The Emperor of Ice-Cream: Unwrapping the Layers of Hidden Secrets of Wallace Stevens’ Poetic Masterpiece
Introducing “The Ice-Cream Monarch of Modern
Poetry”
Wallace Stevens' poem "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" is a dazzling piece of modernist poetry that captivates readers with its vivid imagery and profound themes. Published in 1922, this poem remains a treasure trove of contemplation for both literature enthusiasts and casual readers. By blending life’s ephemeral pleasures with the inevitability of death, Stevens offers a unique perspective that resonates even in today's fast-paced, contemporary world.
The Roller of Big Cigars: Life’s Sensual Pleasures
The poem opens with a call to action: “Call the
roller of big cigars.” This line invites a muscular figure to whip
“concupiscent curds” into ice cream, setting the stage for a celebration that
is both hedonistic and transient. In the modern age, this can be seen as a
metaphor for embracing life’s fleeting joys. The “roller of big cigars”
symbolises those who take charge, indulging in the moment and making the most
out of life's fleeting pleasures.
The Muscular One and Kitchen Cups: A Snapshot of Reality
Stevens' imagery of the “muscular one” and “kitchen cups” brings an earthy, almost rustic feel to the poem. This isn’t about grandiose celebrations but the beauty found in everyday life. Today, we find joy in simple things- whether it's a homemade meal, a weekend gathering, or a casual hangout with friends. The poem’s insistence on enjoying these moments speaks to our current desire to find happiness in the here and now.
Let Be Be Finale of Seem: Embracing Authenticity
One of the most quoted lines from the poem is, “Let be be finale of seem.” This is a powerful call to embrace reality over appearances. In our age of social media and digital personas, this line is a reminder to prioritise authenticity. It's a wake-up call to strip away the filters and present our true selves, recognising that what matters is who we are, not how we appear.
The Only Emperor is the Emperor of Ice-Cream: Celebrating Impermanence
The refrain “The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream” underscores the poem’s central theme of impermanence. Ice cream, a treat that melts quickly, symbolises the transient nature of pleasure and life itself. This metaphor resonates with our modern understanding of mindfulness—appreciating the present moment without clinging to it. It’s a celebration of life’s fleeting beauty and a call to savour it before it melts away.
The Sheet of Fantails: Confronting Mortality
The poem's second stanza shifts to a more sombre tone, as Stevens describes a woman’s body prepared for a funeral. The “sheet on which she embroidered fantails” is a poignant image, juxtaposing the vibrancy of life with the stillness of death. This contrast invites readers to reflect on their own mortality, urging them to live fully and authentically.
Horny Feet and Cold Reality: Accepting the Inevitable
Stevens doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of death. The description of the woman’s “horny feet” protruding from the sheet is a stark reminder of our physicality and the inevitability of death. This honest portrayal encourages us to face our mortality head-on, fostering a deeper appreciation for the life we live now.
Let the Lamp Affix Its Beam: Shining Light on Life’s Truths
The poem concludes with “Let the lamp affix its beam,” signalling a desire to illuminate the truths of existence. In a modern context, this could be seen as a call for enlightenment- seeking knowledge, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world. It's an invitation to cast light on our lives, exposing both the beautiful and the bleak.
Final Message: Finding Joy in the Melting Moments
Wallace Stevens’ "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" remains a timeless piece that speaks to the heart of human experience. Its celebration of life's ephemeral pleasures and candid acknowledgment of death create a compelling narrative that resonates with modern readers. As we navigate our fast-paced, ever-changing world, Stevens' poem reminds us to savour the moment, embrace authenticity, and confront our mortality with grace. In doing so, we can truly become the emperors of our own fleeting, yet beautiful, lives.
By exploring the layers of "The Emperor of
Ice-Cream," we not only gain a deeper appreciation for Stevens' poetic
genius but also find valuable message that help us to develop an insight to see
our contemporary existence with a sense of wonder and acceptance. So, let’s
scoop up the melting moments and celebrate the impermanent beauty of our
everyday lives.
The Emperor of Ice- Cream
Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one, and bid him whip
In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.
Let the wenches dawdle in such dress
As they are used to wear, and let the boys
Bring flowers in last month's newspapers.
Let be be finale of seem.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Take from the dresser of deal,
Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet
On which she embroidered fantails once
And spread it so as to cover her face.
If her horny feet protrude, they come
To show how cold she is, and dumb.
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
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