Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Memories of West Street and Lepke" by Robert Lowell is a reflective and poignant poem that captures the juxtaposition of Lowell's tranquil life in the 1950s with his past experiences, particularly his time in West Street Jail. The poem is characterized by its introspective tone and rich, descriptive imagery, providing a vivid portrayal of both his domestic life and the stark reality of imprisonment.

The poem opens with a depiction of Lowell's current life, characterized by mundane and peaceful activities: "Only teaching on Tuesdays, book-worming / in pajamas fresh from the washer each morning." This routine contrasts with the vibrant and turbulent past that Lowell reflects upon. He describes his home on "Marlborough Street," a serene location, yet ironically refers to it as "hardly passionate," highlighting a sense of complacency or lack of intensity in his present existence. The mention of "the man / scavenging filth in the back alley trash cans" who is "a young Republican" underscores the contrast between appearances and reality, suggesting a critique of societal norms and expectations.

Lowell acknowledges his role as a father, noting his "nine months' daughter, / young enough to be my granddaughter." This line reflects the passage of time and perhaps a sense of belated fulfillment in his personal life. The description of his daughter as "rising in her flame-flamingo infants' wear" evokes a bright and innocent image, contrasting with the darker themes that follow.

The poem then transitions to the past, specifically the 1950s, described as "the tranquilized Fifties." Lowell reflects on his youthful activism as a "fire-breathing Catholic C.O.," a conscientious objector during World War II. He recalls making his "manic statement" by challenging the state and president, an act that led to his imprisonment. The juxtaposition of his fervent past with his tranquil present raises questions about the consequences and effectiveness of youthful rebellion.

In recounting his time in West Street Jail, Lowell provides vivid descriptions of his fellow inmates and the environment. He recalls walking on the roof, where he could see the Hudson River "through sooty clothesline entanglements / and bleaching khaki tenements." The image of the river seen through these obstructions symbolizes a fleeting glimpse of freedom amidst confinement. His conversations with Abramowitz, a fellow pacifist and vegetarian, illustrate the diversity of individuals in the jail and their varying convictions. Abramowitz's attempts to convert Hollywood figures Bioff and Brown to his diet, which results in violence, highlight the harsh realities and clashes of ideology within the prison environment.

The poem also introduces the figure of "Murder Incorporated's Czar Lepke," a notorious gangster who appears as a subdued and diminished figure in prison. Lowell's description of Lepke as "flabby, bald, lobotomized" captures the physical and psychological decline of a once-powerful man. The mention of his "little segregated cell full / of things forbidden to the common man" emphasizes the remnants of his former status, even in incarceration. Lepke's calm demeanor, contrasted with the anticipation of his execution, underscores the inevitability and acceptance of his fate.

The poem concludes with a poignant reflection on Lepke's detachment: "where no agonizing reappraisal / jarred his concentration on the electric chair / hanging like an oasis in his air / of lost connections." This image conveys a sense of finality and disconnection from the world, as Lepke awaits his execution with a resigned calm.

"Memories of West Street and Lepke" is a powerful exploration of the contrasts between Lowell's peaceful present and the tumultuous past, particularly his experiences with activism and imprisonment. Through rich imagery and introspective reflection, Lowell examines themes of societal conformity, personal identity, and the passage of time. The poem's portrayal of the inmates, including the once-notorious Lepke, offers a nuanced perspective on the consequences of actions and the complexity of human experience.

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