Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton’s "Orthodox Waltz" captures the complexities and subtle power dynamics of courtship and romantic relationships. Through a rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor, the poem explores themes of gender roles, memory, and the artifice of social rituals.

The poem opens with a vivid image of "Courtship, the seamless mesh under taffeta havocs of hoopskirt," immediately setting the scene in a traditional, perhaps nostalgic, context. The "mesh" under the "hoopskirt" suggests a structured, almost constraining, foundation beneath the outward beauty and grace of courtship. The word "havocs" hints at the underlying chaos or disturbance masked by the smooth exterior.

Fulton uses the metaphor of "smoke hoops from his Lucky Strikes her words jumped through" to illustrate the interaction between the man and woman. The smoke rings, ephemeral and intangible, represent his endearments or flirtations, through which her words, and perhaps her efforts to communicate, must navigate. This dynamic introduces an element of performance and agility required on her part.

The traditional notion that "Women dancing had the harder part... because they must dance backward" reflects societal expectations of women in relationships and social settings. This idea is further emphasized by the physical closeness and intimacy described: "He kept his ear pressed like a safecracker's stethoscope against her head." This simile not only conveys the intimacy but also suggests an element of strategy or manipulation, as if he is trying to unlock something within her.

His "recombinant endearments tumbling toward a click" reinforces the notion of a calculated approach to winning her over. The use of "recombinant" implies a mix of repeated phrases or tactics, while "tumbling toward a click" suggests a moment of success or breakthrough, akin to opening a safe. This mechanical imagery contrasts with the organic, emotional nature of true intimacy, highlighting the artificiality of his approach.

The "lachrymose music, his clasp and lust-spiel" displacing her mother's proverbs suggests that the romanticized, emotionally charged environment of the dance is pushing aside her internalized wisdom and caution. The mother's proverbs, representing traditional wisdom and advice, are overshadowed by the immediate, sensory experience of the courtship.

The imagery of "girls gliding by on dollies" evokes a sense of artificiality and objectification. The women, compared to dolls, are seen as moving smoothly and effortlessly, yet this ease is a result of being manipulated or moved by an external force. This imagery aligns with the poem's exploration of the performative nature of courtship.

The poem culminates in the speaker’s reflection on her mother's words: "What had her mother said that sounded wise? Was it 'Women dancing must be agile as refugees with jewels tied to their thighs'?" This poignant metaphor compares women in courtship to refugees, emphasizing their need for agility, resourcefulness, and the hidden burdens they carry. The jewels tied to their thighs symbolize both their value and the hidden aspects of their identity and experiences that they must protect while navigating the dance of courtship.

"Orthodox Waltz" by Alice Fulton is a nuanced exploration of the social rituals and gender dynamics inherent in romantic courtship. Through rich imagery and metaphor, the poem reveals the performative and sometimes manipulative aspects of these interactions, while also highlighting the strength and resilience required of women within these traditional roles. Fulton's reflective and introspective tone invites readers to reconsider the seemingly graceful dance of courtship, uncovering the complexities beneath the surface.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Powers_of_Congress/-RgVMZEgQvsC?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=ORTHODOX#f=false

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