Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "Life of Joan Crawford" takes the reader through a dramatic and richly detailed narrative that is part myth, part satire, and part social critique. In weaving a tale that blends elements of melodrama with socio-political commentary, Field transforms the life story of Joan Crawford into a modern fable of ambition, tragedy, and redemption.

The poem opens with a glimpse into Joan Crawford’s humble beginnings, describing her as “a working girl from a small town” divided by a railroad track into two distinct social classes: “the right side” where the wealthy live, and “the wrong side,” known as “the Hollow,” where the working class struggle through “greasy and unrewarding lives.” This setting immediately establishes the socioeconomic divide that will shape Joan's journey.

Joan’s family is introduced as typical of those living in the Hollow. Her father, Tim Crawford, is “the town drunk,” perpetually waiting for the mines to reopen. Her mother’s fate remains shrouded in mystery, linked to a “time of violence no one would discuss.” Despite her disadvantaged background, Joan distinguishes herself with her ambition and appearance. She rejects life in the mills, opting instead for a “more ladylike job at the five-and-ten” where she can pose “genteelly behind the Tangee cosmetic display and the ribbon counter.”

Field deftly captures Joan's aspiration to transcend her circumstances, noting that “Joan had the makings of a lady / if she could ever get some dough to fix herself up with.” Her desire for upward mobility is palpable, and she avoids the advances of both the flashy men and the local boys, recognizing that neither path would lead to the life she envisions for herself.

The poem’s narrative takes a romantic turn when Joan catches the eye of John Wainrich, a member of the town’s elite family who owns the “five-and-dime, the shut mines, and the mill.” Despite his engagement to a debutante, John pursues Joan, and they embark on a clandestine affair that ultimately results in her pregnancy. However, John breaks her heart by revealing his intention to marry his fiancée, leaving Joan to cope alone.

After moving to the city, Joan secures a job as a secretary and gains the attention of her boss, Mr. Harris. Their relationship is mutually beneficial, and he helps her financially during her pregnancy. However, when John reappears, the tension escalates, and Joan flees to a dance hall where she works “six months pregnant, but with a brave smile.” Her resilience in this environment highlights her determination and adaptability.

The story reaches a tragic climax when Joan participates in a dance marathon to earn money but collapses due to the strain. She wakes in a hospital bed, her baby lost, and returns home to care for her father. The poem takes on a melodramatic tone, reminiscent of the classic Hollywood films in which Joan Crawford starred.

Two significant visitors follow Joan’s return to the Hollow. John’s wife, desperate and lonely, seeks Joan’s company and ultimately entrusts her with the care of her newborn son before dying. This act of compassion sets the stage for Joan’s eventual redemption. The second visitor, John’s father, Mr. Wainrich, reveals a long-buried secret: he was in love with Joan’s mother, but societal expectations kept them apart. In his confession, he acknowledges that Joan’s mother started a strike that ultimately led to her death and Tim Crawford’s descent into alcoholism.

In the end, Joan’s compassion and determination win out. She returns to the Wainrich estate to care for John’s child and eventually reconciles with John, securing her place in society as the “smartest little woman in the U.S.A.” The closing image of miners mingling with the elite at Joan’s party paints a picture of the “classless society” she has achieved through sheer willpower and ingenuity.

Structurally, the poem is a continuous narrative that unfolds like a Hollywood script, complete with dramatic twists and larger-than-life characters. Field’s choice of free verse allows for fluid storytelling, and his use of satire injects humor into the otherwise tragic tale. By blending melodrama with socio-political commentary, Field crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In summary, "Life of Joan Crawford" is a compelling exploration of ambition, class struggle, and the resilience of the human spirit. Edward Field masterfully blends myth and satire to create a narrative that reflects the complexities of social mobility and the pursuit of the American Dream. The poem’s richness lies in its ability to simultaneously entertain and critique, offering a nuanced portrayal of one woman’s rise from poverty to prominence.

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