Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anthony Hecht's "Death the Mexican Revolutionary" employs a stark contrast between opulence and destitution to critique the disparity between the wealthy and the poor. The poem utilizes the setting of a luxurious dining experience to highlight the grotesque indifference of the privileged towards the suffering of the underprivileged.

The opening lines, "Wines of the great châteaux / Have been uncorked for you; / Come, take this terrace chair; / Examine the menu," immediately establish an atmosphere of affluence and leisure. The mention of "great châteaux" and the invitation to examine an elaborate menu suggest an exclusive and refined setting. This introduction sets the stage for the contrast that follows.

Hecht continues with, "The view from here is such / As cannot find a match, / For even as you dine / You're so placed as to watch / Starvation in our streets." Here, the juxtaposition of dining in luxury while observing starvation creates a jarring image. The poet emphasizes the stark divide between the diners' comfort and the dire circumstances of those outside. The phrase "cannot find a match" underscores the uniqueness of this horrific spectacle, one that juxtaposes extreme wealth with extreme poverty.

The subsequent lines, "That gives your canapé / A more exquisite taste / By contrast, like the play / Of shadow and of light," further explore this unsettling contrast. The reference to the canapé's "exquisite taste" being enhanced by the sight of starvation serves as a biting commentary on the insensitivity of the privileged. The comparison to "the play / Of shadow and of light" suggests that the suffering of the poor is merely a backdrop to the pleasures of the rich, highlighting their indifference.

Hecht critiques this indifference with, "The misery of the poor / Appears, as on TV, / Set off by the allure / And glamour of the ads." This comparison to television ads highlights how the suffering of the poor is often used to create a striking contrast that enhances the appeal of luxury. The poet suggests that this presentation of poverty is superficial, designed to evoke a certain response while maintaining a comfortable distance from the actual suffering.

The recommendation of the quail, "which you'd do well to eat / Before your powers fail," introduces the presence of death as a waiter or host, guiding the diner through this macabre experience. The poet's use of "powers fail" hints at the inevitable decline that all, regardless of wealth, will face. This line serves as a reminder of mortality, which the diners seem to disregard in their pursuit of pleasure.

The final lines, "For I inaugurate / A brand-new social order / Six cold, decisive feet / South of the border," reveal death's true identity as the Mexican Revolutionary. The "brand-new social order" refers to the equalizing power of death, which transcends social and economic divides. The phrase "six cold, decisive feet" alludes to the grave, the ultimate leveler, where all distinctions of class and wealth become irrelevant.

Hecht's poem is a powerful critique of social inequality and the callousness of the privileged towards the suffering of the poor. By placing death in the role of a revolutionary, the poet underscores the inevitability of mortality and the futility of wealth in the face of it. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the moral responsibility to acknowledge and address the suffering of others, rather than turning a blind eye while indulging in luxury.

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