Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louis Simpson's poem "Why Don't You Get Transferred, Dad?" captures the mundane yet deeply symbolic conversations of a typical American family. Through their discussions about relocation, the poem explores themes of contentment, aspiration, and the elusive nature of happiness, set against the backdrop of the American Dream and the cultural reference of *The Wizard of Oz*.

The poem begins with a scene of everyday life: Jimmy, a teenager, is learning to drive, which is a rite of passage in American culture but also a source of anxiety for his mother. This anxiety reflects a broader concern with safety and the unknown, setting the tone for the poem's exploration of the family’s attitudes toward change and stability.

The mention of Darlene visiting her friend Marion, whose father is being transferred to Houston, introduces the central topic of the poem: the idea of moving and starting over in a new place. Darlene’s casual suggestion to her father, "Why don't you get transferred, Dad?" reflects a child’s simple understanding of change as a solution to dissatisfaction, without fully grasping the complexities involved.

Dad’s response—"I'd like to... I'd also like a million dollars"—is tinged with both humor and resignation. It suggests that the idea of transferring, of escaping to a better place, is as unlikely as winning a fortune. His comment underscores the gap between dreams and reality, a recurring theme in the poem.

The conversation about where else the family would like to live reveals their differing aspirations. Darlene’s preference for California, with its "beautiful scenery" and the allure of meeting "all the stars," reflects the influence of Hollywood and the broader American fascination with celebrity culture. Mom’s choice of Arizona, based on a picture she saw in *Good Housekeeping*, highlights the power of media and idealized images in shaping perceptions of happiness and fulfillment. These imagined lives contrast with Dad’s grounded perspective, as he expresses contentment with where they are, insisting that "you can find anything you want right where you are."

Dad’s reference to *The Wizard of Oz* is crucial to the poem’s thematic exploration. The film, which is a family tradition to watch every year, is a cultural touchstone that teaches the lesson that happiness is found "right in your own backyard." This reference serves as a reminder of the idea that the search for happiness and fulfillment often leads back to an appreciation of what one already has, rather than seeking it elsewhere.

The repetition of this lesson through the family’s yearly viewing of *The Wizard of Oz* underscores the tension between their dreams of escape and the wisdom of appreciating the present. Dad’s position, supported by Mom, suggests a pragmatic acceptance of life as it is, contrasting with the fantasies of a better life elsewhere that Darlene and, to some extent, Jimmy, entertain.

The poem, while seemingly simple and rooted in the everyday, is a subtle critique of the restless pursuit of the American Dream—the belief that happiness is always somewhere else, just beyond reach. By contrasting this with the enduring lesson of *The Wizard of Oz*, Simpson suggests that true contentment lies not in relocation or transformation, but in recognizing and appreciating the value of the life one already has.

"Why Don’t You Get Transferred, Dad?" thus captures the quiet struggles and hopes of a family grappling with the tension between their dreams and their reality. Through the lens of a domestic conversation, Simpson explores the broader themes of contentment, aspiration, and the sometimes elusive nature of happiness in the context of American life. The poem resonates with the universal desire for something more, while gently reminding readers of the wisdom in finding satisfaction in the here and now.

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