This Is Just To Say

In the poem This Is Just To Say by writer William Carlos Williams, the format is succinct and does not relay much information about the true nature of the poem. However, even in short poems, significance can be found, or at least it can be formed. Poetry is a highly subjective sort of writing where what it means will vary person to person. Looking just at the line “the icebox” (Williams) tells a great deal about the setting of the poem as well as why the husband's message is pertinent information. The “icebox” was an invention that caught on in the early twentieth century before the electric refrigerator became a mainstream appliance. The icebox was merely mechanical insulated box that housed both a block of ice and perishable food wished to be kept safe-to-eat longer. Because of this refrigeration method …show more content…
Although the shelf life of fruit and vegetables are slightly extended by refrigeration, it is perfectly fine to store them at room temperature. Williams writes the note to his wife because he figures that she was purposely cooling them. She was cooling them not because the plums needed it, but rather because she preferred them chilled before she consumes them. The chilled plums were clearly a snack that she had intended for herself. She did not consume them right away because the extra little bit of effort to chill them was worth the hassle to her. Williams writes her the notes because after eating them he too must have realized that they were indeed special and not meant for his consumption. Additionally the poem was written in 1934 and the personal home refrigerator was created in 1923 which makes it seem odd that a icebox might still be used. Williams was a doctor, and due to his occupation it seems fair that they should be able to afford the best of appliances and not have to deal with using the hassle of the “icebox” method.