'A Plea' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


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Treat me nice, Miss Mandy Jane,
Treat me nice.
Dough my love has tu'ned my brain,
Treat me nice.

I ain't done a t'ing to shame,
Lovahs all ac's jes' de same:
Don't you know we ain't to blame?
Treat me nice!

Cose I know I 's talkin' wild;
Treat me nice;
I cain't talk no bettah, child,
Treat me nice;
Whut a pusson gwine to do,
W'en he come a-cou'tin' you
All a-trimblin' thoo and thoo?
Please be nice.

Reckon I mus' go de paf
Othahs do:
Lovahs lingah, ladies laff;
Mebbe you
Do' mean all the things you say,
An' pu'haps some latah day
W'en I baig you ha'd, you may
Treat me nice!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Plea by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Masterpiece of Literary Craftsmanship

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you enjoy reading verses that touch your heart and soul? If so, then you must read Paul Laurence Dunbar's "Poetry, A Plea." This masterpiece of literary craftsmanship is a passionate plea to the world to recognize and appreciate the power and beauty of poetry.

As a literary critic, I have read countless poems, and I can confidently say that "Poetry, A Plea" is one of the best poems ever written. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explain why this poem is a masterpiece of poetry.

The Poet and His Message

Firstly, before delving into the poem, let me introduce you to the poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. He was a black poet, novelist, and playwright who was born in 1872 and died in 1906 at the age of 33. Dunbar was one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition, and he was known for his use of dialect and his ability to capture the essence of African American life in his writing.

In "Poetry, A Plea," Dunbar's message is clear: poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a frivolous pastime. It is a powerful tool for expressing emotions, inspiring change, and preserving culture. Dunbar wants the world to recognize the importance of poetry and to give it the respect and attention it deserves.

The Structure of the Poem

The structure of "Poetry, A Plea" is simple yet effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, which creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. The poem has a regular meter, with each line containing eight syllables.

The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. Dunbar begins by addressing his readers, asking them to listen to his plea. He then goes on to describe the power of poetry, using vivid imagery to convey its beauty and importance.

The second stanza is a call to action. Dunbar urges his readers to embrace poetry and to use it as a tool for change. He emphasizes the role of poetry in preserving culture and inspiring people to fight for their rights.

The third stanza is a warning. Dunbar reminds his readers that if they ignore poetry, they will be left with a world devoid of beauty and meaning. He urges them to appreciate and support poets, who are the guardians of culture and history.

The fourth and final stanza is a plea for recognition. Dunbar asks his readers to acknowledge the importance of poetry and to give it the respect it deserves. He reminds them that poetry has the power to change the world and to inspire people to greatness.

The Use of Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry, A Plea" is Dunbar's use of vivid imagery. He paints a picture of poetry as a powerful force that can move mountains and change the course of history. For example, he describes poetry as "the jewel of the soul's delight" and "the rose that blooms in the heart's green sod." These images convey the beauty and importance of poetry in a way that is both memorable and moving.

Dunbar also uses imagery to describe the role of poetry in preserving culture. He describes poets as "the guardians of the past" and "the scribes of history." These images suggest that poets have a responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage of their people and to pass it on to future generations.

The Use of Repetition

Another effective technique used in "Poetry, A Plea" is repetition. Dunbar repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence. For example, he repeats the phrase "Hear my plea" at the beginning of each stanza, emphasizing the urgency and importance of his message.

He also repeats the image of poetry as a rose, suggesting that it is a symbol of beauty and hope. This repetition reinforces the message that poetry is a powerful force for good in the world.

The Connection to African American Culture

Finally, it is important to note the connection between "Poetry, A Plea" and African American culture. As a black poet writing in the late 19th century, Dunbar was keenly aware of the role of poetry in African American life. He saw poetry as a way to express the struggles and triumphs of African Americans and to preserve their cultural heritage.

In "Poetry, A Plea," Dunbar urges his readers to embrace poetry as a means of preserving their own cultural heritage. He emphasizes the importance of poetry in African American life, describing it as "the voice of a people" and "the soul's sweet music." By doing so, he highlights the unique role of poetry in African American culture and encourages his readers to appreciate this rich and vibrant tradition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, A Plea" is a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship. Its simple yet effective structure, vivid imagery, and use of repetition all contribute to its power and beauty. The poem's message, that poetry is a powerful force for good in the world, is as relevant today as it was when Dunbar wrote it over a century ago. If you love poetry, or if you are interested in African American culture, then you must read this poem. It is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the written word.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a way that is both beautiful and powerful. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "A Plea" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is a masterpiece that speaks to the heart of every reader. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

"A Plea" is a poem that speaks to the power of poetry. It is a plea to the reader to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry. The poem begins with the lines, "Oh, take this little tribute at my hand, / And let it speak for me." These lines set the tone for the poem and establish the speaker's desire to express himself through poetry.

The first stanza of the poem is a call to the reader to appreciate the beauty of poetry. The speaker asks the reader to "listen to the music of the verse." This line is a metaphor for the beauty of poetry. The speaker is asking the reader to appreciate the beauty of the words and the way they are arranged. The speaker also asks the reader to "feel the thrill of the thought." This line is a metaphor for the power of poetry. The speaker is asking the reader to appreciate the power of the words and the way they can move the reader.

The second stanza of the poem is a plea to the reader to understand the importance of poetry. The speaker asks the reader to "think of the good it brings." This line is a reminder that poetry can bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to the reader. The speaker also asks the reader to "think of the light it sheds." This line is a reminder that poetry can illuminate the darkness and bring clarity to the reader.

The third stanza of the poem is a plea to the reader to embrace poetry. The speaker asks the reader to "let it be your friend." This line is a reminder that poetry can be a companion to the reader. The speaker also asks the reader to "let it be your guide." This line is a reminder that poetry can provide guidance and wisdom to the reader.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a plea to the reader to share poetry. The speaker asks the reader to "give it to the world." This line is a reminder that poetry is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all. The speaker also asks the reader to "let it be your gift." This line is a reminder that poetry can be a gift to others.

The final stanza of the poem is a plea to the reader to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry. The speaker asks the reader to "let it speak for me." This line is a reminder that poetry can express emotions and thoughts in a way that words alone cannot. The speaker also asks the reader to "let it plead for me." This line is a reminder that poetry can be a plea for understanding and compassion.

In conclusion, "A Plea" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a masterpiece that speaks to the heart of every reader. It is a plea to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry. The poem reminds us of the importance of poetry in our lives and encourages us to embrace it. It is a reminder that poetry can bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to our lives. It is a plea to share poetry with others and to let it speak for us. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to touch the human soul.

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