Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Nabokov's Blues," William Matthews delves into a reflective meditation on the intersection of literature, nature, and the intensity of sensory and intellectual pleasure. The poem centers on a visit to an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Vladimir Nabokov, known not only for his literary genius but also for his passion for lepidoptery, the study of butterflies. Matthews navigates this unique blend of art and science with a rich and thoughtful narrative that explores themes of beauty, desire, and the pursuit of understanding.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the exhibition, where passages from Nabokov's work are displayed alongside the butterfly specimens that inspired them. Matthews captures the allure of this display, noting that it was "too good / a temptation to resist." The juxtaposition of Nabokov's "prose dipped and shimmered" with the "flies" pinned on the wall brings to life the delicate balance between the literary and the scientific. The butterflies, referred to as "flies" by an enthusiast, are described as standing "at lurid attention on their pins," a striking image that conveys both their beauty and their stillness in death.

Matthews finds particular fascination in a photograph of Nabokov writing at his stand-up desk in Montreux. The image is significant for several reasons: it captures Nabokov's left-handedness, a detail the speaker had never known, and it shows the writer deeply absorbed in his work, indifferent to the world outside his pages. This portrayal emphasizes Nabokov's dedication to his craft, a theme that resonates throughout the poem. The "tiny lamp" casting light over the page symbolizes the focused illumination of creative endeavor, while the shut window suggests an isolation from external distractions.

The poem also explores the more whimsical aspects of the exhibition, particularly the drawer labeled "Genitalia," containing specimens Nabokov studied for his monograph on the Lycaenidae, a family of butterflies. This detail, along with the long list of butterfly species—Amanda's Blue, the Karner Blue, the Mourning Cloak, and many others—celebrates Nabokov's meticulous attention to detail and his dual identity as both a writer and a scientist.

Matthews captures the tension between love and art, exploring how the pursuit of either can lead to profound emotional experiences. He reflects on the bittersweet nature of desire, which "burns bluely at its phosphorescent core," a metaphor that suggests an intense, almost otherworldly longing. The poem conveys the idea that the more one attains what one desires, the more one craves it, leading to an insatiable cycle of wanting.

The speaker's experience in the exhibition space is contrasted with the mundane reality of navigating "cars / and slush and boot-high berms of mud-blurred snow" outside. This shift from the immersive world of Nabokov's butterflies and prose to the gritty urban environment highlights the stark difference between the idealized beauty of art and nature and the often harsh realities of everyday life. Matthews suggests that even amidst these less-than-ideal conditions, the appreciation for detail—whether in literature, nature, or daily experiences—offers a deep and meaningful connection to the world.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the power of perception and the "sweet ache" of desire. Matthews suggests that both love and art can "ruin" or "improve" a person, depending on their engagement with the details and nuances of life. The comparison of desire to a "bead after bead on perception’s rosary" evokes a sense of reverence for the act of noticing and appreciating the intricate details of the world. This attentive engagement is described as a source of profound joy and pain, as it heightens the experience of both fulfillment and yearning.

"Nabokov's Blues" is a richly layered poem that explores the intersections of art, science, and the human experience. Matthews eloquently captures the essence of Nabokov's work and passions, while also reflecting on broader themes of beauty, desire, and the complexity of perception. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful introspection, the poem invites readers to consider the profound impact that close attention to detail can have on one's understanding and appreciation of the world.

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