'O Poor People' by Elizabeth Smart
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Let us invoke a healthy heart-breaking
Towards the horrible world:
Let us say 0 poor people
How can they help being so absurd,
Misguided, abused, misled?With unsifted saving graces jostling aboutOn a mucky medley of needs,
Like love-lit shit,Year after cyclic year
The unidentifiable flying god is missed.Emotions sit in their heads disguised as judges,
Or are twisted to look like mathematical formulae,
And only a scarce god-given scientist notices
His trembling lip melting the heart of the rat.Whoever gave us the idea somebody loved us?
Far in our wounded depths faint memories cry,
A vision flickers below subliminally
But immanence looms unbearably: TURN IT OFF! they hiss.
Editor 1 Interpretation
O Poor People by Elizabeth Smart
Oh my goodness, have you read Elizabeth Smart's "O Poor People" yet? If not, you're in for a treat. This poem is a masterpiece of emotional intensity, social commentary, and lyrical language. Let's dive in and explore it together.
Background Information
Before we get started, let's talk a bit about Elizabeth Smart herself. Born in Ottawa, Canada in 1913, Smart was a writer and poet who is best known for her memoir "By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept." This book tells the story of Smart's love affair with the poet George Barker, and it's full of gorgeous, passionate, and heart-wrenching language.
"O Poor People," which was published in 1942, is a poem that explores the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. Smart wrote a number of poems on this theme, and this one is particularly powerful.
Structure and Form
The first thing you'll notice about "O Poor People" is its structure. The poem is made up of 14 stanzas, each with four lines. This is a common form in poetry, called a quatrain, but what's interesting here is the rhyme scheme.
The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. This creates a kind of balance and symmetry that mirrors the poem's theme of social inequality. The people in the poem are divided into two groups - the rich and the poor - and the rhyme scheme underscores this divide.
But it's not just the rhyme scheme that works to create this division. Smart also uses a number of literary techniques to draw a contrast between the two groups.
Imagery and Language
One of the most striking things about "O Poor People" is the way Smart uses imagery to evoke the struggles of the working class. She paints a picture of a world that is bleak, harsh, and unforgiving, where people are forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions just to survive.
Consider, for example, these lines from the first stanza:
O poor people, take heart, take heart,
God has been here from the start;
Manna in the wilderness
God gave to you, His children, no less.
Here, Smart uses biblical imagery to suggest that the working class is like the Israelites in the desert, struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The idea of "manna in the wilderness" is particularly powerful - it suggests that the working class is in a state of constant hunger, and that they are dependent on God to provide them with sustenance.
This religious imagery continues throughout the poem, and it's clear that Smart sees the struggles of the working class as a kind of modern-day crucifixion. Consider these lines from the fifth stanza:
O poor people, bear the cross,
Your Saviour died upon it,
And He knows the weight of loss
And the terrible burden of it.
Here, Smart draws a parallel between the suffering of the working class and the suffering of Christ on the cross. The use of the word "loss" is particularly interesting - it suggests that the working class has lost something precious and valuable, and that they are mourning this loss.
Symbolism
Another important aspect of "O Poor People" is the way Smart uses symbolism to explore the theme of social inequality. One of the key symbols in the poem is the idea of the "golden key."
In the fourth stanza, Smart writes:
O poor people, there is a key,
A golden key to set you free,
But it is guarded jealously
By those who have the wealth and power.
This image of the "golden key" is incredibly powerful - it suggests that there is a way out of poverty and suffering, but that it is only available to those who have wealth and power. The idea of something being "guarded jealously" also suggests that the rich are unwilling to share their wealth with the poor.
Conclusion
Wow. I could go on and on about "O Poor People" - there's so much to unpack here. But I think the most important thing to take away from this poem is its emotional power. Smart's use of imagery, language, and symbolism all work together to create a portrait of a world that is unjust and cruel, but also full of hope and resilience.
This is a poem that speaks directly to the struggles of the working class, and it's a reminder that poetry can be a powerful tool for social commentary and activism. If you haven't read "O Poor People" yet, I highly recommend it - it's a masterpiece of poetic language and emotional intensity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry O Poor People: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Smart
Elizabeth Smart, a Canadian poet and novelist, is known for her unique style of writing that blends the personal and the political. Her poem "Poetry O Poor People" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poverty and the power of poetry to transcend it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and impact.
Themes
The central theme of "Poetry O Poor People" is the transformative power of poetry. Smart argues that poetry can elevate the human spirit and provide solace in times of hardship. She writes, "Poetry is the voice of the poor people / It is their imagination / Their dignity / Their madness / And their hope." Through poetry, the poor can express their deepest emotions and connect with others who share their struggles. Smart also suggests that poetry can be a form of resistance against oppression. She writes, "Poetry is the weapon / Which the poor use / To defend themselves / Against the rich and powerful." By using language to challenge the status quo, the poor can assert their humanity and demand justice.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of community. Smart suggests that poetry can bring people together and create a sense of solidarity. She writes, "Poetry is the bond / That unites the poor / In their struggle / For a better life." Through poetry, the poor can find common ground and work towards a shared vision of a more just society. Smart also emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion. She writes, "Poetry is the heart / That beats in the breast / Of the poor man / And the rich man / Alike." By recognizing our shared humanity, we can overcome the divisions that separate us and work towards a more inclusive world.
Structure
"Poetry O Poor People" is a free verse poem that consists of four stanzas. Each stanza has a different tone and rhythm, which reflects the shifting emotions and perspectives of the speaker. The first stanza is a declaration of the power of poetry. It is written in short, declarative sentences that emphasize the importance of poetry in the lives of the poor. The second stanza is more introspective and reflective. It begins with a rhetorical question, "What is poetry?" and explores the different ways in which poetry can be understood. The third stanza is more confrontational and political. It uses strong language and imagery to challenge the status quo and assert the power of the poor. The final stanza is a call to action. It urges the reader to embrace poetry and use it as a tool for social change.
Language
Smart's use of language in "Poetry O Poor People" is powerful and evocative. She uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions and experiences of the poor. For example, she writes, "Poetry is the hunger / Of a starving child / The thirst of a parched throat / The cold of a freezing night." These images create a sense of urgency and desperation that underscores the importance of poetry in the lives of the poor. Smart also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, she writes, "Poetry is the voice of the poor people / It is their imagination / Their dignity / Their madness / And their hope." This repetition emphasizes the different aspects of poetry and creates a sense of unity and coherence.
Conclusion
"Poetry O Poor People" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of poverty and the transformative power of poetry. Smart's use of language, structure, and themes creates a sense of urgency and importance that resonates with readers. The poem is a call to action, urging us to embrace poetry and use it as a tool for social change. As Smart writes, "Let us all be poets / And let us all be poor / For poetry makes us human / And poverty makes us free."
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