Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "The Book of the Dead: Statement: Philippa Allen" is a powerful and compelling narrative that brings to light the tragic events surrounding the Gauley Bridge Tunnel project in West Virginia during the early 1930s, referred to as Hawk's Nest incident, an industrial disaster in which hundreds of miners died of silicosis. Through a dialogue that reads like a court testimony, Rukeyser unveils the harsh realities faced by the workers, the negligence of the contractors, and the exploitation by the corporations involved.

The poem begins with a seemingly innocuous question about Philippa Allen's fondness for West Virginia, to which she responds, "I do very much, in the summertime." This opening sets the stage for the contrast between the idyllic perception of the state and the grim realities of its labor conditions. As Allen recounts her experiences, the narrative shifts to a detailed examination of the working conditions and the exploitation of the miners.

Allen's statement highlights the dire economic situation of the workers: "It started at 40¢ and dropped to 25¢ an hour." This drastic reduction in wages underscores the desperation and vulnerability of the labor force, which was exploited by the contractors. The poem provides a stark depiction of the scale of the project and the human cost involved: "2,000 men were employed there / period, about 2 years / drilling, 3.75 miles of tunnel."

The most damning aspect of the narrative is the knowledge and negligence of the contractors regarding the high silica content of the rock: "knowing pure silica / 30 years’ experience / must have known danger for every man / neglected to provide the workmen with any safety device." This negligence directly led to the silicosis epidemic among the workers, a preventable occupational disease caused by inhaling silica dust.

The poem further exposes the corporate greed and manipulation behind the project. The enlargement of the tunnel to extract more silica, the involvement of the New Kanawha Power Co., and its ties to Union Carbide & Carbon Co. illustrate the layers of exploitation: "The tunnel is part of a huge water-power project / begun, latter part of 1929 / direction: New Kanawha Power Co. / subsidiary of Union Carbide & Carbon Co." The interconnections between these entities reveal a systemic exploitation where the primary aim was profit, often at the expense of human lives.

Allen’s testimony also touches on the human side of the tragedy, describing the bewilderment and helplessness of the affected communities: "All were bewildered. Again at Vanetta they are asking, / 'What can be done about this?'" Her hope that the investigation will bring about change reflects the broader desire for justice and accountability.

Rukeyser’s choice to present this narrative in the form of a testimony lends authenticity and urgency to the poem. It reads like a historical document, providing a detailed and factual account of the events. This approach not only educates the reader about the specifics of the Gauley Bridge disaster but also evokes a strong emotional response, highlighting the human cost of industrial exploitation.

The poem concludes with Allen’s commitment to continue developing the case, indicating that this testimony is just the beginning: "I am now making a very general statement as a beginning. / There are many points that I should like to develop later, / but I shall try to give you a general history of this / condition first." This ending serves as a call to action, urging further investigation and accountability.

"The Book of the Dead: Statement: Philippa Allen" is a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial progress. Through Rukeyser's masterful use of testimony, the poem brings to light the exploitation and suffering of the workers, demanding justice and recognition for their plight. It stands as a powerful piece of documentary poetry, blending historical facts with poetic expression to create a lasting impact on the reader.

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