Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Merchantmen" by John Davidson is a dialogue poem that explores the transience of life and the fruitlessness of materialistic pursuits. The poem captures a confrontation between the Markethaunters (representing consumers or society) and the Merchantman (representing the world of material and sensual goods).

Provenance and Context

John Davidson, a prominent Scottish poet of the late Victorian era, is known for his exploration of philosophical themes and social commentary. His work often intertwines the mundane with the profound. "Merchantmen," as is typical of Davidson's work, deals with the complexities of human nature and societal values.

Theme Analysis

The central themes of the poem are materialism, consumerism, mortality, and the nature of human desires.

Materialism and consumerism are portrayed in the relentless demands of the Markethaunters who continually ask the Merchantman for what they can buy. Despite being presented with precious jewels, fragrant wines, and enchanting music, they reject them all in favor of more practical, mundane goods like coal and raisins. This reflects a narrow vision of value, based on utilitarian needs and immediate gratification, and a disregard for aesthetic or spiritual pleasures.

Mortality is another prominent theme, underscored by the repeated line, "our money is hot," suggesting the fleeting nature of life and the urgency to use their money before it's too late. This sense of impending death heightens their need to consume.

Finally, the nature of human desires is explored. The Markethaunters' incessant quest for things to buy reveals an insatiable appetite for consumption and an inability to appreciate the true value of the items the Merchantman offers. This highlights the emptiness and dissatisfaction inherent in materialistic pursuits.

Poetic Devices

Davidson employs various poetic devices to enhance the themes and mood of the poem.

The poem is structured as a dialogue, allowing for a back-and-forth exchange that gives a sense of the dynamic tension between the Markethaunters and the Merchantman.

Davidson uses repetition ("buy, buy, buy"; "our money is hot") to create a sense of urgency and to emphasize the compulsive nature of consumerism.

Imagery and metaphor are used extensively to convey the offerings of the Merchantman, which go beyond the physical to symbolize deeper, metaphysical aspects of life.

The poem also uses contrast effectively, juxtaposing the precious items offered by the Merchantman with the mundane demands of the Markethaunters. This emphasizes the gulf between material and spiritual values.

Conclusion

"Merchantmen" is a poignant critique of consumerism and materialism, underscored by the realization of mortality. Through his rich use of imagery, dialogue, and metaphor, John Davidson conveys the emptiness of material pursuits and the failure to appreciate life's profound and transcendent aspects. The poem invites readers to reflect on the true value of things and the fleeting nature of life, questioning our own attitudes towards consumption and fulfillment.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...