Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's "A Long Line of Doctors" presents a vivid tableau of a woman, deeply engrossed in Voltaire, who serves as a juror in a trial involving a dentist. The poem deftly explores themes of judgment, societal roles, and the intersection of personal biases with civic duty.

The narrative begins with the mother, absorbed in reading Voltaire’s extensive works while performing her civic duty. This sets a tone of intellectual engagement juxtaposed with the mundanity of jury duty. The poet quickly reveals the mother's pre-formed opinion of the dentist, suggesting a deep-seated prejudice that reflects her "stiff physicians" lineage. This bias against the dentist, viewed as a lower-class professional, becomes a central theme.

As the "little, furtive dentist" takes the stand, the mother’s disdain is palpable. The poem paints him as nervous and insignificant, already condemned in her eyes. This prejudice is rooted in her family's medical background, implying that dentists, who "advertise" and "wield pliers," are seen as inferior to "respectable" doctors. The dentist’s advertisement practices further demote him in her esteem, contrasting sharply with the noble image of her ancestors.

Kizer's portrayal of the dentist as a flawed, human figure adds depth to the poem. His misconduct, specifically his unprofessional relationship with his receptionist, and his negligence in handling patients, culminate in a scene where he inadvertently drills through a patient’s tongue. This gruesome image not only cements his guilt in the mother's mind but also serves as a metaphor for his professional and moral failings.

The climax of the poem occurs during the jury's deliberation. The mother, with her forceful personality and moral certainty, leads the jury to a unanimous guilty verdict. Her influence is so powerful that the judge's actions seem almost redundant. The metaphor of the mother as a "Mrs. Nemesis" underscores her role as an unyielding arbiter of justice, a figure who exacts retribution without mercy.

In the poem’s denouement, the mother’s departure from the courtroom is depicted with a sense of triumph. She exits with Voltaire in her reticule, symbolizing the blending of her intellectual pursuits with her moral authority. The dentist, left behind, is a pitiable figure, bound to his fate by the mother's unyielding judgment.

Kizer concludes with a reflection on the nature of authority and judgment. The mother's decisive action mirrors the actions of a deity, one who creates and cures diseases, and imposes strict moral codes. This analogy extends to Voltaire, whose writings often criticized the established order and championed reason over superstition, suggesting that the mother’s judgment is both rational and authoritative.

Overall, "A Long Line of Doctors" is a compelling exploration of prejudice, justice, and the human propensity to judge. Kizer's rich imagery and character development create a nuanced narrative that challenges readers to reflect on their own biases and the nature of authority. Through the mother’s character, the poem interrogates the boundaries between professional respectability and moral righteousness, leaving a lasting impact on the reader’s perception of justice.