Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Arthur's Party" by Carolyn Kizer captures the essence of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the collision of personal history with the present. The poem opens with a sense of apprehension as the speaker approaches Arthur's vernissage, which translates to a private viewing of an art exhibition. The speaker is wary, perhaps because she knows Arthur's artistic style well, characterized by "bellicose neon rainbows" that now adorn the white walls of an old garage. This setting immediately places the reader in a scene that is both intimate and familiar yet tinged with a sense of disquiet.

The poem's form is structured in tercets, each stanza consisting of three lines. This regular structure contrasts with the vibrant and somewhat chaotic imagery described within the stanzas. The choice of words like "persiflage" and "bandinage" not only enrich the poem with their playful sounds but also connect the present moment to memories of the speaker's mother. These words, favorites of the mother, were often used in the context of their shared experiences at various vernissages in the Village. The use of such sophisticated vocabulary amidst the casual setting of a garage highlights the juxtaposition of intellectual engagement with mundane environments.

Kizer's use of repetition, particularly of the word "persiflage," serves as both a link to the past and a marker of the speaker's current state of mind. The repetition acts almost as a refrain, weaving through the poem and providing a rhythm that mimics the flow of memories and the persistence of certain themes and phrases in the speaker's life. The mother's influence is palpable, and her presence is evoked through these linguistic choices, suggesting that the act of remembering and the act of creation are deeply intertwined.

The garage, a central motif in the poem, is a space of transformation. It is where the speaker and her mother engaged in creative activities, such as sewing togas and putting on plays, and where Arthur now displays his art. The garage serves as a metaphor for a place of beginnings and ends, of childhood play and adult endeavors. It is a space that has witnessed the speaker's evolution and the persistence of certain patterns, such as the staging of "Hamlet" with "a stageful of limp doll's bodies," a darkly humorous image that captures the innocence and morbidity of childhood imagination.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from nostalgic to somewhat cynical. The speaker notes the vulgarity of the conversations ("bandinage grows more vulgar, more blurry the persiflage") and the garishness of the art ("color strangles color - rude, avenging rainbows"). Despite this, there is an undercurrent of affection and hope, as evidenced by the speaker's encouragement to Arthur to "be patient." This line, though followed by a parenthetical "Ha!," suggests a complex mix of skepticism and genuine support.

The poem concludes with a poignant recollection of the mother's intuitive understanding of Arthur's potential ("My mother / Fingered you young, as we played in our garage"). This final image encapsulates the themes of the poem: the intertwining of past and present, the lasting impact of maternal wisdom, and the sense of continuity amidst change. The mother's presence, though physically absent, looms large in the memories and interactions described, indicating how the past continually shapes the present.

In "Arthur's Party," Carolyn Kizer masterfully blends humor, nostalgia, and critique to explore themes of memory, creativity, and the passage of time. The poem's structure, rich vocabulary, and vivid imagery create a tapestry of personal history and present realities, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of change and continuity.