Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson's poem "Honeymoon" is a contemplative and sharply observant piece that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and human imperfection. Through a series of vignettes, Simpson juxtaposes the sacred and the mundane, the ideal and the real, ultimately questioning the nature of romantic relationships and the judgments we pass on them. The poem’s structure, divided into distinct sections, allows Simpson to dissect different facets of the honeymoon experience, from the religious ceremony to the intimate moments between the newlyweds.

The poem opens with a scene from the wedding ceremony, where various figures offer prayers and blessings over the couple. Uncle Bob’s prayer for the groom to "establish Kingdom principles" and Aunt Shirley’s prayer for the bride’s "anointing" set a tone of solemnity and religious expectation. These prayers reflect the high moral and spiritual aspirations often associated with marriage, where the union is seen as not just a personal commitment but a divine institution. Reverend Philips' statement, "love is insensitive, love is invalueless," adds a layer of ambiguity and perhaps irony to the proceedings. The phrase "invalueless" could be read as a critique of the often transactional nature of love or as a reminder that love, in its purest form, cannot be quantified or commodified. The choir’s song, "He waits for us, and waits for us," echoes this religious tone, suggesting a divine patience and expectation that looms over the newlyweds.

In stark contrast, the second section shifts to the honeymoon itself, a time typically associated with romance and relaxation. The imagery here is idyllic—swimming in the pool, riding water scooters, lounging in deck chairs on the sand. The "breeze [that] made the palm leaves whisper" and the green and blue hues of the sea evoke a sense of paradise. The line about the ship on the horizon, which "makes you think of sailing away / forever with the one you love," taps into the romantic ideal of escape and eternal togetherness. However, this idyllic scene is not without its undertones of transience and illusion; the ship is "standing still," hinting at the tension between dreams and reality.

The third section introduces a moment of discord between the couple, marking the first crack in the honeymoon's facade. Jennifer's surprise at Mike ordering fish, which she thought he didn’t like, leads to a brief but telling exchange. Mike's curt response, "I guess you were wrong," brings tears to Jennifer’s eyes, signaling that the honeymoon, as the period of perfect harmony, is metaphorically "over." This moment of misunderstanding and emotional pain underscores the reality that even in the most romantic settings, couples are susceptible to miscommunication and hurt feelings. However, the resolution is quick—after retreating to their room, "everything was OK." This cyclical nature of conflict and reconciliation is a common theme in relationships, where minor disputes are often followed by attempts to restore harmony.

The final section of the poem, however, takes a surprising turn with the address to the reader: "And you, hypocrite lecteur, / what makes you so superior?" This direct challenge breaks the fourth wall and forces the reader to confront their own potential judgments about the couple’s experiences. The use of the term "hypocrite" suggests that the reader, like the couple, may harbor imperfections, doubts, and conflicts, yet might be quick to judge others. This closing line serves as a reminder that relationships are complex, filled with moments of beauty and strife, and that it is easy to overlook the difficulties and vulnerabilities that all couples face.

"Honeymoon" by Louis Simpson is a rich exploration of the multifaceted nature of marriage, moving from the lofty ideals of the wedding ceremony to the everyday realities of a new relationship. Through its shifting tones and perspectives, the poem captures both the romance and the challenges of love, ultimately questioning the judgments we make about others’ relationships. Simpson’s use of irony and direct address in the final lines adds a layer of introspection, encouraging readers to reflect on their own expectations and the universal nature of human imperfection. The poem is a nuanced portrayal of the honeymoon phase, not as an unblemished idyll, but as a time of both joy and inevitable disillusionment, a microcosm of the broader experience of marriage.

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