Richard Wilbur's poetry is renowned for its masterful blend of technique and form. Through precise structuring and sound devices, Wilbur crafts poems that not only convey narratives but also engage the reader's senses. In one particularly striking poem, Wilbur employs a variety of stylistic elements to explore the inner world of a young stock-boy.

Structure and Rhyme

The poem is composed of seven quatrains, each independent in its rhyme scheme. This choice enhances the poem's exploratory tone, reflecting the stock-boy's inner musings. The use of iambic pentameter imbues the poem with a conversational rhythm, inviting the reader into a shared contemplation with the poet on the stock-boy's situation.

Sound Devices

Wilbur's strategic use of consonantal sounds further clarifies the poem's meaning. The initial three stanzas emphasize different consonant sounds: the first favors the s, the second the f, and the third the p. This progression builds to the fourth stanza, which features softer sounds to capture a dreamlike atmosphere. As the poem continues, the interplay of o and a sounds guides the reader through the narrative, culminating in a resonant conclusion.

Classical Allusions and Wit

Wilbur often weaves classical references into his work, and this poem is replete with such allusions. He likens the stock-boy to Archimedes, "As lost in curves as Archimedes once," subtly infusing the poem with a dry, almost bawdy humor. The allusion to Archimedes' invention of the tubular helix—a screw—parallels the stock-boy's enigma with a different type of curve, showcasing Wilbur's clever wit.

Similes and Imagery

Similes play a crucial role in illustrating the stock-boy's innocence. One striking image compares the young man's sandwich-eating to "a mother-bird in flight," highlighting his immaturity and dependency. The poem continues with a comparison to a dunce, as the stock-boy remains absorbed in images, feeding himself mechanically. This juxtaposition of sage-like concentration with childlike oblivion encapsulates his naivete.

Metaphors and Identity

Wilbur uses metaphor to offer insight into the woman's elusive identity. Her static poses in a fantastical boudoir setting emphasize controlled sensuality. The image of her toasting "an exploding rose" with a distant hand suggests her true self's untapped potential. This metaphor enriches the poem's exploration of identity, hinting at the complexity beneath the superficial.