Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "Oh, Veblen, This is Much Better" reflects on the transformation of a once grand house, symbolic of wealth and status, into a lively communal living space. Through vivid descriptions and a contemplative tone, Piercy explores themes of community, repurposing, and the changing values of society.

Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist, is best known for his critique of consumer culture and his concept of "conspicuous consumption," which he introduced in his 1899 book "The Theory of the Leisure Class." Veblen's ideas are relevant to Marge Piercy's poem "Oh, Veblen, This is Much Better" because the poem contrasts the former opulence and ostentation of wealth with a more utilitarian and communal use of space.

The poem begins with a nostalgic reflection: "Years and modes ago, in the heyday / of communes, I was in Detroit / to give a reading, a benefit." This setting in Detroit during the era of communes immediately establishes a historical and cultural context, one marked by social experiments in communal living.

Piercy recalls being put up in a house in Palmer Park, a neighborhood once known for its affluence: "I was put up in Palmer Park, which in / my threadbare youth was where people / with money lived, when people / with money still lived in Detroit." This mention of "threadbare youth" contrasts her past financial struggles with the opulence she encounters, highlighting the economic disparities and shifts over time.

The poem's detailed descriptions of the house emphasize its grandeur: "my / corner room had a black and white / marble bathroom, the tub big enough / for me and a lover, but I had none / with me." The luxurious bathroom and ample closet space, described as "fit for Jean Harlow," underscore the house's former splendor and the contrast with Piercy's more modest lifestyle.

Piercy notes the house's history and the changes it has undergone: "The house had belonged / to vacuum cleaner money, but they had / swept themselves out to Grosse Pointe / long ago." This reference to "vacuum cleaner money" and the affluent owners moving to Grosse Pointe signifies the decline of wealth in Detroit and the abandonment of once-prized properties.

The poem then shifts focus to the present use of the house: "The little kids rode tricycles round / and round the hardwood ground floor / rooms." This imagery of children playing indoors on tricycles transforms the mansion into a vibrant, bustling home filled with life and activity.

Piercy reflects on the new purpose of the mansion: "This is the proper use for this / mansion, I thought, enough room / for families sharing food and housework, / sharing bills and the blooming of children." She sees the communal living arrangement as a more meaningful and fulfilling use of the space, promoting shared responsibilities and the nurturing of future generations.

The poem concludes with a sense of joy and dynamism: "The house bounced and rattled and sang / with games, and the butler’s pantry / stored roller skates, bikes and kites." The once-static symbols of wealth and status have been replaced by objects of play and community, reflecting a shift in values from materialism to shared experience and togetherness.

In "Oh, Veblen, This is Much Better," Marge Piercy contrasts the past grandeur and exclusivity of wealth with the present-day vibrancy and inclusivity of communal living. Through her evocative descriptions and reflective tone, Piercy celebrates the repurposing of space for collective well-being and underscores the enduring value of community over individual opulence.

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