Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"What Have You Taught Me, Robert Lowell," by Richard Lourie is a reflective poem that pays homage to the influential American poet Robert Lowell, exploring the poet's impact on the speaker and the intersections of cultural and linguistic identity. The poem intertwines personal narrative with broader cultural reflections, capturing the complexities of assimilation, heritage, and the pursuit of art.

The poem begins with a mundane yet poignant observation: the death of Robert Lowell is mentioned briefly on the news, "between the ball scores and the weather." This juxtaposition of everyday trivialities with the significant event of Lowell's passing underscores the fleeting nature of public memory and the often understated recognition of cultural figures. The phrase "memento mod on Channel Five" suggests a reminder of mortality, delivered with the casual tone typical of television news.

The speaker notes the rainy weather in Boston on the day of Lowell's death, which coincides with "the first day of the New Year of the Jews," hinting at a new beginning even as it marks an ending. This temporal coincidence introduces the theme of cultural identity, as the speaker reflects on his Jewish heritage, contrasting it with Lowell's distinctly American and academic background. The reference to "my Jews, of whom I was the first son to speak that language which was always yours" suggests a sense of distance and difference between the speaker's cultural roots and the literary world Lowell inhabited.

The poem delves into the complexities of language and cultural assimilation, particularly the speaker's struggle to master "perfect English" and the "Harvardian Back Bay Virginia drawl" associated with Lowell. This linguistic aspiration reflects a desire for acceptance and legitimacy within a certain cultural milieu, perhaps one that is perceived as more refined or prestigious. The mention of "Pilgrim wives and studies of The Faerie Queen" further underscores the speaker's perception of an elite, WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) heritage that contrasts with his own background.

The speaker acknowledges the heritage of "Russian Jews, the steerage Jews, the Chelsea Jews," highlighting a lineage marked by a blend of "piety and greed" that fueled ambition and the pursuit of a better life. This ambition includes the longing to speak "perfect English," a symbol of assimilation and success in America. The speaker's apparent "O.D.’ed" on this ambition suggests an overindulgence or obsession with achieving this ideal, possibly at the expense of his own cultural authenticity or familial connections.

A pivotal moment in the poem occurs when the speaker recalls informing his father of his decision to "forsake pharmacy for poetry." This decision represents a break from the practical, security-oriented values often associated with immigrant families, in favor of the uncertain and intangible pursuit of art. The phrase "something broke" signifies a fundamental rupture in their relationship, as the choice of poetry over pharmacy symbolizes a rejection of the pragmatic path in favor of a more idealistic one. The ensuing "argument" that continues for years without true communication highlights the language barrier—not just linguistic, but also cultural and generational—that alienates them from each other.

Through this narrative, Lourie reflects on the profound influence of Robert Lowell, not just as a poet but as a symbol of a particular cultural and literary world. The poem captures the tension between the speaker's inherited cultural identity and his aspirations within the broader American cultural landscape. In contemplating what Lowell has taught him, the speaker navigates the complex terrain of language, identity, and the pursuit of personal authenticity, acknowledging the costs and challenges of these endeavors.

"What Have You Taught Me, Robert Lowell" is a poignant meditation on the intersections of personal and cultural identity, the burdens of heritage, and the transformative power of poetry. It explores the legacies of literary figures and the ways in which they shape the aspirations and struggles of those who follow in their footsteps, all while grappling with their own unique cultural backgrounds.

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