Wallace Stevens' poem "The Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock" presents a vivid portrayal of the feeling of disillusionment that can arise in the late hours of the night, when the bright and exciting façades of the world seem to fade away and give way to a more somber and introspective reality.
In the opening lines of the poem, Stevens sets the scene by describing the "midnight streets" that are "deserted," evoking a sense of emptiness and loneliness that is characteristic of the late night hours. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "deserted," which suggests a lack of human presence and activity, as if the world has been abandoned and left to its own devices.
The poem then shifts to a description of the "bald, naked" moon, which is depicted as a "great yellow pumpkin" that "flares" in the sky. This image of the moon as a bright and glowing object serves to contrast with the emptiness and loneliness of the deserted streets below, and suggests the idea that even in the midst of solitude, there are still bright and beautiful things in the world that can bring joy and light.
However, as the poem progresses, Stevens begins to explore the theme of disillusionment, as he describes how the "dreams, of the common man" are "stilled" and "done." This suggests that the bright and hopeful dreams and aspirations of ordinary people are often crushed and silenced by the harsh realities of life, leading to a sense of disillusionment and disappointment.
The poem also touches on the theme of the passing of time, as Stevens describes how the "dancers and dreams" of the night eventually give way to the "dawn." This serves to emphasize the fleeting nature of life, and the idea that all things, even the most beautiful and magical, must eventually come to an end.
In conclusion, Wallace Stevens' "The Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock" is a poignant and evocative exploration of the feelings of disillusionment that can arise in the late hours of the night. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes, Stevens paints a vivid picture of the way in which the bright and hopeful dreams of ordinary people are often crushed and silenced by the harsh realities of life, leading to a sense of disappointment and disillusionment.
