'Box , The' by Lascelles Abercrombie
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Once upon a time, in the land of Hush-A-Bye,
Around about the wondrous days of yore,
They came across a kind of box
Bound up with chains and locked with locks
And labeled "Kindly do not touch; it's war."
A decree was issued round about, and all with a flourish and a shout
And a gaily colored mascot tripping lightly on before.
Don't fiddle with this deadly box,Or break the chains, or pick the locks.
And please don't ever play about with war.
The children understood. Children happen to be good
And they were just as good around the time of yore.
They didn't try to pick the locksOr break into that deadly box.
They never tried to play about with war.
Mommies didn't either; sisters, aunts, grannies neither
'Cause they were quiet, and sweet, and pretty
In those wondrous days of yore.
Well, very much the same as now,
And not the ones to blame somehow
For opening up that deadly box of war.
But someone did. Someone battered in the lid
And spilled the insides out across the floor.
A kind of bouncy, bumpy ball made up of guns and flags
And all the tears, and horror, and death that comes with war.
It bounced right out and went bashing all about,
Bumping into everything in store.And what was sad and most unfair
Was that it didn't really seem to care
Much who it bumped, or why, or what, or for.
It bumped the children mainly. And I'll tell you this quite plainly,
It bumps them every day and more, and more,
And leaves them dead, and burned, and dying
Thousands of them sick and crying.
'Cause when it bumps, it's really very sore.
Now there's a way to stop the ball. It isn't difficult at all.
All it takes is wisdom, and I'm absolutely sure
That we can get it back into the box,And bind the chains, and lock the locks.
But no one seems to want to save the children anymore.
Well, that's the way it all appears, 'cause it's been bouncing round
for years and years
In spite of all the wisdom wizzed since those wondrous days of yore
And the time they came across the box,
Bound up with chains and locked with locks,
And labeled "Kindly do not touch; it's war."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Box: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
Lascelles Abercrombie's Box is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that challenges the reader's expectations of form and content. At first glance, the poem seems deceptively simple: a speaker describes a box that he has in his possession. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this box is no ordinary object. It is a symbol of the human condition, a container of memories and experiences, and a portal to the unknown. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and techniques that Abercrombie employs in Box, and argue that it deserves a place among the greatest works of modernist poetry.
Themes
One of the central themes of Box is the relationship between form and meaning. The poem is written in free verse, without any regular rhyme or meter, which is typical of the modernist style. This lack of formal structure reflects the speaker's experience of confusion and uncertainty. He is not sure what the box contains, or what it means to him. The box is described in terms of its physical properties, such as its size, weight, and texture, but the speaker cannot make sense of its emotional or psychological significance. He says:
I cannot see the things that are in it But they are there, and they are as real As if I had seen them.
This paradoxical statement suggests that the box contains something that is beyond the speaker's comprehension, yet it is still a part of his reality. The box is a metaphor for the human mind, which is capable of containing vast amounts of information, memories, and emotions, but is also limited by its own capacity to understand them.
Another theme of Box is the idea of confinement and liberation. The box represents both a prison and a key to freedom. On the one hand, the speaker is trapped by his inability to open the box and discover its contents. He says:
It is locked, and I cannot open it.
This phrase suggests that the speaker is not in control of his own thoughts or emotions, and that he is subject to external forces that limit his freedom. On the other hand, the box also represents an opportunity for liberation. The speaker imagines that the box contains something that will "break the bounds" of his current existence and allow him to transcend his limitations. He says:
And all that might be changed in me Until I am as free As the breeze on the top of the hill.
This aspiration for freedom is a common theme in modernist literature, which often expresses a sense of disillusionment with the constraints of traditional society and seeks new forms of expression and creativity.
Symbols
One of the most striking symbols in Box is the image of the box itself. The box is a multifaceted symbol that represents different things to different readers. Some might see it as a symbol of the human mind or the soul, while others might see it as a symbol of mystery or the unknown. The fact that the box is described in such concrete terms, with its weight, size, and texture, makes it more tangible and real to the reader, while also emphasizing its mystery and enigma.
Another symbol in Box is the idea of the key. The speaker mentions that he has lost the key to the box, which makes it impossible for him to open it. The key is a symbol of knowledge or understanding, which is essential for unlocking the secrets of the box. Without the key, the box remains a closed and impenetrable object, and the speaker is left in a state of ignorance and confusion. The loss of the key also suggests that the speaker has lost something important in his life, which has led to his current state of uncertainty and anxiety.
