Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson’s poem "Vandergast and the Girl" explores the themes of desire, infidelity, and the consequences of choices that disrupt the seemingly stable patterns of suburban life. Through the character of Vandergast, Simpson delves into the allure of temptation, the fleeting nature of passion, and the inevitable fallout that follows from giving in to such impulses.

The poem begins by introducing Vandergast in a way that highlights the mundane aspects of his life: the "grinding of a garage door" and the "hiss of gravel in the driveway" paint a picture of routine and predictability. Vandergast’s profession as an insurance worker is symbolically connected to the idea of security, represented by the "phoenix rising in flames"—a reminder of resilience and rebirth, yet also a hint at the fire that might consume his life.

From his desk, Vandergast observes the world outside, where life seems to carry on without much significance. The image of the girl arranging underwear on a female dummy in a shop window is both ordinary and charged with sexual undertones, particularly as she is associated with Venus, the goddess of love, "poised in her garter belt and stockings." This sight, combined with his subsequent encounters with her, sets the stage for the unraveling of his orderly life.

Their relationship begins innocuously enough—sharing lunches and casual conversations. The girl, who is ambitious and still unmarried at twenty-five, represents something exciting and new, a stark contrast to the routine and perhaps stagnant life Vandergast has been living. The description of her "green eyes with silver spiricles" and "red hair" suggests an almost mythic allure, making her seem otherworldly in Vandergast's eyes.

As their affair progresses, Vandergast reflects on the nature of what they are doing, questioning whether it was intended and whether it qualifies as an "affair" in the traditional sense. This questioning reflects the tension between societal definitions of infidelity and the personal, emotional reality he experiences. The poem contrasts the mundane objects around them—like the "Lactona toothbrush" and "Schrafft's Chocolate Cherries"—with the intense emotions and moments they share, highlighting how ordinary life can be imbued with extraordinary significance when viewed through the lens of desire.

However, the aftermath of the affair is anything but extraordinary. The Vandergasts' house, once a symbol of stability, is now empty and unwelcoming, with "unweeded tennis court" and "windows heavily shuttered." Vandergast’s wife has left with their children, and he has moved to New Jersey, where he continues working in insurance—this time under the emblem of the Rock of Gibraltar, a symbol of enduring stability that now contrasts sharply with the instability in his personal life. His future is reduced to child-support payments and alimony, the price of his momentary escape from the ordinary.

The girl, who once seemed so significant, has "vanished" without a trace, leaving Vandergast to wonder if the affair was worth the cost. The poem ends on a contemplative note, suggesting that Vandergast might still be haunted by the memories of the affair, particularly on "wet days" when "umbrellas and raincoats / set his heart thudding." The image of him talking to his pillow, which "whispers, / moving red hair," suggests that the memory of the girl continues to linger, even as he faces the reality of his current life.

In "Vandergast and the Girl," Simpson captures the complexities of human desire and the consequences of acting on it. The poem offers a nuanced portrayal of a man who, caught in the routines of suburban life, seeks something more but ultimately finds that his pursuit of passion leads to loss and regret. Through vivid imagery and a blend of humor and pathos, Simpson reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the often-painful repercussions of straying from the path of stability. The poem invites readers to consider the cost of following one's desires and the long-lasting impact such choices can have on an individual's life.

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