The late Canadian poet Irving Layton, known for his humanist views and engagement with social theory, penned a powerful poem exploring the pervasive nature of “respectable death.” This analysis delves into the poem’s meaning, exploring its critique of societal norms and celebration of life’s visceral experiences. Layton’s work challenges readers to reject the “slow, certain” death of conformity and embrace the vibrant immediacy of the present moment.
The Eucharist of Conformity
Layton begins by describing “respectable death” being “served up like bread and wine.” This immediately evokes the Christian ritual of the Eucharist, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. However, Layton places this ritual not in a church, but in “stores and offices, in club and hostel.” This secularization of the Eucharist suggests that the acceptance of “respectable death” is not confined to religious dogma, but permeates everyday life.
The Last Supper, a depiction of the event that established the Eucharist.
This “bread and wine” represents the insidious ways in which society indoctrinates individuals into accepting a life defined by fear of death and adherence to conventional morality. It’s a subtle exchange: the vibrancy of life for the colorless acceptance of mortality. This “respectable death” becomes a form of social control, discouraging individuality and promoting conformity.
The poem then introduces the “streetcorner church,” a Janus-faced institution that looks both to the past and the future.
Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames, and endings.
Like Janus, the church emphasizes reverence for tradition and instills fear of future judgment, neglecting the vital importance of the present moment. This “now” is where life truly unfolds, unburdened by the weight of past regrets or future anxieties. The church, in its focus on the afterlife, ironically misses the point of life itself.
Layton’s final image in the first stanza is chilling: “death served up like ice.” This emphasizes the cold, calculated nature of this societal indoctrination.
A chilling visual representation of death’s cold embrace.
The Antidote: Embracing the Body and Imagination
The second stanza offers a stark contrast to the first, presenting an antidote to “respectable death.” Layton juxtaposes the lifeless imagery of the previous stanza with the vibrant physicality of “the body, this burly sun.” He urges the reader to embrace the sensory experiences of life: the “exhalations of your breath,” the “cheeks rose and lovely.”
Rosy cheeks, a symbol of vitality and life’s blush.
These are not just physical attributes, but symbols of life’s inherent energy and beauty. The “rose” in the cheeks evokes the richness of lifeblood, a stark contrast to the pale, lifeless imagery of ice.
Layton then champions the “secret life of the imagination.” This secret life, unconstrained by societal expectations, is a source of freedom and creativity. It’s a space where individuals can challenge conventional morality and forge their own paths.
The sun, representing imagination’s radiant power.
The poem concludes with a call to “scheme freedom from labour and stone.” This can be interpreted as a rejection of the Sisyphean task of constantly striving for a socially acceptable existence, burdened by the weight of tradition and the fear of judgment.
Sisyphus, eternally pushing his boulder, a symbol of futile labor.
The “stone” represents the rigid, inflexible nature of societal norms, while “labour” signifies the endless effort required to conform to these expectations.
A Call to Authentic Living
Layton’s poem is a powerful critique of conventional morality and its stifling effect on individual expression. He urges readers to reject the “respectable death” of conformity and embrace the vibrant, messy, and unpredictable nature of life. This involves reclaiming the body, celebrating its sensory experiences, and unleashing the power of the imagination. Ultimately, Layton’s message is a call to authentic living, urging us to break free from the constraints of social expectations and live fully in the present moment. He reminds us that true life is not found in the pursuit of respectability, but in the embrace of our own unique and vibrant existence.
