Poverty
In "December," the narrator of the poem aims to share the struggles of the hard-working lower and working class individuals. He describes the harsh environments of winter, specifically in the month of December and suggests that December is a month of beauty, wonder, and celebration for all--except those who are required to work through the cold and harsh winters. In this way, Simic advocates against the class system and suggest that it is inherently biased against the lower working, classes who are trapped in a system that prevents them from tending to their mental and physical needs.
Sanity
In "Early Evening Algebra," the narrator follows the trail of a "madwoman" who goes around the frigid city, following couples as they walk and marking chalk Xs on their backs. Though the narrator never explores why the madwoman chooses to mark the couples with chalk, he suggests that the reason is fundamentally bound in her own sanity. The woman's actions do not harm anyone and yet, she is shunned for her perceived lack of sanity. In this way, Simic suggests that society values sanity more than reason or kindness; it judges people based on their perceived assimilation into society and societal values. In short, this poem captures the heartbreaking reality of those who are viewed as less than sane. They are isolated from society and judged, even if their actions do not harm others.
The Cruelty of Winter
Winter is a common theme, present in many of Simic's poems. In each instance, winter is portrayed as a cruel force, whose effects are felt most by the weakest and poorest of society. In "December," the narrator explains how the frigid temperatures of winter in December cannot shake the poorest and hardest working of society. The winter acts against these individuals and makes their lives much harder. Similarly, in "Come Winter," Simic explores how winters affect the homeless populations around the world and can prove fatal to those who do not have a place to live. Finally, in "Early Evening Algebra," it is suggested that the madwoman's insane actions are exacerbated by the cold winds and falling snow. In this way, winter is painted as an antagonistic character, whose very presence is a cancer upon society and whose cruel effects can be felt in the lowest classes of society.
