Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Route Two," Howard Nemerov uses the simple imagery of a roadside sign to deliver a sharp critique of consumer culture and the paradoxes inherent in capitalist ideology. Through a brief yet incisive observation, the poem explores themes of economic contradiction, environmental degradation, and the absurdity of modern marketing strategies.

The poem opens with the poet's casual observation: "Along Route Two I saw a sign / Standing out in a swamp." This image sets the scene, placing the sign in an incongruous setting—a swamp. The swamp, often associated with stagnation and decay, contrasts sharply with the sign's message, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of the message itself.

The sign reads: "Save While You Spend." This line epitomizes the contradictory nature of consumer culture, where the act of spending is paradoxically framed as a means of saving. The phrase captures the essence of marketing strategies that encourage continuous consumption under the guise of financial prudence. Nemerov's use of the word "epitomize" indicates that this slogan encapsulates a broader societal trend, reflecting the ambition of Free Enterprise to stimulate spending while promising savings.

By situating the sign "Across the swamp and to the road," Nemerov underscores the disconnect between the idealized message and the reality of its setting. The swamp symbolizes the murky and often deceptive nature of such commercial promises. The juxtaposition of the sign's message with its environment invites readers to question the validity and practicality of the advertised logic.

Nemerov further elaborates on the absurdity of the message with the lines: "As if one saw / A way to beat the Second Law / By pouring money down the drain / As long as it was one's own drain." The "Second Law" refers to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that entropy, or disorder, in a closed system will always increase over time. By invoking this scientific principle, Nemerov suggests that the idea of "saving while spending" is akin to trying to defy natural laws—an impossible and illogical endeavor.

The metaphor of "pouring money down the drain" highlights the wastefulness and futility of the consumer mindset promoted by such slogans. The addition of "as long as it was one's own drain" adds a layer of irony, suggesting that people are willing to accept this wastefulness as long as it feels like they have control over it. This reflects the individualistic nature of consumer culture, where personal financial decisions are framed as empowering, even when they may be detrimental.

"Route Two" by Howard Nemerov is a concise yet powerful critique of the contradictions and absurdities inherent in capitalist consumer culture. Through the imagery of a roadside sign in a swamp and the clever use of metaphor, Nemerov exposes the illogical nature of marketing strategies that promote spending as a form of saving. The poem invites readers to reflect on the deeper implications of such messages and to question the true value and impact of the consumerist mindset.

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