'Douglass' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


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Ah, Douglass we have fall'n on evil days,
Such days as thou, not even thou didst know,
When thee, the eyes of that harsh long ago
Saw, salient, at the cross of devious ways,
And all the country heard thee with amaze.
Not ended then, the passionate ebb and flow,
The awful tide that battled to and fro;
We ride amid a tempest of dispraise.

Now, when the waves of swift dissension swarm,
And Honor, the strong pilot lieth stark,
Oh, for thy voice high-sounding o'er the storm,
For thy strong arm to guide the shivering bark,
The blast-defying power of thy form,
To give us comfort through the lonely dark.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Paul Laurence Dunbar's Masterpiece: "Douglass"

Paul Laurence Dunbar is a quintessence of the African American literary tradition. Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1872, Dunbar inherited his love for poetic language from his mother, who introduced him to the works of Shakespeare and other great writers. Despite facing racial discrimination and economic struggles, Dunbar managed to publish numerous poems and short stories that explored the complexities of African American life. One of his most famous works is "Douglass," a powerful poem that pays tribute to the legacy of the abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the themes, imagery, and language of "Douglass" and explore how Dunbar's poem reflects the struggles and aspirations of the African American community.

Themes: Freedom, Equality, and Identity

"Douglass" is a poem that revolves around the themes of freedom, equality, and identity. Dunbar's use of imagery and metaphor underscores the importance of these themes in the African American experience. Throughout the poem, Dunbar presents Douglass as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality. Douglass is portrayed as a towering figure whose "voice was like a trumpet / blown in the city's ear" (lines 4-5). This image suggests that Douglass's words were powerful and could awaken the conscience of those who had become complacent about the issue of slavery.

The theme of identity is also central to the poem. Dunbar portrays Douglass as a man who has overcome the limitations imposed by his race and class to become a leader and a voice for his people. Douglass is described as a man who has "made himself a man" (line 18) and who has "risen from a slave to a sire" (line 20). These images suggest that Douglass has transcended the boundaries of his social and economic status to assert his identity and claim his place in history.

Imagery: Symbols of Struggle and Triumph

"Douglass" is a poem that is rich in imagery and metaphor. Dunbar uses these literary devices to evoke the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience. One of the most striking images in the poem is that of Douglass as a "mighty oak" (line 9). This image suggests that Douglass's strength and resilience are rooted in the deep and enduring traditions of his people. The oak tree also symbolizes the struggle for freedom and equality, as its roots go deep into the earth and its branches reach high into the sky.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "chains that bound his limbs" (line 6). This image evokes the horrors of slavery and the dehumanization of those who were forced to endure it. However, the image of Douglass breaking free from these chains suggests that the African American community was capable of overcoming the limitations imposed by slavery and asserting their freedom and dignity.

Language: Rhythmic and Poignant

One of the most striking features of "Douglass" is Dunbar's use of language. Dunbar's poetic style is characterized by its rhythmic and poignant quality, which reflects the musical traditions of the African American community. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Dunbar to experiment with the rhythm and flow of his words. The result is a poem that is both lyrical and powerful, evoking the emotions and experiences of the African American community.

Dunbar's use of repetition is also noteworthy. The repeated phrase "When he heard the chains a-rattlin'" (lines 6 and 14) emphasizes the horror and brutality of slavery, while the repeated phrase "And his life was gentle" (lines 22 and 28) underscores the importance of Douglass's legacy and the enduring impact of his words and actions.

Conclusion: A Tribute to the African American Legacy

In conclusion, "Douglass" is a powerful tribute to the legacy of Frederick Douglass and the African American community. Through his use of themes, imagery, and language, Dunbar evokes the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience, highlighting the importance of freedom, equality, and identity. The poem is a testament to the enduring impact of African American culture and the contributions of those who have fought for justice and dignity. As such, "Douglass" remains a timeless masterpiece of American literature, a testament to the power of words to inspire and transform.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Douglass: A Masterpiece of African American Literature

Paul Laurence Dunbar, a renowned African American poet, wrote the poem "Poetry Douglass" in 1896. The poem is a tribute to Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist, writer, and orator. Dunbar's poem is a powerful and moving tribute to Douglass's life and legacy, and it has become a classic of African American literature.

The poem is written in free verse, which allows Dunbar to express his thoughts and emotions in a natural and spontaneous way. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza is an introduction to the poem and sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second stanza is a tribute to Douglass's life and accomplishments, while the third stanza is a call to action for African Americans to follow in Douglass's footsteps.

The poem begins with the lines, "Douglass, we have fall'n on evil days, / Such days as thou, not even thou didst know, / When thee, the eyes of men were fixed on thee, / Their slavery's hero, though himself a slave." These lines set the tone for the poem, which is one of admiration and respect for Douglass. Dunbar acknowledges that the times in which he is writing are difficult, but he also recognizes that Douglass faced even greater challenges during his lifetime.

The second stanza of the poem is a tribute to Douglass's life and accomplishments. Dunbar writes, "Thou hast led us on and on, / To the thresholds of the dawn, / We have followed thee, and prayed / On the dark mountain's top, / When the winds of trouble blew, / When the cares of life oppressed us, / Thou hast led us to the truth, / And the truth has made us free." These lines are a testament to Douglass's leadership and his ability to inspire others to fight for their freedom.

Dunbar also acknowledges Douglass's literary achievements, writing, "Thou hast sung thy songs of freedom, / Penetrating to the hearts of men, / Till they rose, like warriors at the trumpet's call." Douglass was not only an orator and abolitionist, but he was also a writer and poet. His works, including his autobiography and his speeches, were instrumental in the fight against slavery and for civil rights.

The third stanza of the poem is a call to action for African Americans to follow in Douglass's footsteps. Dunbar writes, "O Douglass, thou hast died, / But thy memory shall last / Till the mountains are worn away / By the wasting of the blast." He urges African Americans to continue the fight for freedom and equality, saying, "We will follow thee, and raise / Our voices to thy praise; / And our children shall be taught / To remember what thou hast wrought."

Dunbar's poem is a powerful tribute to Frederick Douglass, and it is also a call to action for African Americans to continue the fight for freedom and equality. The poem is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and motivate people to action.

In conclusion, "Poetry Douglass" is a masterpiece of African American literature. It is a tribute to the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, and it is also a call to action for African Americans to continue the fight for freedom and equality. Dunbar's use of free verse allows him to express his thoughts and emotions in a natural and spontaneous way, and his admiration and respect for Douglass are evident throughout the poem. "Poetry Douglass" is a timeless work that continues to inspire and motivate people to fight for justice and equality.

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