M. B by William Carlos Williams
The poem explores themes of envy, isolation, and the contrast between the vibrancy of spring and the lingering chill of winter. The speaker observes a scene filled with life and brightness, yet feels detached from it. The imagery of a breakfast table and a figure with yellow hair suggests a mundane domesticity, juxtaposed with the excitement of the outside world, represented by the theater lights and the passing lady. The character's disdain for the sun indicates a deeper emotional struggle, possibly reflecting feelings of inadequacy or disconnection from the joy and warmth that spring symbolizes. The mention of "dirty, wavy heaven" implies a sense of disillusionment or a tainted perception of reality, reinforcing the character's internal conflict. As the poem progresses, the act of inhaling tobacco smoke becomes a metaphor for the character's attempt to create his own world, using the smoke as a means to escape or redefine his surroundings. This act of trying to match the sky's limits with his own clouds signifies a desire for transcendence, yet it also highlights the futility of such efforts in the face of overwhelming external beauty and vitality. Overall, the work captures a moment of introspection, where the character grapples with feelings of envy and the desire for connection, set against the backdrop of a vibrant spring that feels just out of reach. The interplay between the external world and the internal psyche creates a poignant reflection on the human experience of longing and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of life.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1921 · Genre: Modernist Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Imagism · 141 words
First lines
Winter has spent this snow / out of envy, but spring is here!
He sits at the breakfast table / in his yellow hair / and disdains even the sun / walking outside / in spangled slippers: / He looks out: there is / a glare of lights / before a theater, -- / a sparkling lady / passes quickly to / the seclusion of / her carriage.
Presently / under the dirty, wavy heaven / of a borrowed room he will make / re-inhaled tobacco smoke / his clouds and try them / against the sky's limits!
What this Textopian page supports
M. B is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Carlos Williams
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Modernist Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Symbolism, Contemporary Poetry
- Length: 141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for M. B by William Carlos Williams
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Soothsay by William Carlos Williams
- Sub Terra by William Carlos Williams
- Appeal by William Carlos Williams
- Contemporania by William Carlos Williams
- Thursday by William Carlos Williams
- Con Brio by William Carlos Williams
Genres
- Modernist Poetry — The work exhibits characteristics of modernist poetry, including fragmented imagery, a focus on individual perception, and a departure from traditional forms.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry, with a strong emphasis on the speaker's internal experience.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and concise language reflect the principles of Imagism, focusing on clear, sharp images and direct treatment of the subject.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the changing seasons and the theater, conveys deeper meanings and themes beyond the literal.
Tags
Modernist · Experimental · Poetry · Stream-of-consciousness · Free Verse · American Literature · 20th Century · Avant-garde · Imagism · Objectivism · Minimalism · Fragmented Narrative