Manners by Maxwell Bodenheim (1923)

Name: Manners
Author: Maxwell Bodenheim

The work presents a gathering of poets who engage in superficial interactions, characterized by flattery and pretense. They are depicted as self-conscious and constrained, caught between their artistic aspirations and societal expectations. The setting is a home that reflects a mundane reality, contrasting with the lofty ideals of poetry. The poets indulge in wine, which loosens their inhibitions but also highlights their internal struggles. Sirona, a character at the gathering, grapples with her own identity and the perceptions of the poets around her. She feels objectified and scrutinized, revealing the tension between artistic appreciation and the objectification of women. The narrative critiques the poets' reliance on conventional forms and their inability to break free from societal norms. Sirona's desire for authenticity clashes with the poets' superficiality, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of art and the role of the artist in society. The work explores themes of vulnerability, the search for genuine expression, and the constraints imposed by cultural expectations. Overall, the piece serves as a reflection on the complexities of artistic identity, the dynamics of social gatherings, and the often hypocritical nature of artistic communities. The poets' interactions reveal a blend of admiration and disdain, underscoring the paradox of seeking truth in a world rife with artifice.

By Maxwell Bodenheim · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 437 words

First lines

Gingerly, the poets sit. Gingerly, they spend The adjectives of dribbling flatteries, With here and there a laceration Feeding on the poison of a smile. In the home of the poet-host That bears the slants of a commonplace, Eagerly distributed -- The accepted lyrical note -- The poets sit. The poets drink much wine And tug a little at their garments, Weighing the advantages of disrobing. (It is necessary to call them "poets" Since, according to custom, Titles are generously given to the attempt.) Sirona, cousin of the poet-host, Munches at the feast of words. She endeavors to convince herself That her hunger has become an illusion. The poets, capitulating to wine, Leave their birds and twilights, Their trees and cattle at evening, And study Sirona's body -- Their manacled hands still joined By the last half-broken link.

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Manners is listed on Textopian as a poem by Maxwell Bodenheim, dated 1923 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Maxwell Bodenheim
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Modernism, Drama
Length: 437 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured with poetic elements, including rhythm, imagery, and metaphor, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of poets.
Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and social interactions, characteristic of literary fiction.
Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the pretensions of artistic circles, reflecting on manners and authenticity.
Modernism — The style and themes align with modernist literature, emphasizing subjective experience and a break from traditional forms.