The Intellectual By Karl Shapiro - Giggle Poems

Original Poem：

The man behind the book may not be man,
His own man or the book’s or yet the time’s,
But still be whole, deciding what he can
In praise of politics or German rimes;
But the intellectual lights a cigarette
And offers it lit to the lady, whose odd smile
Is the merest hyphen—lest he should forget
What he has been resuming all the while.
He talks to overhear, she to withdraw
To some interior feminine fireside
Where the back arches, beauty puts forth a paw
Like a black puma stretching in velvet pride,
Making him think of cats, a stray of which
Some days sets up a howling in his brain,
Pure interference such as this neat bitch
Seems to create from listening disdain.
But talk is all the value, the release,
Talk is the very fillip of an act,
The frame and subject of the masterpiece
Under whose film of age the face is cracked.
His own forehead glows like expensive wood,
But back of it the mind is disengaged,
Self-sealing clock recording bad and good
At constant temperature, intact, unaged.
But strange, his body is an open house
Inviting every passerby to stay;
The city to and fro beneath his brows
Wanders and drinks and chats from night to day.
Think of a private thought, indecent room
Where one might kiss his daughter before bed!
Life is embarrassed; shut the family tomb,
Console your neighbor for his recent dead;
Do something! die in Spain or paint a green
Gouache, go into business (Rimbaud did),
Or start another Little Magazine,
Or move in with a woman, have a kid.
Invulnerable, impossible, immune,
Do what you will, your will will not be done
But dissipate the light of afternoon
Till evening flickers like the midnight sun,
And midnight shouts and dies: I’d rather be
A milkman walking in his sleep at dawn
Bearing fat quarts of cream, and so be free,
Crossing alone and cold from lawn to lawn.
I’d rather be a barber and cut hair
Than walk with you in gilt museum halls,
You and the puma-lady, she so rare
Exhaling her silk soul upon the walls.
Go take yourselves apart, but let me be
The fault you find with everyman. I spit,
I laugh, I fight; and you,
l’homme qui r?t
;
Swallow your stale saliva, and still sit.

Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem

This poem explores the complex identity and inner life of a man who is both an intellectual and a human being caught between different roles and expectations. The "man behind the book" is not simply a man in the usual sense; he is fragmented, influenced by the book he reads, the era he lives in, and the intellectual debates he engages in. Yet, despite this fragmentation, he strives to remain whole and make decisions within his limited power.

The poem contrasts the intellectual's external actions—such as lighting a cigarette and engaging in conversation—with his internal detachment and distraction. The lady with the "odd smile" and the image of the "black puma" symbolize beauty, mystery, and perhaps the allure of the feminine, which distracts and disturbs the man’s thoughts. The puma metaphor evokes a sense of wildness and elegance, reflecting the tension between civilized intellect and primal instincts.

"Talk" is emphasized as both a release and the essence of action. It is the "fillip" or spark that animates life, yet beneath this surface, the man’s mind remains disengaged, like a "self-sealing clock" that records events without emotional involvement. This metaphor suggests a mechanical, unemotional passage of time and experience.

The poem also touches on themes of social roles and personal freedom. The man’s body is described as an "open house," symbolizing vulnerability or openness to the world, while his mind remains isolated. The poem reflects on private thoughts, family life, and the pressures of social expectations, suggesting a tension between public persona and private reality.

The closing lines express a desire for simplicity and freedom, preferring the humble, honest life of a milkman or barber over the artificiality of intellectual or artistic pretensions. The speaker rejects the polished, museum-like environment and embraces raw human emotions—spitting, laughing, fighting—as genuine expressions of life.

Background and Author Introduction

This poem is characteristic of modernist poetry, which often explores fragmented identities, the alienation of the individual in the modern world, and the tension between intellect and emotion. The author, whose style reflects a deep engagement with both classical and contemporary themes, uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey complex psychological states.

The poem’s references to politics, German rhymes, and cultural figures like Rimbaud suggest an intellectual milieu steeped in literary and political history. The mention of "l’homme qui r?t" (the laughing man) hints at existential themes and the absurdity of human existence.

Reflections and Insights

Reading this poem invites reflection on the nature of identity and the struggle to reconcile different aspects of the self. It challenges readers to consider how they balance intellectual pursuits with emotional experiences, and how social roles shape or constrain personal freedom.

The poem also encourages a critical view of superficial appearances and the value of authentic human expression. It highlights the importance of embracing imperfection and the messy realities of life rather than striving for unattainable ideals.

Educational Value and Learning Points for Students

Students can learn several important lessons from this poem:

• Understanding Complex Identity: The poem illustrates how identity is multifaceted and influenced by external and internal factors.
• Use of Metaphor and Imagery: The vivid images of the puma, the clock, and the intellectual act as powerful tools to express abstract ideas.
• Themes of Alienation and Freedom: Students can explore how modern life creates tension between societal expectations and personal desires.
• Literary Devices: The poem offers examples of symbolism, metaphor, and contrast, which are valuable for literary analysis.
• Cultural and Historical Context: References to politics, literature, and social roles provide opportunities to connect poetry with broader cultural knowledge.

Practical Applications and Life Lessons

• Critical Thinking: Students can practice interpreting complex texts and forming their own opinions about identity and society.
• Emotional Intelligence: The poem encourages awareness of inner feelings and the importance of authentic expression.
• Creative Writing: Inspired by the poem’s style, students can experiment with metaphor and imagery in their own writing.
• Social Awareness: The poem’s reflection on social roles and personal freedom can foster empathy and understanding of different life experiences.

Reading Comprehension Exercises

1. What does the phrase "the man behind the book may not be man" suggest about the speaker’s identity?
2. How is the lady with the "odd smile" described, and what might she symbolize?
3. Explain the significance of the "black puma" metaphor in the poem.
4. What role does "talk" play according to the poem?
5. Why does the speaker prefer to be a milkman or barber rather than walking in museum halls?
6. What does the poem suggest about the relationship between the mind and the body?
7. Identify and explain two literary devices used in the poem.
8. How does the poem reflect on the theme of freedom versus social expectation?

Answers to Comprehension Exercises

1. It suggests that the speaker’s identity is fragmented or uncertain, influenced by external forces like the book, time, or society, rather than being a unified self.
2. The lady’s smile is described as "the merest hyphen," subtle and enigmatic, possibly symbolizing mystery, femininity, or distraction.
3. The black puma represents wildness, beauty, and pride, symbolizing the tension between civilized intellect and primal instincts.
4. Talk is portrayed as both a release and the essence of action, the spark that animates life and creativity.
5. The speaker prefers simple, honest work because it represents freedom and authenticity, contrasting with the artificiality of intellectual or artistic pretensions.
6. The poem suggests a disconnect between mind and body: the mind is disengaged and mechanical, while the body is open and vulnerable.
7. Metaphor (e.g., the clock, the puma) and symbolism (e.g., the cigarette, the museum halls) are used to deepen meaning.
8. The poem explores how social roles and expectations constrain personal freedom, while the speaker longs for a freer, more genuine existence.