Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "The Book of the Dead: Gauley Bridge" offers a vivid portrayal of a small, seemingly ordinary town that serves as a microcosm for the larger socio-economic issues facing America during the early 20th century. The poem uses the perspective of a camera to capture the stark realities of Gauley Bridge, emphasizing the interplay between the town's physical landscape and the lives of its inhabitants.

The poem opens with a scene set at a crossing, where the camera reveals "a street of wooden walls and empty windows, / the doors shut handless in the empty street." This image of abandonment and desolation immediately sets a somber tone, suggesting that the town is struggling or in decline. The "deserted Negro standing on the corner" and the "little boy runs with his dog / up the street to the bridge" introduce elements of human life amidst the stark backdrop, hinting at the social dynamics and daily routines within the town.

Rukeyser's meticulous attention to detail brings the town to life. She describes the railway tracks, the commercial hotel, and the post office, painting a comprehensive picture of Gauley Bridge. The "grey shine of towns and forests" and the "April-glass-tinted" windows of the bus station contribute to a sense of dreariness and monotony, reflecting the town's economic stagnation.

The poem juxtaposes moments of everyday life with the broader, impersonal mechanisms of commerce and transportation. The camera lens focuses on specific interactions, such as the "tall coughing man stamping an envelope" and the "yellow-aproned waitress" in the bus station. These snapshots of individual lives are set against the backdrop of a larger, indifferent system symbolized by the "coast-to-coast schedule on the plateglass window."

Rukeyser's use of the camera metaphor underscores the objectivity and detachment with which these scenes are presented. The camera captures the mundane and the poignant with equal clarity, revealing the underlying tensions and struggles within the community. The "movie-house / closed for the afternoon" and the "posters streaked with rain" evoke a sense of decay and lost hope, while the "whistling train" symbolizes both progress and the relentless passage of time.

The poem also delves into the social fabric of the town, highlighting the interactions between different social groups. The "eyes of the tourist house, red-and-white filling station, / the eyes of the Negro, looking down the track" suggest a community divided by race and class, yet bound by shared spaces and experiences. The presence of the "hotel man" and the "waitress and the yellow apron" further emphasizes the roles and relationships that define the town's social structure.

Rukeyser's portrayal of Gauley Bridge is both specific and universal. The town's "wood, and naked eye" and the "camera eye" offer a dual perspective that captures the local realities while hinting at broader themes of economic hardship, social inequality, and the human condition. The poem's closing lines, "What do you want—a cliff over a city? / A foreland, sloped to sea and overgrown with roses? / These people live here," challenge the reader to confront the starkness of the scene and recognize the resilience of the people who inhabit it.

"The Book of the Dead: Gauley Bridge" is a poignant exploration of a small town's struggles and resilience. Through her use of detailed imagery and the camera metaphor, Rukeyser provides a nuanced and empathetic portrait of Gauley Bridge, capturing both its physical landscape and the lives of its residents. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit amidst the challenges of economic and social adversity.

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