natural forces, comparing the influx of people to the diversion of a river. This metaphor suggests that just as one might control water, the wealthy believe they can control and exploit human beings. The reference to "human blood" instead of water underscores the dehumanization and exploitation intrinsic to their actions.

As the poem progresses, the rich retreat to their hilltop villas, observing the burgeoning city from a safe distance. Their dismissal of any moral responsibility—"If it isn't good, at least it isn't ill"—reflects their moral detachment and self-justification. The mention of fortifying their homes with "a screen of potted plants" and arming themselves with "a manner and a glance" symbolizes their superficial attempts to shield themselves from the consequences of their actions.

Frost uses the metaphor of a bog of sphagnum climbing a mountain to depict the encroachment of the poor into the affluent suburbs. This image captures the inevitable spread of poverty and the discomfort it causes the rich, who respond with "humorous self-pity" and mock gloom. Their insensitivity to the plight of the poor is evident in their inability to recognize the seriousness of the situation.

The poem takes a turn towards the surreal with the vision seen by some of the wealthy: a towering, spectral figure rising from the city’s squalor. This “lambent swaying presence” symbolizes the collective suffering and latent power of the oppressed masses. Its indistinct and haunting nature, likened to a scarecrow in a shawl, emphasizes the fear it instills in the rich, as well as the potential for uprising and change.

The spectral figure’s attempt to speak, though it only manages a “hollow squawk,” suggests the nascent but growing voice of dissent among the poor. The figure's chest, full of things about the future, hints at the looming threat of rebellion and the transformative potential of collective action. The reference to blood as a dye for wool conveys the inevitability of violent upheaval if the status quo remains unchallenged.

In the final stanza, Frost critiques the wisdom of those who invoke such a spirit merely to reduce labor costs. This critique underscores the shortsightedness and moral bankruptcy of exploiting the labor force to the brink of rebellion. The poem ends with a poignant observation: some people are willing to risk tremendous societal upheaval for the sake of maintaining their economic advantage, reflecting the ever-present danger of social inequality leading to conflict.

In "The Parlor Joke," Frost masterfully combines narrative, metaphor, and social commentary to deliver a powerful critique of the exploitation and detachment of the wealthy. The poem serves as a warning about the consequences of ignoring social inequities and the potential for upheaval when the voices of the oppressed are finally heard.

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