Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "The Book of the Dead: Praise of the Committee" delves into the plight of the workers involved in the construction of the Gauley Bridge tunnel in West Virginia during the 1930s. The poem vividly recounts the harsh realities faced by these laborers and the community’s efforts to seek justice. Through its poignant portrayal of the committee’s endeavors, Rukeyser highlights themes of exploitation, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

The poem begins by establishing the grim context: men began to die soon after work commenced on the tunnel, a fact that went largely ignored by those in power. The imagery of "men began to die among dry drills" and "no masks" starkly illustrates the hazardous working conditions. The influx of workers from various states, drawn by the promise of employment, underscores the widespread desperation during the Great Depression.

Rukeyser details the exploitation by the companies involved, particularly the Union Carbide & Carbon Co. and its subsidiary, the New Kanawha Power Co. The companies prioritized profit over safety, as seen in the lines, "The contractors / knowing pure silica / 30 years’ experience / must have known danger for every man." The absence of safety measures, despite the known dangers of silica exposure, exemplifies the disregard for human life.

The poem also reveals the community’s response to this tragedy. The formation of the committee, comprising affected families and workers, signifies a collective effort to confront injustice. Rukeyser’s description of the committee meetings in a shoe-repair shop, “meeting around the stove beneath the one bulb hanging,” emphasizes the grassroots nature of their struggle. The committee’s persistence, despite facing numerous challenges, embodies the resilience of the human spirit.

Through the character of George Robinson, the poem personifies the leadership and determination driving the committee. Robinson's role as “leader and voice” reflects his importance in unifying and motivating the group. The poem’s depiction of the committee’s efforts, such as discussing relief and considering a bill before the Senate, underscores their proactive stance in seeking justice.

Rukeyser’s inclusion of historical references adds depth to the narrative. The mention of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder connects the contemporary struggle to a long history of workers’ suffering and the pursuit of medical understanding. The poem also touches on the bureaucratic and legal hurdles the committee faces, highlighting the systemic obstacles in their fight for justice.

The poem’s imagery is powerful and evocative. The description of the dam as “pure crystal slants upon the river” juxtaposes the beauty of nature with the grim reality of the workers’ plight. The setting of the committee meetings in a “dark and noisy room, frozen two feet from stove” captures the harsh conditions under which they operate. The recurring motif of breath and breathing, as seen in lines like “These men breathe hard,” symbolizes both the literal struggle for air due to silicosis and the metaphorical fight for life and justice.

The closing lines of the poem are particularly striking. They evoke a sense of defiance and hope, as the committee demands accountability and change. The rhetorical questions, “Who stands over the river? / Whose feet go running in these rigid hills?” and the declaration, “Their hands touched mastery; now they / demand an answer,” convey a powerful call to action.

In "Praise of the Committee," Rukeyser masterfully intertwines historical context, vivid imagery, and emotional resonance to portray the plight of the Gauley Bridge workers and the community’s fight for justice. The poem stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who, despite overwhelming odds, continue to seek truth and accountability.

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