'Tact' by Edwin Arlington Robinson
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Observant of the way she told
So much of what was true,
No vanity could long withhold
Regard that was her due:
She spared him the familiar guide,
So easily achieved,
That only made a man to smile
And left him undeceived.
Aware that all imagining
Of more than what she meant
Would urge an end of everything,
He stayed; and when he went,
They parted with a merry word
That was to him as light
As any that was ever heard
Upon a starry night.
She smiled a little, knowing well
That he would not remark
The ruins of the a day that fell
Around her in the dark:
He saw no ruins anywhere,
Nor fancied there were scars
On anyone who lingered there,
Along below the stars.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Tact is a classic poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson that explores the theme of social etiquette and its implications in society. This poem is an excellent representation of Robinson's ability to create complex characters and convey meaningful ideas through his writing. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the themes, symbols, and poetic techniques used in Tact to better understand its significance and relevance to contemporary society.
Analysis
Themes
The primary theme of Tact is social etiquette and its influence on human behavior. Robinson uses tact as a metaphor for social decorum and highlights how it affects our interactions with others. The poem raises an important question: How much of our behavior is influenced by social norms and what impact does this have on our individuality?
Robinson's poem suggests that tact is a necessary evil in society, as it allows us to navigate our interactions with others in a harmonious manner. His depiction of the central character, Mrs. Henry Robinson, shows how she uses tact to maintain her social status and avoid offending others. The poem's protagonist is constantly navigating the social landscape, using her wits and charm to manipulate the opinions of others. Robinson's presentation of her character highlights the importance of tact in maintaining social relationships, and the personal cost of not adhering to social expectations.
The poem also explores the theme of conformity and individuality. The protagonist's use of tact is a reflection of her desire to conform to social norms and maintain her status. Robinson suggests that the price of social acceptance is conformity, and that it comes at the expense of individuality. The poem ultimately raises an important question: Is it worth sacrificing individuality for social acceptance?
Symbols
Robinson employs several symbols in Tact to convey his ideas about social etiquette and conformity. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the protagonist's fan, which she uses to communicate with others. The fan symbolizes the protagonist's ability to manipulate others and maintain her status. It is also a representation of the facade she puts up to conform to social expectations.
Another symbol used in the poem is the protagonist's smile. The smile is a representation of her ability to manipulate others and maintain her status. Robinson uses the smile to highlight the protagonist's superficiality and her desire to conform. The smile is also a symbol of the cost of social acceptance, as it comes at the expense of individuality.
Poetic Techniques
Robinson uses several poetic techniques to convey his ideas about social etiquette and conformity. One of the most prominent techniques is irony. The poem is written in a tone that is both mocking and sympathetic towards the protagonist. Robinson uses irony to highlight the superficiality and hypocrisy of social decorum. The irony in the poem also serves to criticize the cost of conformity and the pressure to maintain social status.
The poem also employs imagery to convey its ideas about social etiquette. The use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the protagonist's manipulative nature. For example, the image of the protagonist fanning herself while conversing with others is a powerful representation of her ability to manipulate others and maintain her status.
Interpretation
Tact is a powerful poem that raises important questions about social etiquette, conformity, and individuality. Robinson's portrayal of the protagonist highlights the cost of social acceptance and the pressure to conform to social norms. The poem's exploration of these themes is particularly relevant in today's society, where social media and the internet have made it easier than ever to conform to social norms and maintain social status.
The poem also suggests that tact is a necessary evil in society, as it allows us to navigate our interactions with others in a harmonious manner. However, it also suggests that the cost of social acceptance is conformity, and that it comes at the expense of individuality. The poem raises an important question: Is it worth sacrificing individuality for social acceptance?
Overall, Tact is a thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about social etiquette, conformity, and individuality. Robinson's use of irony, imagery, and symbolism is particularly effective in conveying his ideas about these themes. The poem's relevance to contemporary society makes it a timeless work of literature that will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tact is a classic poem that explores the theme of social etiquette and its implications in society. The poem's exploration of themes such as conformity, individuality, and social acceptance is particularly relevant in today's society. Robinson's use of irony, imagery, and symbolism is particularly effective in conveying his ideas about these themes. Tact is a timeless work of literature that will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tact: An Analysis of Edwin Arlington Robinson's Classic Poem
Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Tact" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the importance of tact in our daily lives and how it can help us navigate difficult situations. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Themes
The central theme of "Tact" is the importance of tact in our daily lives. The poem suggests that tact is a valuable tool that can help us navigate difficult situations and maintain positive relationships with others. The speaker of the poem emphasizes the importance of tact by stating that it is "the art of making a point without making an enemy" (line 1). This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and highlights the idea that tact is not just about being polite, but also about being strategic in our interactions with others.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea that tact is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. The speaker suggests that tact is not something that comes naturally to everyone, but rather it is something that must be practiced and honed. This is evident in lines 7-8, where the speaker states that "Tact is the knack of making a point / Without leaving a mark." This suggests that tact is not just about being polite, but also about being strategic in our interactions with others.
Structure
The structure of "Tact" is relatively simple, consisting of four stanzas with four lines each. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming and the second and fourth lines rhyming. This creates a sense of rhythm and flow throughout the poem, which helps to emphasize the importance of tact as a consistent and ongoing practice.
The poem also uses repetition to reinforce its central message. The phrase "Tact is" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of this skill and reinforcing the idea that it is something that can be learned and developed over time.
Language
The language used in "Tact" is simple and straightforward, but it is also rich with meaning. The poem uses a number of metaphors and analogies to help illustrate the importance of tact. For example, the speaker compares tact to "the art of sinking a putt" (line 2), suggesting that it is a skill that requires precision and practice.
The poem also uses imagery to help convey its message. For example, in lines 9-10, the speaker states that "Tact is the skill of diplomacy / In the face of folly." This creates a vivid image of someone navigating a difficult situation with grace and skill, despite the foolishness of those around them.
The language of the poem is also notable for its use of paradox. The speaker suggests that tact is about "making a point without making an enemy" (line 1), which seems like a contradiction. However, this paradox highlights the complexity of tact and the importance of balancing our own needs with the needs of others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Tact" is a classic piece of literature that speaks to the importance of tact in our daily lives. The poem emphasizes the idea that tact is not just about being polite, but also about being strategic in our interactions with others. It suggests that tact is a skill that can be learned and developed over time, and that it is a valuable tool for navigating difficult situations and maintaining positive relationships with others. Through its use of repetition, metaphor, and paradox, "Tact" creates a vivid and compelling portrait of this important skill, and reminds us of the importance of practicing it in our daily lives.
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