Wallace Stevens: emporer of ice cream

Aim: What overall message does Wallace Stevens convey about life and death?
Do Now: How is a person expected to act during times of mourning and grieving?
Authors Bio: Wallace Stevens was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on October 2, 1879. After
attending Harvard, he had intentions on becoming a lawyer, but found his way in poetry. Stevens
became friends with poets including William Carlos Williams and E.E. Cummings. He published
his first book of poems, Harmonium, in 1923 - noting an original and philosophical style.
Stevens is recognized for his abstract and imaginative connotations throughout his work.
The Emperor of Ice Cream
Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one, and bid him whip
In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.
Let the wenches dawdle in such dress
As they are used to wear, and let the boys
Bring flowers in last months newspapers.
Let be be finale of seem.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Take from the dresser of deal,
Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet
On which she embroidered fantails once
And spread it so as to cover her face.
If her horny feet protrude, they come
To show how cold she is, and dumb.
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.
Discussion Questions
1. At first glance, what does the title suggest about the poem? Does it have a different
meaning after reading the poem?

2. What are specific images that you see from reading this poem? How does Stevens use
imagery to contribute to this message?

3. What is the tone of the poem?

4. How does the diction help create the overall tone?

5. What is the significance of ice cream as a symbol? Are there any other symbols that stand
out to you?

6. How are shifts applied? How do they strengthen Stevens main point?

Writing Activity: Write a short letter to a friend or a family member who might be going
through a rough time in life using Stevens overall message.