Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

David Wagoner?s “Epitaph for a Ladies? Man” is a compact, epigrammatic poem that wryly encapsulates the life and moral trajectory of its titular character. The poem’s brevity belies its depth, as it deftly employs irony, layered meanings, and a sharp tonal shift to critique the protagonist’s superficial pursuits and the ultimate futility of his lifestyle.

The opening line, “His life was dedicated to the proposition,” immediately invokes the language of solemn purpose or high ideals, parodying phrases like those found in historical oratory, such as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. This ironic framing suggests a mock grandeur, imbuing the subject’s actions with a faux dignity that the subsequent lines dismantle. The "proposition" remains ambiguous, though its implications become clear as the poem progresses—it is a life centered on the fleeting, self-serving pursuit of romantic conquests.

The next line, “Girls were his charity, and he gave till it hurt,” juxtaposes the idea of noble self-sacrifice with the shallow reality of the ladies? man’s exploits. The word “charity” is particularly biting, suggesting that the man viewed his attentions as gifts bestowed upon women, reinforcing a sense of self-importance and entitlement. The phrase “gave till it hurt” satirizes the trope of selfless generosity, flipping it into a commentary on the self-inflicted consequences of his lifestyle—emotional, physical, or otherwise.

The third line, “Whatever he did to himself was second nature,” shifts focus to the internal toll of his actions. Here, the phrase “second nature” implies that his behavior was habitual, reflexive, and deeply ingrained. Yet the line carries a double meaning, hinting at the self-destructive tendencies beneath the surface. By framing his actions as “second nature,” Wagoner suggests an underlying disconnection between the man’s superficial pursuits and his deeper, unacknowledged needs or consequences.

The poem’s final line delivers its sharpest critique: “First nature now is treating him like dirt.” The phrase “first nature” contrasts with “second nature,” implying a primal, unchangeable force—a reckoning from the natural order itself. The man’s superficiality and exploitation of relationships have resulted in his symbolic degradation, as nature (or fate) reclaims him without ceremony. The abrupt shift from his self-perceived importance to his current abasement underscores the poem’s moral thrust: the life he chose was unsustainable, and its rewards fleeting.

Structurally, the poem mirrors an epitaph, adhering to a concise and formal tone, fitting for an inscription meant to sum up a life. Yet its tone is subversive, blending the solemnity of an epitaph with the mockery of the subject’s empty pursuits. Each line builds on the irony of the preceding one, culminating in a grim, almost gleeful resolution that leaves little room for sympathy.

Thematically, “Epitaph for a Ladies? Man” explores the tension between appearance and consequence, particularly in the context of gender and relationships. The titular “ladies’ man” embodies a toxic archetype—one who objectifies women while priding himself on his charm and desirability. Yet Wagoner’s critique extends beyond the individual, implicating broader societal attitudes that enable and even glamorize such behavior. The poem’s moral is clear: superficial pursuits, devoid of genuine connection or self-awareness, lead inevitably to emptiness and degradation.

Wagoner’s economical use of language heightens the poem’s impact. Each word is carefully chosen to balance humor and critique, making the poem both an effective satire and a poignant reflection on human folly. The ironic detachment of the narrator reinforces the sense of inevitability, as if the protagonist’s downfall was not only predictable but well-deserved.

Ultimately, “Epitaph for a Ladies? Man” is a scathing and witty commentary on the cost of a life lived without depth or integrity. Through its sharp irony and compact form, it captures the fleeting nature of superficial pleasures and the enduring weight of consequences, offering a cautionary tale that lingers long after the final line.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...