Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Duhamel’s poem "Boy" dives into the emotionally charged interaction between the speaker and her old boyfriend’s new boyfriend, capturing the complex feelings of jealousy, resentment, and unexpected connection. The poem is set on a busy street, but the true drama unfolds in the psychological landscape of the speaker, revealing her inner turmoil and sharp wit in response to a seemingly casual encounter.

The poem begins with the speaker running into her old boyfriend's new partner, which immediately sets a tense tone. The dramatic internal reaction of searching for something sharp "so I can stab him" hyperbolically expresses the speaker's intense emotional response to the meeting. This visceral reaction underscores the depth of unresolved feelings about her past relationship and the discomfort with the present confrontation.

As the new boyfriend talks, he reveals his own struggles with their mutual acquaintance, describing him as "impossible." His complaints mirror the speaker's experiences, yet his mannerisms and language—"calling me 'hun,' twirling the fringe on my scarf"—increase her irritation, emphasizing the social and perhaps emotional gap between them. This unwanted familiarity and trivialization of her feelings exacerbate the speaker’s resentment.

The use of derogatory terms that the speaker wants to hurl at him, like "queer boy" and "faggot," reflects her struggle with anger and bitterness. These slurs reveal the speaker’s impulse to hurt him as she feels hurt, showcasing a raw and unfiltered side of jealousy. However, the fact that these words remain unspoken suggests a restraint shaped either by social decorum or an internal conflict about expressing such harshness.

The turning point of the poem arrives in the conclusion when the new boyfriend smiles—a smile that is described as "goofy" and one that the old boyfriend used to mock. In this moment, the speaker recognizes a piece of herself in him, an unexpected commonality that shifts the dynamic of the interaction. This recognition is poignant as it highlights a shared vulnerability between them, both subject to the old boyfriend’s judgment.

"Boy, is this guy in for trouble," the final line, delivers a mix of sympathy and schadenfreude. It reflects the speaker’s realization that the new boyfriend will likely endure similar challenges that she did, suggesting a cyclical pattern in their old boyfriend’s relationships. This line serves as both a warning and a wry acknowledgment of their shared predicament.

Overall, "Boy" skillfully uses a brief encounter to explore themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships. Through sharp dialogue and vivid internal monologue, Duhamel crafts a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant, leaving the reader to ponder the intricate connections and disconnections that define our interactions with others.

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