Poem Analysis - I Cant Stay In The Same Room With That Woman For Five Minutes

A Portrait of Frustration and Artistic Rebellion

Charles Bukowski's "I Can't Stay In The Same Room With That Woman For Five Minutes" is a raw and visceral snapshot of a strained relationship and an artist's defiant stance against perceived pretension. The poem's tone is initially sarcastic and exasperated, shifting to outright anger and finally settling into a sense of weary resolution. It depicts a clash between the speaker's gritty, honest approach to art and life and the ex-partner's seemingly naive and pretentious worldview. The poem uses stark imagery and direct language to convey the speaker's frustration and his commitment to authentic expression, even if it means embracing vulgarity.

The Battle Against Artistic Pretension

One of the central themes in the poem is the speaker's rejection of artistic pretension and self-importance. The ex-partner's admiration for Manfred Anderson, a poet who refuses to "send his shit out" because the magazines are "too far advanced," epitomizes this pretension. The speaker's incredulous responses—"oh for christ's sake, I said, do you really believe that?"—reveal his disdain for this inflated sense of artistic value. Bukowski champions the idea that art, to be meaningful, must engage with the world, even risk rejection. The speaker's willingness to submit his own poems, despite the possibility of criticism, underscores his belief in the importance of genuine artistic effort and connection.

The Corrosion of Personal Relationships

The poem vividly portrays the disintegration of a personal relationship, highlighting the corrosive effects of differing values and communication styles. The tension between the speaker and his ex-partner is palpable, evident in their terse exchanges and the speaker's escalating frustration. Simple requests, like asking the daughter to put on her shoes, devolve into arguments. The line, "Manfred never screams, said her mother," serves as a cutting jab, contrasting the speaker's perceived flaws with the idealized behavior of the lauded poet. This comparison deepens the rift and underscores the incompatibility between the two characters.

Symbols of Vulgarity and Authenticity

Several recurring images and symbols in the poem reinforce the central themes. The "workman's overalls" worn by the ex-partner could be interpreted as a superficial attempt to appear grounded or unconventional. The sign "SMILE" pasted to the door is a symbol of forced positivity, a stark contrast to the speaker's genuine emotions. Perhaps the most striking image is the "little guy popping in and out of a door holding a very red, curved penis" at the Red Ox bar. This vulgar image, while shocking, could be interpreted as a symbol of raw, unfiltered expression – the very antithesis of the preciousness associated with Manfred Anderson. The speaker's identification with this image—"I submit my poems to the magazines"—suggests that he sees his own work as equally unrefined and honest.

Finding Solace in Honesty

In conclusion, "I Can't Stay In The Same Room With That Woman For Five Minutes" is a powerful expression of artistic rebellion and personal frustration. Through sharp dialogue, vivid imagery, and a defiant tone, Bukowski crafts a portrait of a speaker who rejects pretension and embraces authenticity, even if it means embracing vulgarity. The poem's final lines, "the remainder of the day was bound to be better," suggest that the speaker finds solace in his commitment to honesty and self-expression, even in the face of strained relationships and a world he perceives as often artificial. The poem's impact lies in its raw honesty and the universal appeal of its theme of staying true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity.