Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Kevin Young's poem "Jack Johnson: The Crown" serves as an exploration of Jack Johnson's fight against James J. Jeffries, a battle often referred to as the "Fight of the Century." Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion, faced Jeffries, the "Great White Hope," in a contest that was as much about race and social justice as it was about sport. Young employs historical context, unconventional structure, and a keen thematic focus to delve into this momentous event.

From the outset, Jeffries is likened to a "whale," an image that evokes not just his size but also the Biblical undertones of a leviathan-like figure emerging to take on Johnson. This imagery paints Jeffries as a mythic opponent who "emerged" to challenge Johnson's position. In stating that Jeffries "spouted steam," Young suggests a dual meaning: Jeffries's exertions to prepare for the match, and the heated racial rhetoric that was often a part of these high-profile fights.

Jeffries's claim that "negroes have a soft spot / in our bellies that only needs / finding" echoes the racial stereotypes of his time. In refusing a "pre-fight shake," he does more than ignore sportsmanship; he also denies Johnson's humanity and equality. Young juxtaposes this moment with Johnson's encounter with Rasputin, a man who was considered invincible but was "grand but finished." The comparison serves as a foreshadowing of Jeffries's own downfall and a comment on the fragility of myths and reputations.

The structure of the poem is notably free-form. It lacks a conventional rhyme scheme, echoing the earlier poem "Jack Johnson: The Upset." The absence of rhyme and the fluidity of lines give an improvisational feel, much like a boxing match, and mirror Johnson's own refusal to be confined by societal norms.

Thematically, the poem deals with the deeply racial implications of Johnson's life and career. In a world that expected him to be the underdog, Johnson's victories were more than sporting achievements; they were triumphs against a racist social order. Jeffries, built up as the "Great White Hope," was not just a contender but a manifestation of white America's desire to put Johnson, and by extension all black people, "in their place."

Young's poem goes beyond a mere recounting of a historical event; it is an exploration of the symbolism that the fight held for America. Johnson's eyes are "clear," a reflection of his clarity of purpose and his understanding of the broader social stakes. By looking at the fight as not just a clash of fists but a collision of social narratives and racial ideologies, Young creates a poem that serves as an insightful critique of American society during that era, revealing how far we've come and how far we still have to go.

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