Commodity fetishism, a concept rooted in Marxist theory, refers to the social process wherein commodities are ascribed qualities beyond their physical or functional attributes. Essentially, this phenomenon involves attributing human traits or social relationships to inanimate objects. This process leads to the perception that these objects hold intrinsic social value, influencing and distorting how individuals interact and perceive their surroundings.
In William Henry Davies' poem "Money," while the term commodity fetishism is not explicitly used, the poem critiques societal tendencies to equate material wealth with personal worth and social status. The poem reflects how material possessions, particularly money, come to symbolize deeper social and personal values, thereby revealing the impact of commodity fetishism on human relationships and societal values.
How the Poem Reflects Commodity Fetishism
Money as a Social Determinant
- The poem illustrates how money serves as a determinant of social relationships. When the speaker’s financial circumstances shift, his previously numerous friends disappear, indicating that these relationships were more dependent on his wealth than on any genuine emotional connection. This transformation highlights how money, as a commodity, is fetishized and serves as a symbol of social value.
- By presenting money as a key factor in the formation and dissolution of relationships, the poem critiques the societal tendency to value people based on their material wealth. This fetishization distorts the nature of relationships, making them conditional and superficial.
False Consciousness
- The concept of "false consciousness", a term from Marxist theory that describes the inability of individuals to see the true nature of their exploitation or oppression, is subtly referenced in the poem. The speaker’s former friends are depicted as valuing him solely for his wealth rather than for his intrinsic qualities.
- This depiction serves to highlight how society’s focus on material wealth creates a false consciousness, where individuals fail to recognize the superficiality of relationships based on economic status. The poem suggests that this condition leads people to prioritize material gain over genuine human connections, reflecting a core element of commodity fetishism.
Alienation
- The theme of alienation, which is intertwined with commodity fetishism, is also present in the poem. Despite being surrounded by people during his affluent period, the speaker experiences a profound sense of isolation and loneliness. This sense of alienation stems from the fact that social relations are mediated through commodities, such as money, rather than through authentic interpersonal interactions.
- The poem indirectly critiques the way that societal obsession with material possessions can lead to emotional and social detachment. The speaker's isolation underscores how the fetishization of commodities can distort human relationships, leading to a sense of alienation even in the midst of apparent social engagement.
While Davies does not directly reference commodity fetishism in "Money," his portrayal of the consequences of material wealth on personal relationships and social interactions captures the essence of the concept. The poem provides a poignant critique of how society’s fixation on material possessions can distort human connections and contribute to a sense of alienation, illustrating the profound effects of commodity fetishism on both individual lives and broader social dynamics.
