'Song' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


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My heart to thy heart,
My hand to thine;
My lips to thy lips,
Kisses are wine
Brewed for the lover in sunshine and shade;
Let me drink deep, then, my African maid.

Lily to lily,
Rose unto rose;
My love to thy love
Tenderly grows.
Rend not the oak and the ivy in twain,
Nor the swart maid from her swarthier swain.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Song by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Celebration of Black Identity

Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the most prominent African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th century. His work was characterized by a unique blend of dialect and standard English, as well as by his ability to capture the joy, pain, and resilience of black life in America. In this literary criticism, I will focus on one of Dunbar's most memorable poems, "Poetry, Song," which celebrates the power of black music and its role in shaping black identity.

An Overview of "Poetry, Song"

"Poetry, Song" was first published in 1896, in Dunbar's second collection of poetry, "Majors and Minors." The poem is only five stanzas long, but it packs a powerful punch. In each stanza, Dunbar contrasts a negative stereotype of black people with a positive image of black music. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

You may have the grim conventions
  Of your stolid race and kind,
But I'll have my jubilant music,
  And a joy that is undefined.

Here, Dunbar is suggesting that while black people may be seen as "grim" and "stolid" by others, they have something that brings them joy and transcends these negative stereotypes: their music. He goes on to describe the power of black music in the following stanzas, using vivid imagery and metaphors:

You may look askance and frown on,
  But I tell you, gentleman,
Whene'er my soul is burdened
  You shall hear me singing then.

For I'll take my soul out walking,
  And we'll hear the music roll,
Till the heart of me is raptured,
  And my feet keep time and soul.

Throughout the poem, Dunbar emphasizes the way that music is a source of strength and identity for black people, even in the face of oppression and discrimination.

A Celebration of Black Identity

One of the most striking things about "Poetry, Song" is the way that it celebrates black identity. Dunbar is not content to simply complain about the negative stereotypes that are often associated with black people; instead, he insists on highlighting the positive aspects of black culture that are often overlooked or ignored. By focusing on the power of black music, Dunbar is able to showcase the resilience and joy that are central to black identity.

At the same time, however, Dunbar is not naive about the challenges that black people face. In the second stanza, he writes:

You may think my boast is foolish,
  And my pride is overwrought;
But I'll cling to my faith the closer
  When the world has called it naught.

Here, Dunbar is acknowledging that black people are often dismissed or ridiculed for their cultural traditions. Nevertheless, he insists on holding onto his faith in the power of black music, even in the face of criticism. This is a powerful statement about the importance of cultural pride and resilience, even in the midst of adversity.

The Power of Music

The central theme of "Poetry, Song" is the power of music to uplift and inspire. Throughout the poem, Dunbar describes the way that music can transport him out of his troubles and into a state of joy and transcendence. He writes:

When life seems one glad goodly thing
  And the whole wide world a song,
When men are noble, women fair,
  And the day is never long,

Here, Dunbar is describing the feeling of being swept up in the power of music. In this state, everything seems possible, and the world is transformed into a place of beauty and joy. This is an incredibly powerful image, and it speaks to the way that music has the ability to help people transcend their troubles and find hope in difficult times.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Song" is a powerful celebration of black identity and the power of black music. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Dunbar captures the resilience and joy that are at the heart of black culture. At the same time, he acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that black people face, and he insists on holding onto his faith in the power of music to uplift and inspire. This poem is a testament to the importance of cultural pride and resilience, and it continues to be an important text in the canon of African American literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Song by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Masterpiece of Literary Art

Poetry is an art form that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a medium through which we express our deepest emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet, was a master of this art form. His poem, Poetry Song, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives.

The poem begins with the lines, "Oh, little brown bird, keep a-singing, / A bright world is worth the bringing." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The little brown bird is a metaphor for the poet, who is urging himself to keep writing poetry. The bright world that is worth bringing is the world of poetry, which brings joy, beauty, and meaning to our lives.

The next stanza reads, "Though the skies be dark and dreary, / Though the waves roll high and weary." These lines suggest that even in difficult times, poetry can provide solace and comfort. The poet is encouraging himself to keep writing, even when the world around him seems bleak and hopeless.

The third stanza reads, "For the world is full of roses, / And the roses full of dew." This stanza is a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, there is beauty to be found. The roses are a metaphor for the beauty that can be found in life, and the dew represents the freshness and vitality that poetry can bring.

The fourth stanza reads, "And the light that falls on roses / Falls on me and falls on you." This stanza suggests that poetry is a universal art form that can be appreciated by all. The light that falls on the roses falls on everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social status. Similarly, the beauty and meaning of poetry can be appreciated by all.

The fifth stanza reads, "For the rose is an expression / Of the beauty of the earth." This stanza suggests that poetry is a reflection of the beauty of the world around us. The rose is a symbol of this beauty, and poetry is a way of capturing and expressing it.

The sixth stanza reads, "And the bird is an expression / Of the gladness of the air." This stanza suggests that poetry is also a reflection of the joy and happiness that can be found in life. The bird is a symbol of this joy, and poetry is a way of expressing it.

The final stanza reads, "And I know the world is singing, / Though I hear it faint and low." This stanza suggests that poetry is a way of connecting with the world around us. The poet may not always hear the world singing, but through poetry, he can feel its presence and be a part of it.

Overall, Poetry Song is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the power and significance of poetry. It reminds us that even in difficult times, poetry can provide solace and comfort. It also reminds us that poetry is a universal art form that can be appreciated by all, regardless of race, gender, or social status. Finally, it reminds us that poetry is a way of connecting with the world around us and expressing the beauty, joy, and meaning that can be found in life.

In conclusion, Paul Laurence Dunbar's Poetry Song is a masterpiece of literary art that captures the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives. It is a poem that inspires and uplifts, reminding us of the beauty and meaning that can be found in the world around us. It is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry to connect us with the world and with each other, and it is a poem that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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