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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

RAREFIED; THE SWEATER IS MADE FROM ONLY THE FINEST SOFTEST UNDERHAIRS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Albert Goldbarth's poem "Rarefied; The Sweater Is Made From Only the Finest Softest Underhairs" juxtaposes notions of luxury, everyday heroism, and the complexities of human relationships. The poem weaves together disparate elements—fine clothing, dietary excess, Roman decadence, and personal memories—into a rich tapestry that explores what it means to be rarefied, both in material and in spirit.

The poem opens with a focus on a luxurious item: a sweater made from the finest, softest underhairs of the Mongolian camel. This immediately sets up a contrast between the opulence of the sweater and the simpler, more utilitarian items owned by the speaker’s father. The father's "snazziest sweater" is a "declassé synthetic from the sweatshops of Taiwan," highlighting a dichotomy between the rarefied and the commonplace. This distinction is further emphasized by the attitudes of Deloris, who appreciates luxury, and the father, who values practicality.

Goldbarth transitions to broader definitions of rarefied through various cultural references. For Helthi Hart, the diet guru, rarefied is "a cup of clear organic cauliflower broth," while for Emperor Excessia, it is a decadent dessert made from "swans’ tongues." These examples illustrate the subjective nature of luxury and refinement, contrasting the minimalist with the excessively extravagant.

The poem's narrative then shifts to a poignant personal memory involving the speaker's father. The father’s "worn-thin Bargain City 'all-weather' jacket" becomes a symbol of his character. In a moment of crisis, the father uses his jacket to protect his daughter, Livia, from a dog, demonstrating his bravery and compassion. This act of heroism, performed with a simple, practical jacket, stands in stark contrast to the rarefied luxury of the camel hair sweater. The father’s jacket, "like him, / every day of his life," represents utilitarian goodness and the capacity to "do what was needed."

The poem also reflects on the concept of rarefied in relationships and human experiences. The speaker misreads "migraine" as "margarine," playing with the idea of what is considered refined or common. The divorce of Frank and Deloris, who seemed "unearthly," underscores the fragility and reality of human connections, even those that appear rarefied and ethereal.

Goldbarth concludes with a dream-like scenario where the luxurious sweater is released into the wild, only to return battered and unfit for survival. This allegory parallels the treatment of those who are out of place in harsh environments, whether material or emotional. The father's response—to take the sweater in, wrap it in flannel, and care for it—reinforces his inherent kindness and practical compassion. His willingness to "give you the cheap shirt off his back" encapsulates the poem's central theme: true value and refinement lie not in material luxury, but in acts of kindness and selflessness.

"Rarefied; The Sweater Is Made From Only the Finest Softest Underhairs" by Albert Goldbarth masterfully interweaves themes of luxury, practicality, and human connection. Through its vivid imagery and thoughtful juxtapositions, the poem invites readers to reconsider what it means to be truly refined, suggesting that the most meaningful qualities are often found in the simplest, most selfless acts. Goldbarth's work celebrates the quiet heroism of everyday life, contrasting it with the fleeting allure of material opulence.


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