Literary Theories
Below is the Marxist analysis that I wrote about the poem "Juxtaposition" by Levi Romero. I am proud of this piece of work because of how I was able to apply the feedback that I had received about the previous analysis that I had submitted. In the feminist analysis, I had only referenced the poem as a whole and not specific quotations, whereas in the analysis below I very intentionally included many citations. As the quote to the left of the page says, it is important to reflect and learn from mistakes, thus I am proud of the improvement that came with this analysis!
A Marxist Analysis of “Juxtaposition” by Levi Romero
The free form poem “Juxtaposition” by Levi Romero brings voice to the painful divide between the classes in a capitalist society. In the first paragraph of the poem he writes, “vigas and latillas* hand peeled by mojados** whose sweat translates into profit for developers,” (Romero). Through this, he compares himself to the vigas and latillas, as it’s his hard work that allows the developers to make a profit. He then discusses his interaction with the house’s realtor. “‘May I help you’ I am asked by the realtor standing at the door, thinking that I may be the guy who mixed the mud and pushed the wheelbarrow. I introduce myself as the designer,” (Romero). This sentence reveals the animosity between the classes that capitalism produces, as the designer was quick to distance himself from blue-collar workers in the presence of a realtor. In fact, he then goes on to say a journalist once asked him whether incidences such as these offend him, as if to say that a designer being mistaken for a construction worker would be an insulting experience. Within the journalist’s question is the implication that being mistaken for a construction worker is being mistaken for someone who is “lesser”- a belief that is deeply ingrained within a capitalist society and alienates the working class. He then goes on to discuss the moments he is alienated in society, saying that he “cannot approach the front door, knock and expect to be invited in... as the sun’s last light streams… through the window just where I placed it and for the reason,” (Romero). Though he is considered “above” the construction workers, he is “below” the owners of the “high-end custom homes,” (Romero). There is a hint of irony in the narration, as the person who built such a home cannot enter one as a guest. It shows that in a capitalist society, people are not seen as a functioning unit, contributing their skills for the betterment of society, but instead of seen as servants and masters, segregated groups that interact only through the work being given or received. In the final portion of the poem, he gives a metaphorical example of the literal class contrasts explained earlier. In this metaphor, he discusses the juxtaposition in his brother’s life between the “Jesus saves” and the “keep out” days. This illogical divide within his brother’s character symbolizes the illogical divide within society, and yet, just as “years ago [he] accepted this madness,” (Romero), so do the people with a capitalist society accept the madness that the ideology brings. Overall, Levi Romero’s poignant poem “Juxtaposition” provides the reader with both practical and metaphorical examples of the senselessness of capitalism, bringing light to an issue society has become desensitized to. The fact that construction workers are below the designers and the realtors who are below the owners and developers, even though in the end they are all depend on each other, speaks volumes about capitalism.
*support beams
**dampness
Work Cited
Romero, Levi. “Juxtaposition.” Poetry Foundation, University of New Mexico Press, 2008,
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/147120/juxtaposition
A Marxist Analysis of “Juxtaposition” by Levi Romero
The free form poem “Juxtaposition” by Levi Romero brings voice to the painful divide between the classes in a capitalist society. In the first paragraph of the poem he writes, “vigas and latillas* hand peeled by mojados** whose sweat translates into profit for developers,” (Romero). Through this, he compares himself to the vigas and latillas, as it’s his hard work that allows the developers to make a profit. He then discusses his interaction with the house’s realtor. “‘May I help you’ I am asked by the realtor standing at the door, thinking that I may be the guy who mixed the mud and pushed the wheelbarrow. I introduce myself as the designer,” (Romero). This sentence reveals the animosity between the classes that capitalism produces, as the designer was quick to distance himself from blue-collar workers in the presence of a realtor. In fact, he then goes on to say a journalist once asked him whether incidences such as these offend him, as if to say that a designer being mistaken for a construction worker would be an insulting experience. Within the journalist’s question is the implication that being mistaken for a construction worker is being mistaken for someone who is “lesser”- a belief that is deeply ingrained within a capitalist society and alienates the working class. He then goes on to discuss the moments he is alienated in society, saying that he “cannot approach the front door, knock and expect to be invited in... as the sun’s last light streams… through the window just where I placed it and for the reason,” (Romero). Though he is considered “above” the construction workers, he is “below” the owners of the “high-end custom homes,” (Romero). There is a hint of irony in the narration, as the person who built such a home cannot enter one as a guest. It shows that in a capitalist society, people are not seen as a functioning unit, contributing their skills for the betterment of society, but instead of seen as servants and masters, segregated groups that interact only through the work being given or received. In the final portion of the poem, he gives a metaphorical example of the literal class contrasts explained earlier. In this metaphor, he discusses the juxtaposition in his brother’s life between the “Jesus saves” and the “keep out” days. This illogical divide within his brother’s character symbolizes the illogical divide within society, and yet, just as “years ago [he] accepted this madness,” (Romero), so do the people with a capitalist society accept the madness that the ideology brings. Overall, Levi Romero’s poignant poem “Juxtaposition” provides the reader with both practical and metaphorical examples of the senselessness of capitalism, bringing light to an issue society has become desensitized to. The fact that construction workers are below the designers and the realtors who are below the owners and developers, even though in the end they are all depend on each other, speaks volumes about capitalism.
*support beams
**dampness
Work Cited
Romero, Levi. “Juxtaposition.” Poetry Foundation, University of New Mexico Press, 2008,
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/147120/juxtaposition
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