Breakfast

Breakfast

By Jacques Prevert

He poured the coffee
Into the cup
He put the milk
Into the cup of coffee
He put the sugar
Into the coffee with milk
With a small spoon
He churned
He drank the coffee
And he put down the cup
Without any word to me
He emptied the coffee with milk
And he put down the cup
Without any word to me
He lit one cigarette
He made circles with the smoke
He shook off the ash into the ashtray
Without any word to me
Without any look at me
He got up
He put on a hat
He put on a raincoat because it was raining
And he left into the rain
Without any word to me
Without any look at me
And I buried my face in my hands
And I cried

Summary of Breakfast

• Popularity of “Breakfast”: Jacques Prevert penned this poignant poem in 1946, shortly after the devastation of World War II. A world grappling with the aftermath of immense trauma saw a shift in emotional landscapes, where even the most mundane acts took on a heavier significance, and conversely, important connections could be lost in the everyday. “Breakfast” captures this widespread sense of disconnection and emotional numbness, explaining its enduring resonance.
• “Breakfast” as a Representative of Post War Meaninglessness: Prevert masterfully employs precise and concise language to present a third-person narrative of ordinary actions. The poem meticulously details the preparation of coffee – pouring, adding milk, stirring in sugar. This routine is repeated with the lighting of a cigarette, the circling smoke, and the final act of departure. The speaker is struck by this mechanical, almost robotic, execution of morning rituals, and the complete lack of acknowledgment from the man performing them. This chilling indifference jolts the speaker, highlighting a profound sense of isolation and loss.
• Major Themes in “Breakfast”: “Breakfast” explores themes of meaninglessness, the routinization of life, and alienation. The repetitive nature of the man’s actions underscores a sense of emptiness and a loss of genuine connection. He performs these tasks with detached precision, seemingly oblivious to the presence of another human being. The speaker’s ultimate act of burying their face in their hands and weeping signifies the deep emotional pain caused by this indifference, and speaks to the larger alienation experienced in the wake of war.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Breakfast

Jacques Prevert skillfully employs a range of literary devices to amplify the poem’s emotional impact and thematic depth. Understanding these devices unlocks a deeper appreciation of the poem’s artistry.

1. Anaphora: This technique involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses. Prevert utilizes anaphora effectively, particularly with the repetition of “He” and “Without any.” For example, the continuous use of “He” at the beginning of lines establishes a detached observational quality, and the repeated phrase “Without any” emphasizes the man’s complete lack of engagement.
2. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a musicality and subtly reinforces certain themes. Notice the prevalence of the short “i” sound in lines like “He emptied the coffee with milk,” and the open “o” sound in “He poured the coffee.” These subtle repetitions add to the poem’s rhythm and texture.
3. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a similar effect to assonance. Consider the pairing of “small spoon,” where the repeated “s” sound creates a delicate auditory image. The repetition of “h” in “his head” is another subtle example.
4. Consonance: This involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, rather than at the beginning. The repetition of the “w” sound in “Without any word to me” and the “h” sound in “A hat on his head” contribute to the poem’s overall sonic texture.
5. Enjambment: This technique involves the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. Observe how Prevert uses enjambment to create a sense of flow and momentum. For example:
   

   And he left
   Into the rain
   Without any word to me
   Without any look at me
   And I buried
   My face in my hands
   And I cried

   This unbroken flow mirrors the relentless passage of time and the speaker’s escalating despair.

6. Imagery: Prevert masterfully utilizes imagery to create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. Lines like “And he put down the cup”, “He emptied the coffee with milk” and “He made circles” evoke clear visual and tactile sensations, immersing the reader in the scene.
7. Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolic meaning. The cup, coffee, milk, and cigarette all represent the routines and rituals of modern life. The man’s mechanical execution of these tasks symbolizes a loss of genuine connection and emotional depth. The rain itself can be seen as a symbol of sadness and isolation.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Breakfast

While literary devices encompass broader techniques, certain elements are particularly prevalent in poetry. Here’s a closer examination of those employed in “Breakfast.”

1. Diction: Prevert’s choice of language is remarkably precise and concise. He avoids overly ornate or flowery language, opting instead for simple, direct words that convey maximum meaning with minimal embellishment. This contributes to the poem’s stark and emotionally resonant quality.
2. Free Verse: “Breakfast” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Prevert to prioritize natural rhythm and flow, creating a conversational tone that enhances the poem’s intimacy and emotional impact.
3. Stanza: The poem consists of a single, unbroken stanza of thirty-five lines. This reinforces the sense of a continuous, unfolding experience, mirroring the relentless passage of time and the speaker’s escalating despair.
4. Tone: The poem’s tone shifts subtly throughout, beginning with a detached observational quality and culminating in a profound sense of sorrow and alienation. The final lines, with the speaker burying their face in their hands and weeping, evoke a sense of overwhelming despair and hopelessness.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are particularly effective for illustrating the mundane routine of modern life and the sense of emotional detachment that pervades the poem.

He poured the coffee
Into the cup
He put the milk
Into the cup of coffee
He put the sugar
Into the coffee with milk

These lines exemplify the poem’s focus on the repetitive, mechanical nature of daily rituals, and the speaker’s sense of disconnection from the man performing them.