Danse Russe Essay Questions

Why does the speaker use the word "if" throughout the poem?

The speaker uses the word "if" in the poem to clarify the conditions under which his morning dancing will occur. He begins by describing his sleeping wife, daughter, and nanny before describing his dancing and admiration of his body. By framing this as a conditional statement, he is communicating that he needs to be alone in order to have this elated experience of self-reflection.

What does the speaker mean when he calls himself a "happy genius" at the end of the poem?

When the speaker describes himself as the "happy genius" of his household, he is stating that he believes he has found some kind of meaning or enrichment in his morning ritual. In waking up before everyone else and dancing naked before his mirror, the speaker has experienced a moment of understanding with himself (however wrapped up in comedy the scene is). He uses the phrase "happy genius" because it plainly posits that he is in possession of knowledge that everyone else has yet to attain. In this time alone, the speaker believes he has achieved some higher level of understanding.