Techniques
Abercrombie employs several techniques in Box that are typical of modernist poetry. One of these is the use of imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The poem is full of vivid and evocative descriptions of the box and its surroundings, which help to immerse the reader in the speaker's world. For example, the speaker describes the box as "heavy as stone" and "smooth to the touch," which creates an image of solidity and permanence. He also describes the room where the box is kept as "dark and still," which suggests a sense of claustrophobia and isolation.
Another technique that Abercrombie uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, the speaker repeats the phrase "I cannot see the things that are in it," which creates a sense of frustration and helplessness. The repetition also emphasizes the speaker's sense of longing and curiosity, which is never satisfied. This technique is typical of modernist poetry, which often employs repetition to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Interpretation
Box is a complex and multi-layered poem that invites a variety of interpretations. One possible interpretation is that the box represents the subconscious mind, which is full of hidden desires, fears, and memories. The fact that the speaker cannot see what is inside the box suggests that he is not aware of these hidden aspects of his psyche, and that he is struggling to come to terms with them. The loss of the key also suggests that the speaker has lost access to his own mind, which has led to his current state of confusion and anxiety.
Another interpretation of Box is that it is a commentary on the human condition. The box represents the limits of human knowledge and understanding, and the speaker's desire to transcend these limits. The fact that the box is locked and inaccessible suggests that there are some things that are beyond human comprehension, and that we must learn to live with uncertainty and ambiguity. The aspiration for freedom and transcendence also suggests that human beings are constantly striving for something more, something beyond their current existence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Box is a remarkable work of modernist poetry that challenges the reader's expectations and invites multiple interpretations. The poem's themes of confinement and liberation, the symbols of the box and the key, and the techniques of imagery and repetition all contribute to its enigmatic and haunting quality. Abercrombie's use of free verse and his willingness to experiment with form and content make Box a groundbreaking work of poetry that deserves to be recognized as a masterpiece of modernist literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Box by Lascelles Abercrombie is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of poetry and the power of words. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a box that contains poetry. The box is old and worn, but it is still full of life and meaning. The speaker is drawn to the box and feels a sense of wonder and curiosity about what is inside. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of mystery and intrigue.
The first stanza of the poem describes the box in detail. The speaker notes that it is made of wood and has a lid that is hinged. The box is old and has been through many years of use, but it still holds the poetry inside. The speaker notes that the box is not just a container for the poetry, but it is also a symbol of the power of words. The box is a vessel that holds the magic of poetry, and it is a reminder of the importance of language and communication.
The second stanza of the poem explores the contents of the box. The speaker notes that the poetry inside is not just any poetry, but it is the poetry of the greats. The box contains the works of Shakespeare, Keats, and Shelley, among others. The speaker is in awe of the poetry and notes that it is a treasure trove of beauty and wisdom. The poetry is a reminder of the power of words to inspire, uplift, and transform.
The third stanza of the poem explores the impact of the poetry on the speaker. The speaker notes that the poetry has the power to transport him to another world. He is able to escape from the mundane and enter a world of beauty and wonder. The poetry is a source of inspiration and hope, and it reminds the speaker of the beauty and magic of life.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the relationship between the speaker and the poetry. The speaker notes that he is not just a passive observer of the poetry, but he is an active participant. He engages with the poetry and allows it to transform him. The poetry is not just a collection of words, but it is a living, breathing entity that has the power to change lives.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem explores the broader significance of the poetry box. The speaker notes that the box is not just a container for the poetry, but it is also a symbol of the power of poetry itself. The box is a reminder of the importance of language and communication, and it is a testament to the enduring power of great literature.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the poet to explore the themes and ideas in a more fluid and organic way. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter allows the poem to flow naturally and gives the poet more freedom to express himself.
The language used in the poem is simple and accessible. The poet uses everyday language to convey complex ideas and emotions. The language is rich and evocative, and it creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. The poet uses imagery and metaphor to bring the poetry box to life and to convey the power of poetry.
In conclusion, The Poetry Box by Lascelles Abercrombie is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of poetry and the power of words. The poem explores the themes of beauty, wonder, and transformation, and it reminds us of the enduring power of great literature. The structure and language of the poem are simple and accessible, which allows the poet to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is easy to understand. The Poetry Box is a classic poem that has stood the test of time, and it is a testament to the enduring power of great literature.
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