Demonstration of the Intellect
Porter is a well-educated poet. He perhaps takes advantage of this by appealing to his own intellect repeatedly but indirectly in his writing. From Sansovino in "Isaiah's Knee" to Moliere in "Sun King Sulking" he openly demonstrates his knowledge of art and culture from antiquity. These references serve to add layers of both authenticity and complexity to the poems, though they could be ignored altogether and the text of the poems remain unaltered. In a sense Porter includes these gems to appeal to the intellectual in his audience, hoping to establish his authority as a poet.
Impersonal Retrospect
Porter is a champion of nostalgia. His musing is always directed backward, but he zooms so far out that he's often discussing irrelevant historical details. His particular brand of nostalgia is impersonal, led by a generic retrospect. The sedate peacocks of "Sun King Sulking" are emblems of the finery of the recent historical past, sad figures now because they seem so cheapened by the changes in their surrounding city. Even in a discussion of autobiography in "A Walking Bass," Porter side-steps his own feelings to appeal to the generic idea of autobiography. There is a latent nostalgia in the text, but Porter remains an impersonal narrator, intent only upon discussion rather than confession of any sort.
Estrangement of the Outsider
In his poems, Porter refers often to the topography and landmarks of various cities in Europe. He is eager to establish himself as an insider in these environments, avoiding cliche in favor of the obscure reference. In "Isaiah's Knee" he explores the impact of art upon his contemporary environment in Italy, especially in relation to the censorship of the Catholics. Even in subject, this poem is situation to estrange a large majority of the general public. In a sense Porter appeals to the snobbishness and elitism of his audience, understanding that the nuance of his own intellectual experience will naturally distance itself from the public. He leans into this estrangement as a theoretical strategy of authenticity and vulnerability.
