Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson’s poem "The Boarder" is a brief yet evocative piece that contrasts the vibrant life of the outside world with the isolation and loneliness of an individual confined to a small, furnished room. Through this juxtaposition, Simpson explores themes of alienation, the passage of time, and the stark contrast between external appearances and internal realities.

The poem opens with a scene that is rich in sensory detail: "The time is after dinner. Cigarettes / Glow on the lawn." This image sets the stage for a familiar, social evening, where people are unwinding after a meal, engaging in conversations, and enjoying the company of others. The glow of the cigarettes on the lawn evokes a sense of warmth and camaraderie, while the sound of "glasses begin to tinkle" further enhances this atmosphere of relaxed conviviality. The phrase "TV sets / Have been turned on" adds a layer of normalcy, suggesting that this is a typical evening in a suburban or small-town setting.

The second stanza introduces the moon, described as "brimming like a glass of beer / Above the town." This simile is particularly striking, as it not only conveys the fullness and brightness of the moon but also ties it to the ongoing theme of leisure and social interaction. The moon, like a drink, is something to be savored, and its presence adds to the overall ambiance of the night. The mention of love "keeping her appointments" with the lines "Harry's here!" and "I'll be right down" indicates that this is a time for romantic meetings and connections, further emphasizing the active, engaged life happening outside.

However, the third stanza shifts the focus to a starkly different scene—the "pale stranger in the furnished room." This figure, lying on his back, is a boarder, someone who is temporarily staying in a rented room, disconnected from the life happening outside. The description of him as "pale" immediately suggests a sense of detachment or fading vitality, contrasting sharply with the liveliness of the social scene depicted earlier. The stranger is surrounded by the artificiality of "paper roses," which "bloom" on the walls or in the room’s decor, symbolizing a superficial or false sense of beauty and life. These paper roses, unlike real ones, are static and lifeless, much like the stranger’s existence in this room.

The final image of "ceilings crack" adds a sense of decay and impermanence to the scene. The cracks in the ceiling might suggest the passage of time, the deterioration of the room, and perhaps the boarder’s own sense of being worn down by life. This image contrasts with the fullness of the moon and the lively social interactions occurring outside, highlighting the boarder’s isolation and the fragile, deteriorating nature of his environment.

"The Boarder" by Louis Simpson captures the profound loneliness and alienation that can exist even within a bustling, lively community. While the town’s residents engage in social activities and romantic encounters, the boarder is physically close but emotionally and socially distant from these experiences. The poem’s use of contrasting imagery—between the warmth and vibrancy of the outdoor scene and the cold, static environment of the furnished room—emphasizes the theme of isolation. Through the boarder’s perspective, Simpson reveals the silent, often unnoticed suffering that can exist behind closed doors, contrasting the bright, communal life outside with the solitary, disconnected life within.

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