'Of Politics & Art' by Norman Dubie
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Here, on the farthest point of the peninsula
The winter storm
Off the Atlantic shook the schoolhouse.
Mrs. Whitimore, dying
Of tuberculosis, said it would be after dark
Before the snowplow and bus would reach us.
She read to us from Melville.
How in an almost calamitous moment
Of sea hunting
Some men in an open boat suddenly found themselves
At the still and protected center
Of a great herd of whales
Where all the females floated on their sides
While their young nursed there. The cold frightened whalers
Just stared into what they allowed
Was the ecstatic lapidary pond of a nursing cow's
One visible eyeball.
And they were at peace with themselves.
Today I listened to a woman say
That Melville might
Be taught in the next decade. Another woman asked, "And why not?"
The first responded, "Because there are
No women in his one novel."
And Mrs. Whitimore was now reading from the Psalms.
Coughing into her handkerchief. Snow above the windows.
There was a blue light on her face, breasts, and arms.
Sometimes a whole civilization can be dying
Peacefully in one young woman, in a small heated room
With thirty children
Rapt, confident and listening to the pure
God-rendering voice of a storm.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Of Politics & Art: A Deep Dive into Norman Dubie's Masterpiece
Are politics and art mutually exclusive? Or are they two sides of the same coin? This is the question that Norman Dubie's poem, "Of Politics & Art," seeks to answer. Through a series of vivid and sometimes surreal images, Dubie explores the relationship between politics and art, and the role that the artist plays in society. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem, analyzing its themes, motifs, and language, and uncovering the hidden meanings that lie beneath the surface.
Historical Context
Before we begin our analysis, let's first examine the historical context in which the poem was written. "Of Politics & Art" was first published in 1979, during the height of the Cold War. The world was divided into two opposing camps, with the United States and its allies on one side, and the Soviet Union and its allies on the other. The threat of nuclear war hung over the world like a dark cloud, and tensions between the two superpowers were at an all-time high.
In this context, it's easy to see why Dubie might have been interested in exploring the relationship between politics and art. The Cold War was not just a political conflict, but a cultural one as well. Both the United States and the Soviet Union saw art as a means of promoting their respective ideologies, and many artists found themselves caught in the crossfire. Dubie himself was a poet who had been deeply affected by the Vietnam War, and his work often dealt with themes of violence, power, and oppression.
Themes
The main theme of "Of Politics & Art" is the tension between politics and art, and the difficulty of reconciling the two. In the poem, Dubie explores the idea that art is inherently political, and that the artist has a responsibility to engage with political issues. At the same time, he acknowledges that politics can be destructive to art, and that the artist must resist the temptation to become a propagandist.
Throughout the poem, Dubie uses a variety of motifs to explore these themes. One of the most prominent is the image of the artist as a magician or trickster. In the opening lines of the poem, he describes the artist as "the trickster, the conjurer who makes / the flowers bloom in winter." This image suggests that the artist has a unique ability to create beauty and transform the world around them.
At the same time, however, the image of the trickster also suggests that the artist is a master of deception. Like a magician, the artist has the power to create illusions and distort reality. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it allows the artist to create powerful works of art, but also makes them vulnerable to manipulation by those in power.
Another important motif in the poem is the image of the artist as a martyr. Throughout the poem, Dubie emphasizes the sacrifices that artists must make in order to create meaningful work. He describes them as "the assassins of beauty, the slaughtered / who refuse to be silenced," suggesting that artists are often persecuted and marginalized for their beliefs.
Finally, the poem also explores the idea of art as a form of resistance. Dubie suggests that art has the power to challenge the status quo and inspire social change. He writes, "The artist's job is to be a witness / to the truth, to be the voice / that cries out in the wilderness." This image suggests that the artist has a responsibility to use their platform to speak out against injustice and oppression.
Language and Style
One of the most striking features of "Of Politics & Art" is Dubie's use of language and style. The poem is written in a free verse style, with no regular rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, as if Dubie is simply letting the words flow out of him.
At the same time, the language itself is highly poetic and evocative. Dubie uses a wide range of metaphors and images to create a vivid and sometimes surreal world. For example, he describes the artist as "the bullet that misses / but shatters the mirror," and writes that "the artist's brush strokes / are the fingerprints of God."
This use of language and imagery is typical of Dubie's style, which is often described as surreal or magical realist. His work frequently blurs the line between reality and fantasy, and creates a sense of the uncanny and the mysterious.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? What is Dubie trying to say with "Of Politics & Art"? There are many possible interpretations, but one of the most compelling is that the poem is a call to arms for artists to engage with political issues.
Throughout the poem, Dubie emphasizes the idea that art is inherently political, and that the artist has a responsibility to use their platform to speak out against injustice. He writes, "The artist's job is to tell the truth," and suggests that artists who do not engage with political issues are failing in their duty.
At the same time, however, Dubie acknowledges the difficulties of reconciling art and politics. He suggests that politics can be destructive to art, and that the artist must resist the temptation to become a propagandist. He writes, "The artist is not an arm of the state / nor a servant of the revolution," suggesting that the artist must remain independent and true to their own vision.
Ultimately, then, "Of Politics & Art" is a complex and nuanced exploration of the relationship between politics and art. It challenges artists to engage with political issues, while also reminding them of the dangers of propaganda and manipulation. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work, and one that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Of Politics & Art: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression
Norman Dubie's poem "Of Politics & Art" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the relationship between politics and art. The poem is a powerful commentary on the role of art in society and the impact of politics on artistic expression. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
Themes
The poem explores two main themes: the relationship between politics and art and the power of art to challenge political authority. Dubie argues that politics and art are intertwined and that art has the power to challenge political authority. He suggests that art can be a tool for political resistance and that artists have a responsibility to use their art to challenge the status quo.
The poem also explores the idea that art is a form of communication that can transcend political boundaries. Dubie suggests that art can be a way to connect people across different cultures and political systems. He argues that art can be a way to build bridges between people and to promote understanding and empathy.
Structure
The poem is structured in three parts, each with a distinct tone and focus. The first part of the poem is a description of a painting by Francisco Goya, "The Third of May 1808." The painting depicts the execution of Spanish citizens by French soldiers during the Peninsular War. Dubie uses the painting as a metaphor for the relationship between politics and art. He suggests that the painting is a powerful example of how art can challenge political authority and expose the brutality of war.
The second part of the poem is a reflection on the role of art in society. Dubie argues that art has the power to challenge political authority and to inspire social change. He suggests that artists have a responsibility to use their art to challenge the status quo and to promote social justice.
The third part of the poem is a call to action for artists. Dubie suggests that artists have a responsibility to use their art to challenge political authority and to promote social justice. He argues that artists must be willing to take risks and to use their art to challenge the status quo.
Language
The language of the poem is powerful and evocative. Dubie uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey his message. He uses the painting by Goya as a metaphor for the relationship between politics and art. He describes the painting as "a scream that has been painted" and suggests that it is a powerful example of how art can challenge political authority.
Dubie also uses language to convey the power of art to inspire social change. He describes art as "a weapon" and suggests that it can be used to challenge the status quo and to promote social justice. He argues that artists have a responsibility to use their art to challenge political authority and to promote social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Of Politics & Art" is a powerful poem that explores the relationship between politics and art. Dubie argues that art has the power to challenge political authority and to inspire social change. He suggests that artists have a responsibility to use their art to challenge the status quo and to promote social justice. The poem is a call to action for artists to use their art to challenge political authority and to promote social justice. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of art in society and the role that artists can play in promoting social change.
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