Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mrs. Small" by Gwendolyn Brooks is a richly textured poem that delves into the domestic life of its titular character, capturing a moment of comic yet poignant misstep within the mundane routine of her day. Through the repetitive and rhythmic juxtaposition of "Pocketbook. Pot. / Pot. Pocketbook," Brooks crafts a narrative that oscillates between the ordinary and the absurd, revealing deeper themes of social expectation, personal identity, and the delicate balance of domestic roles.

The poem opens with Mrs. Small's simple act of fetching her pocketbook but returning instead with a coffee pot, a mix-up that sets the tone for a narrative filled with human error and the pressures of social propriety. The "peculiar look" on Mrs. Small's face upon her return hints at her awareness of something amiss, foreshadowing the ensuing awkwardness.

The presence of the "insurance man" in the living room, "With superb and cared-for hair," immediately introduces an element of external judgment and expectation. His impeccably maintained appearance contrasts sharply with Mrs. Small's frazzled state, marked by her "half-open mouth and the half-mad eyes / And the smile half-human." This juxtaposition underscores the poem's exploration of the pressures women face to maintain composure and perfection in the eyes of others, even within their own homes.

The central incident of the poem—the accidental spilling of coffee on the insurance man's pristine white shirt—serves as a climax that disrupts the veneer of domestic tranquility. This moment of mishap, "Unforgivable no matter how much she had to bake," highlights the unforgiving nature of social expectations and the disproportionate weight of small errors in the grand scheme of one's daily life.

Brooks's repetition of "Pocketbook. Pot. / Pot. Pocketbook." throughout the poem serves as a refrain that emphasizes the cyclical nature of domestic tasks and the easy slippage between intention and action under the gaze of societal norms. This motif, coupled with the rhythm of the poem, mirrors the repetitive and often overlooked labor inherent in maintaining a household and the identity crises that can emerge from such relentless routines.

The reaction of Jim Small, Mrs. Small's husband, to her coffee—"The very best coffee in town is what you make, Delphine! There is none dandier!"—introduces a complex layer of domestic expectation and approval. His compliment, set against the backdrop of the incident, reflects the tension between the private appreciation of domestic labor and the public mishaps that can overshadow such efforts.

"Mrs. Small" is a nuanced portrayal of domestic life that balances humor with a critical examination of the roles and expectations assigned to women. Through the character of Mrs. Small, Brooks offers insight into the everyday challenges of navigating personal identity amidst societal pressures, highlighting the dignity and resilience required to manage the "unforgivable" mistakes of daily life.

POEM TEXT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kWFjtn4TWZg1cSXYtENam9hrxI9l9kCvqrh6PQu3Yd8/edit