Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mr. Wakefield on Interstate 90" by Donald Hall is a contemplative poem that explores the themes of escape, anonymity, and the search for meaning through the mundane. The protagonist, Mr. Wakefield, decides to abandon his previous life and embrace a new, unremarkable existence in a small town. The poem captures his yearning for a simpler life, free from the complexities and responsibilities that previously defined him.

The poem begins with Mr. Wakefield's declaration of intent: "Now I will abandon the route of my life / as my shadowy wives abandon me, taking my children." This line immediately sets a tone of abandonment and loss. Mr. Wakefield's decision to leave his life behind is likened to his wives abandoning him, suggesting a mutual disconnection and disillusionment. The phrase "shadowy wives" implies a sense of distance and ambiguity, as if his relationships were insubstantial or lacking in solidity.

Mr. Wakefield's plan to "stop somewhere" and "park in a summer street / where the days tick like metal in the stillness" evokes a sense of timelessness and quiet. He seeks a place where time seems to stand still, contrasting sharply with the fast-paced, tumultuous life he is leaving behind. His desire to rent a room over Bert’s Modern Barbershop or buy a brown bungalow reflects his longing for rootedness and stability in a specific, unremarkable locale.

As Mr. Wakefield envisions his new life, he details a series of ordinary activities and interactions: "I will work forty hours a week clerking at the paintstore. / On Fridays I will cash my paycheck at Six Rivers Bank, / and stop at Harvey’s Market and talk with Harvey." These activities symbolize a return to simplicity and predictability. By engaging in these everyday routines, he hopes to find solace and a sense of belonging within the community.

The poem highlights Mr. Wakefield's desire for connection through small-town rituals and social interactions. He plans to "speak to everyone" on Maple Street and "cheer for [his] neighbors’ sons" at basketball games. These actions signify his commitment to becoming an integral part of the community, where he will witness and participate in the life cycles of those around him. The stiffening of his fingers represents the inevitable aging process and the physical toll of time, which he accepts as part of his new, settled life.

Mr. Wakefield's resolution to "attend funerals regularly and weddings" and "chat with the mailman" underscores his intention to be present in both the joyous and sorrowful moments of his neighbors' lives. This immersion in the community's rhythms is his way of finding purpose and fulfillment in the ordinary. His reaction to the sudden death of the florist and the scandal involving the lawyer and the babysitter reflects his engagement with the local gossip and the shared experiences that bind the community together.

The poem concludes with Mr. Wakefield's commitment to participating in civic life and celebrating communal achievements: "I will vote Democratic. I will vote Republican. / I will applaud the valedictorian at graduation / and wish her well as she goes away to the university / and weep as she goes away." These lines capture his desire to be a part of the larger social fabric, experiencing the collective pride and sadness that come with communal milestones. His emotional response to the valedictorian's departure illustrates the depth of his integration into the community and his genuine care for its members.

Mr. Wakefield's final assertion, "I will live in a steady joy: / I will exult in the ecstasy of my concealment," encapsulates the paradoxical nature of his quest. By embracing anonymity and a nondescript life, he finds a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. The "ecstasy of my concealment" suggests that in hiding from his past and choosing a life of simplicity, he discovers a deeper, more meaningful existence.

"Mr. Wakefield on Interstate 90" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for connection, simplicity, and a sense of belonging. Donald Hall uses vivid imagery and thoughtful reflections to convey the protagonist's journey toward finding peace and purpose in the ordinary. The poem invites readers to consider the value of everyday interactions and the quiet joy that can be found in embracing the mundane aspects of life.

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