Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Dark Portrait," Lawrence Ferlinghetti creates a striking and enigmatic image of a woman whose restless spirit and unfulfilled desires define her existence. The poem blends elements of sensuality and melancholy to convey a portrait of longing and dissatisfaction.

Ferlinghetti begins with an intimate detail: "She always said it in such a way as if she wanted to sleep with you / or had just had / a most passionate / orgasm." This description immediately establishes a strong sense of sensuality and seduction. Her way of speaking implies both a promise and a fulfillment of desire. The repetition of "passionate" and "orgasm" underlines the intensity she projects.

The line "And she tutoyéd everyone" adds a layer of familiarity and intimacy, as "tutoyé" refers to the informal form of address in French. By addressing everyone in this way, she blurs the boundaries between herself and others, inviting a closeness that perhaps remains elusive.

Ferlinghetti deepens the portrait by comparing her to a literary character: "But she / was really like Nora in Nightwood." In Djuna Barnes's "Nightwood", Nora Flood is a passionate yet tragic figure, characterized by her unwavering devotion and unrequited love. By invoking Nora, Ferlinghetti suggests that the woman in his poem shares similar traits: "long-gaited and restless as a mare." This comparison to a "mare" emphasizes her wildness and unrestrained spirit, while the "long-gaited" description highlights her graceful yet untamed nature.

The woman "coursed the cafés / through revolving doors and nights / looking for the lover / who would never satisfy her." The image of "coursing" suggests a relentless search, as she moves through cafés and revolving doors, places of transient encounters and temporary connections. The "lover / who would never satisfy her" reflects her insatiable longing, suggesting that no relationship or encounter could fulfill her desires.

The final lines convey the inevitable passage of time: "And when she grew old / slept among horses." The image of her "sleeping among horses" suggests that in old age, she found solace in the company of animals, perhaps finding a sense of freedom and companionship that she couldn't achieve with humans. Horses symbolize the wild, untamed spirit she embodies, and "sleeping among" them implies a return to her natural state.

Structurally, the poem is concise and evocative, with each line adding a layer to the complex portrait. Ferlinghetti's choice of language and imagery captures the woman's sensuality, restlessness, and ultimate melancholy, while his references to literature and nature enrich the symbolism.

Overall, "Dark Portrait" is a compelling character sketch that explores themes of desire, dissatisfaction, and the search for fulfillment. Ferlinghetti's portrayal of the woman's untamed spirit and her restless search for love and satisfaction invites readers to reflect on the nature of longing and the elusive pursuit of happiness. The poem stands as a testament to Ferlinghetti's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and create vivid, enduring images through his lyrical language.

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