The Wealth of Nothing

Elizabeth Devereux's The Wealth of Nothing

Introduction

Elizabeth Devereux's poem "The Wealth of Nothing" presents a profound exploration of the paradoxical nature of poverty and wealth, challenging conventional notions of prosperity and inviting readers to reconsider the true meaning of abundance. Through masterful use of imagery, juxtaposition, and irony, Devereux crafts a lyrical meditation on the hidden riches found in a life stripped of material possessions. This analysis will delve into the poem's intricate layers, examining its formal structure, thematic complexity, and the ways in which it engages with broader literary and philosophical traditions.

Formal Structure and Musicality

The poem consists of four quatrains, each following an AABB rhyme scheme. This regular structure provides a sense of order and stability, ironically contrasting with the poem's subject matter of material instability. The consistent rhyme and meter create a musical quality that enhances the poem's meditative tone, inviting the reader to linger on each line and contemplate its meaning.

Devereux's use of iambic tetrameter throughout the poem lends it a rhythmic quality reminiscent of folk ballads or nursery rhymes. This choice of meter is particularly effective in creating a sense of simplicity and universality, echoing the stripped-down existence described in the poem. The steady beat of the iambs could be seen as mirroring the steady heartbeat of a person who has found inner peace despite external hardships.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in vivid imagery that serves to illustrate the speaker's unconventional perspective on wealth. The opening lines, "In empty pockets, freedom rings / No coins to weigh, no purse that swings," immediately establish the central paradox of the poem: that emptiness can be a form of liberation. The auditory image of freedom "ringing" in empty pockets cleverly inverts the common association of jingling coins with prosperity.

Devereux's use of royal imagery throughout the poem is particularly striking. The "Cardboard palace" and "newspaper throne" create a poignant juxtaposition between the trappings of monarchy and the makeshift existence of a person living in poverty. This imagery serves multiple purposes: it highlights the speaker's ability to find dignity and sovereignty in their circumstances, while also subtly critiquing the hollowness of material wealth and power.

The natural imagery in the poem, such as the stars shining "brighter in the night" and the untaxed "breath" and "sky," emphasizes the abundance of beauty and essential resources available to all, regardless of economic status. These images reinforce the poem's theme that true wealth lies in one's appreciation of the world and one's place in it, rather than in material possessions.

Thematic Analysis

At its core, "The Wealth of Nothing" is a meditation on the nature of true abundance and the potential for spiritual and intellectual enrichment in the absence of material wealth. The poem challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of poverty and riches, suggesting that a life unburdened by possessions can lead to a heightened awareness of the world and one's place in it.

The speaker's perspective aligns with philosophical traditions that value simplicity and detachment from material concerns. Echoes of Thoreau's "Walden" can be heard in the celebration of a life reduced to its essentials. Similarly, the poem's embrace of poverty as a path to spiritual wealth recalls religious ascetic traditions, from mendicant Buddhist monks to Christian friars.

Devereux also engages with the Romantic literary tradition, particularly in her elevation of nature and the imagination as sources of true wealth. The line "Hunger sharpens wit and sight" suggests that physical deprivation can lead to heightened perception and creativity, a notion that resonates with the Romantic ideal of the suffering artist whose hardships fuel their genius.

Social Commentary and Critique

While the poem primarily focuses on the speaker's personal journey of finding richness in poverty, it also contains elements of social critique. The mention of "tax on breath" and "rent on sky" pointedly highlights the ways in which basic human needs and natural resources are often commodified in capitalist societies. By asserting that these essential elements of life should be free, the poem implicitly criticizes systems that put a price on survival.

Furthermore, the poem challenges societal definitions of success and worth. By declaring "In having naught, I've found it all," the speaker rejects materialistic measures of value and asserts the primacy of internal, spiritual wealth. This stance can be read as a critique of consumerist culture and the societal pressure to accumulate possessions as a marker of success.

Linguistic Devices and Wordplay

Devereux's skillful use of language adds depth and nuance to the poem. The oxymoronic phrase "Wealth of Nothing" in the title immediately sets up the poem's central paradox and prepares the reader for a subversion of expectations. Throughout the poem, Devereux employs similar contradictions and inversions to challenge conventional thinking, such as "When belly's empty, heart is full."

The poem also makes effective use of alliteration and assonance to enhance its musicality and emphasize key concepts. For example, the phrase "Wealth in spirit, standing tall" uses the repetition of the "s" sound to create a sense of strength and resolve, reinforcing the idea of dignity in the face of material poverty.

Intertextuality and Literary Allusions

"The Wealth of Nothing" engages with a rich tapestry of literary and cultural references. The title itself may be seen as a nod to Shakespeare's "King Lear," in which the fool declares, "Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?" This allusion adds layers of meaning to the poem, invoking themes of wisdom in foolishness and the stripping away of false values.

The poem's exploration of finding freedom in having nothing also recalls Kris Kristofferson's lyrics "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose" from the song "Me and Bobby McGee." This connection places Devereux's work within a broader cultural conversation about the nature of freedom and its relationship to material possessions.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Devereux's "The Wealth of Nothing" is a tour de force of poetic craft and philosophical insight. Through its deft use of form, imagery, and language, the poem invites readers to reconsider their understanding of wealth, poverty, and the human condition. By finding abundance in emptiness and riches in cast-offs, the speaker presents a radical alternative to materialistic values, offering a vision of spiritual and intellectual fulfillment that transcends economic circumstances.

The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to challenge and inspire, prompting readers to examine their own relationships with possessions, society, and the natural world. In an age of rampant consumerism and growing inequality, "The Wealth of Nothing" serves as a poignant reminder of the intangible riches available to all, regardless of their financial status. Devereux's work stands as a testament to the transformative power of perspective and the enduring human capacity to find meaning and beauty in even the most challenging circumstances.