Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Plight of the Troubadour" by Billy Collins humorously and poignantly explores themes of communication, cultural differences, and the fleeting nature of artistic expression. Set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, the poem captures the frustration of a troubadour—a medieval lyric poet singing of love and chivalry—whose efforts to woo a woman with his songs are thwarted by a language barrier.

The poem opens with the troubadour's realization that his serenades in langue d'oc, the language of southern France, are lost on a woman who understands only langue d'oïl, a dialect from northern France. This detail not only sets the scene in a historically rich context but also underscores the challenges of communicating across linguistic and cultural divides. The reference to "an odd Picard dialect" further amplifies the specificity of the barrier between them, highlighting the diversity of linguistic expression within what might superficially appear to be a homogeneous culture.

Collins employs the metaphor of sentiments "tangled like kites in the branches of her incomprehension" to vividly illustrate the troubadour's emotional entanglement and frustration. This imagery suggests the complexity and beauty of his feelings, now ensnared and unable to reach their intended recipient. The troubadour's fear of being "lost in an anthology" speaks to the anxiety over the impermanence of art and the artist's place in history. The mention of poets no longer wearing hats like his symbolizes the inevitable evolution of cultural and artistic norms, underscoring the transient nature of identity and style.

The poem also touches on the broader theme of the decline of the troubadour tradition and the cultural shift away from the chivalric values and poetic forms of Provence. The lament that Provence will become "nothing more than a pink hue on a map or an answer on a test" reflects a melancholic awareness of the fading relevance of this rich cultural heritage in the face of time and changing societal priorities.

Despite the troubadour's disappointment and the breakdown in communication, the woman's smile and "feigned...look of sisterly understanding" suggest an attempt at connection despite the barriers between them. This gesture, though rooted in misunderstanding, hints at the universal desire for empathy and the possibility of finding common ground even in the absence of shared language.

Through "Plight of the Troubadour," Collins wittily navigates the complexities of artistic expression, cultural identity, and the universal quest for understanding and connection. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring power of poetry and music to evoke emotion and foster human connections, even as languages and traditions evolve and fade into history.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Sailing_Alone_Around_the_Room/_uxrn_B6nQIC?q=I+WILL+NOW+STEP&gbpv=1&bsq=WALKING%20ACROSS#f=false

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