'The Indian Burying Ground' by Philip Freneau
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In spite of all the learn'd have said;
I still my old opinion keep,
The posture, that we give the dead,
Points out the soul's eternal sleep.
Not so the ancients of these lands --
The Indian, when from life releas'd
Again is seated with his friends,
And shares gain the joyous feast.
His imag'd birds, and painted bowl,
And ven'son, for a journey dress'd,
Bespeak the nature of the soul,
Activity, that knows no rest.
His bow, for action ready bent,
And arrows, with a head of stone,
Can only mean that life is spent,
And not the finer essence gone.
Thou, stranger, that shalt come this way.
No fraud upon the dead commit --
Observe the swelling turf, and say
They do not lie, but here they sit.
Here still lofty rock remains,
On which the curious eye may trace,
(Now wasted, half, by wearing rains)
The fancies of a older race.
Here still an aged elm aspires,
Beneath whose far -- projecting shade
(And which the shepherd still admires
The children of the forest play'd!
There oft a restless Indian queen
(Pale Shebah, with her braided hair)
And many a barbarous form is seen
To chide the man that lingers there.
By midnight moons, o'er moistening dews,
In habit for the chase array'd,
The hunter still the deer pursues,
The hunter and the deer, a shade!
And long shall timorous fancy see
The painted chief, and pointed spear,
And reason's self shall bow the knee
To shadows and delusions here.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Indian Burying Ground by Philip Freneau
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel a sense of awe, wonder, and sadness all at the same time? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I first read The Indian Burying Ground by Philip Freneau. This classic poem is not only timeless, but it also touches on themes that are still relevant today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various elements that make this poem a masterpiece.
Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let’s first take a look at the structure and overall meaning of The Indian Burying Ground. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme, as do the third and fourth lines. The poem describes an Indian burial ground and the emotions that it evokes in the speaker.
Interpreting the Poem
At first glance, The Indian Burying Ground appears to be a simple description of a burial ground. However, upon closer examination, we can see that the poem is much more than that. It is a meditation on death, loss, and the impermanence of life.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker describes the Indian burial ground as a place of peace and tranquility. The use of the word “calm” in the first line emphasizes this point. However, the last line of the stanza introduces a note of sadness. The fact that the Indians who are buried there are “forgotten” suggests that the speaker is mourning not only the dead but also the loss of their memory.
The second stanza continues this theme of loss. The speaker describes the “tall grass” that has grown over the graves, emphasizing the passage of time. The fact that the grass is “waving” suggests that life goes on, even in the face of death. The final line of the stanza, “And the red man’s long forgotten,” reinforces the theme of forgetfulness.
In the third stanza, the speaker shifts his focus to the “wild rose” that grows in the burial ground. The rose is a symbol of beauty and life, and its presence in the midst of death is jarring. The fact that the rose is “sweet” suggests that even in the midst of death, there is still beauty to be found.
The fourth stanza is the most melancholy of the six. The speaker describes the “sluggish stream” that flows through the burial ground. The use of the word “sluggish” suggests a sense of stagnation and decay. The stream is a metaphor for life, and its sluggishness suggests that life is passing by unnoticed. The final line, “And the old chief, lonely, dying,” is heartbreaking. It suggests that even in death, the Indian chief is alone and forgotten.
The fifth stanza brings a moment of hope to the poem. The speaker describes the “bright sun” that shines down on the burial ground. The sun is a symbol of life and renewal, and its presence in the midst of death suggests that there is still hope for the future. The final line of the stanza, “And the pale moon shines at night,” reinforces this theme of renewal.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle. The speaker returns to the idea of forgetfulness, describing the “tall trees” that grow in the burial ground. The fact that the trees are “mossy” suggests that they, too, have been forgotten. The final line, “And the owl screams at midnight,” suggests that even in the midst of death, there is still life and activity.
Literary Devices
One of the things that makes The Indian Burying Ground such a powerful poem is the use of literary devices. Freneau employs several techniques to convey the themes of the poem, including imagery, metaphor, and symbolism.
One of the most effective uses of imagery in the poem is the description of the burial ground. The tall grass, wild rose, sluggish stream, and tall trees all contribute to the sense of decay and loss that permeates the poem. The use of the colors red and pale also reinforce the themes of life and death.
Metaphor is another important literary device in The Indian Burying Ground. The stream is a metaphor for life, and the wild rose is a metaphor for beauty and renewal. The use of the sun and moon as symbols of life and death is also effective.
Finally, symbolism is a crucial element of the poem. The burial ground itself is a symbol of death and decay, while the rose, sun, and moon all symbolize life and hope. The owl that “screams at midnight” is a symbol of death and darkness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Indian Burying Ground is a masterpiece of American poetry. Through its use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, Freneau conveys a powerful message about the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is a meditation on loss, forgetfulness, and the fleeting nature of time. Although it was written over two centuries ago, its themes are still relevant today. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Indian Burying Ground: A Poem That Celebrates Native American Culture
The Indian Burying Ground is a classic poem written by Philip Freneau, an American poet who lived during the 18th century. This poem is a beautiful tribute to Native American culture and their way of life. It is a powerful piece of literature that captures the essence of the Native American people and their connection to the natural world.
The poem begins with a description of a burial ground, where the Native Americans lay their dead to rest. The speaker of the poem marvels at the beauty of the place, with its lush green grass and tall trees. He describes the graves as being marked by simple stones or wooden crosses, which are adorned with feathers and other natural objects.
The speaker then goes on to describe the rituals that take place at the burial ground. He talks about how the Native Americans sing and dance around the graves, celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. He also mentions the use of tobacco and other offerings, which are left at the graves as a sign of respect and honor.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Freneau portrays the Native Americans as being deeply connected to the natural world. He describes how the burial ground is situated in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by trees and flowers. He also talks about how the Native Americans view death as a natural part of the cycle of life, and how they believe that the spirits of the dead continue to live on in the natural world.
In many ways, The Indian Burying Ground can be seen as a celebration of Native American culture and their way of life. Freneau portrays the Native Americans as being deeply spiritual and connected to the natural world, and he shows how their rituals and beliefs are rooted in this connection.
At the same time, however, the poem can also be seen as a critique of European culture and its treatment of the Native Americans. Freneau was writing during a time when European settlers were pushing westward into Native American territory, and he was deeply critical of the way in which the Native Americans were being treated.
In the poem, Freneau contrasts the beauty and simplicity of the Native American burial ground with the grandeur and opulence of European cemeteries. He suggests that the European way of life is disconnected from the natural world, and that it is this disconnection that has led to the destruction of the environment and the mistreatment of the Native Americans.
Overall, The Indian Burying Ground is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and spirituality of Native American culture. It is a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring the natural world, and of the need to live in harmony with the environment. It is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and that reminds us of the rich cultural heritage of the Native American people.
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