Close Reading: The Virgins - Derek Walcott

The Virgins - Derek Walcott

the dead streets of sun-stoned Frederiksted, the first free port to die for tourism,

strolling at funeral pace, I am reminded of life not lost to the American dream;

5 but my small-islander’s simplicities can’t better our new empire’s civilized

exchange of cameras, watches, perfumes, brandies for the good life, so cheaply underpriced

that only the crime rate is on the rise

10 in streets blighted with sun, stone arches and plazas blown dry by the hysteria

of rumor. A condominium drowns in vacancy; its bargains are dusted, but only a jeweled housefly drones

15 over the bargains. The roulettes spin rustily to the wind—the vigorous trade that every morning would begin afresh

by revving up green water round the pierhead heading for where the banks of silver thresh.

Line by Line Analysis

Lines 1-2:

"Down the dead streets of sun-stoned Frederiksted, the first free port to die for tourism,

strolling at funeral pace, I am reminded of life not lost to the American dream;"

Key Phrases: "dead streets," "sun-stoned Frederiksted," "first free port," "funeral pace," "American dream."

Literary Devices: Imagery ("dead streets," "sun-stoned"), personification ("life not lost to the American dream").

Meaning: The speaker describes the once vibrant streets of Frederiksted, now seemingly lifeless and affected by tourism. The use of "funeral pace" suggests a somber atmosphere, and the reference to the "American dream" hints at the impact of foreign influence.

Lines 3-6:

"but my small-islander’s simplicities can’t better our new empire’s civilized

exchange of cameras, watches, perfumes, brandies for the good life, so cheaply underpriced

that only the crime rate is on the rise"

Key Phrases: "small-islander’s simplicities," "new empire’s civilized exchange," "cameras, watches, perfumes, brandies," "crime rate."

Literary Devices: Irony, juxtaposition ("small-islander" vs. "new empire").

Meaning: The speaker contrasts the simplicity of the small islander with the materialism of the new empire driven by tourism. The irony lies in the description of the exchange of luxury goods being "cheaply underpriced" and the consequence being a rise in the crime rate.

Lines 7-10:

"in streets blighted with sun, stone arches and plazas blown dry by the hysteria

of rumor. A condominium drowns in vacancy; its bargains are dusted, but only a jeweled housefly drones"

Key Phrases: "streets blighted with sun," "stone arches," "plazas blown dry," "hysteria of rumor," "condominium," "jeweled housefly."

Literary Devices: Personification ("streets blighted with sun," "plazas blown dry"), imagery, symbolism ("jeweled housefly").

Meaning: The speaker describes the deteriorating condition of the streets with vivid imagery, emphasizing the impact of rumors and the abandonment of a condominium. The "jeweled housefly" may symbolize luxury or opulence that no longer serves its purpose.

Lines 11-14:

"over the bargains. The roulettes spin rustily to the wind—the vigorous trade that every morning would begin afresh

by revving up green water round the pierhead heading for where the banks of silver thresh."

Key Phrases: "roulettes spin rustily," "vigorous trade," "green water," "pierhead," "banks of silver thresh."

Literary Devices: Imagery ("roulettes spin rustily," "green water," "banks of silver thresh").

Meaning: The speaker observes the stagnant state of commerce, with the "roulettes" (possibly referring to wheels of fortune or economic mechanisms) spinning rustily. The image of "green water" and "banks of silver thresh" may symbolize the potential prosperity and economic activities that have now diminished. 


Detailed Analysis

Lines 1-2:

"Down the dead streets of sun-stoned Frederiksted, the first free port to die for tourism,

strolling at funeral pace, I am reminded of life not lost to the American dream;"

The opening lines set the scene in Frederiksted, describing the streets as "dead" and "sun-stoned," possibly implying a harsh and desolate environment.

The mention of Frederiksted as the "first free port to die for tourism" suggests a once-thriving port that has succumbed to the negative effects of tourism.

The phrase "strolling at funeral pace" creates a somber atmosphere, emphasizing a sense of loss or mourning.

The speaker reflects on life, asserting that it is not lost to the American dream, hinting at the impact of external influences on the local way of life.

Lines 3-6:

"but my small-islander’s simplicities can’t better our new empire’s civilized

exchange of cameras, watches, perfumes, brandies for the good life, so cheaply underpriced

that only the crime rate is on the rise"

The speaker contrasts their "small-islander’s simplicities" with the more complex and materialistic aspects of the "new empire."

The reference to a "civilized exchange" suggests a transactional relationship driven by tourism.

Luxury items like cameras, watches, perfumes, and brandies are mentioned, portraying a consumer-driven culture.

The irony lies in these goods being "cheaply underpriced," indicating economic disparities and possibly leading to an increase in the crime rate.

Lines 7-10:

"in streets blighted with sun, stone arches and plazas blown dry by the hysteria

of rumor. A condominium drowns in vacancy; its bargains are dusted, but only a jeweled housefly drones"

The streets are described as "blighted with sun," portraying a harsh and oppressive environment.

Stone arches and plazas are portrayed as dry, emphasizing a lack of vitality, possibly due to the influence of rumors.

A condominium is vacant, suggesting economic decline or abandonment, and bargains are left untouched.

The mention of a "jeweled housefly" adds a touch of luxury to the desolation, creating a contrast.

Lines 11-14:

"over the bargains. The roulettes spin rustily to the wind—the vigorous trade that every morning would begin afresh

by revving up green water round the pierhead heading for where the banks of silver thresh."

The image of "roulettes spin[ning] rustily" implies a once-prosperous but now neglected economic activity.

The "vigorous trade" that used to start afresh every morning is now stagnant, as suggested by the rusty spinning.

The mention of "green water" and "banks of silver thresh" may symbolize the potential for prosperity, now lost or unrealized.

Overall Themes:

Impact of Tourism: The poem explores the negative consequences of tourism on a local community, including economic disparities, materialism, and social decay.

Economic Decline: There's a pervasive sense of economic decline, with vacant properties, neglected commerce, and the contrast between the past vigor and present stagnation.

Desolation and Loss: The imagery and tone convey a sense of desolation, loss, and mourning for a community that has undergone significant changes.

Conclusion:

The untitled poem by Derek Walcott paints a vivid picture of the transformation and decline of a once-vibrant community affected by tourism and economic changes. The imagery, contrasts, and poignant descriptions convey a complex narrative of desolation, economic decline, and the impact of external influences on local life. The poem invites readers to reflect on the consequences of societal shifts and the challenges faced by communities undergoing rapid transformation.