Emperor of Ice Cream

[RainKing]

Where can I get information (critical analysis, etc.) on this rather disturbing, yet fascinating poem. Also, any thoughts on the poem yourself. I've read, and reread, and still don't have a solid hold on what the piece might be about. There's a lot goin on in it that makes me feel rather dimwitted.
Chip

[Gabe1]

*I was under the impression that it was about a funeral. Though I could be mistaken, it's been sometime since I've read it.

[Donner]

Try this link:
http://www.thebrothers.com/eraaz/poets.html#TheEmperor of Ice Cream (http://www.thebrothers.com/eraaz/poets.html#The)

I'd also do some other searches on Wallace Stevens.

Donner

[This message has been edited by Donner (edited 04-13-2001).]

[RainKing]

I might be crazy, well actually yeah, I am, but I have recently just finished some research on this fascinating poem. The word choice Stevens using is wonderful. But one odd thing I found was that he used, what I have termed "game" words throughout the piece. Words like "whip", "bid", "let", "ice", "cream", "finale", all have connotations either relating to a specific game (or game situation). I'm just wondering if this is intentional? With Stevens, who was a literal reader of dictionaries, I assume it was. I'm just trying to put my finger on the significance. Any thoughts??

Chip

[This message has been edited by RainKing (edited 04-19-2001).]

[Cmosely11]

Originally posted by Gabriel:

*I was under the impression that it was about a funeral. Though I could be mistaken, it's been sometime since I've read it.


* yup, definately a funeral.