'My Little March Girl' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


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Lyrics of the Hearthside1899Come to the pane, draw the curtain apart,There she is passing, the girl of my heart;See where she walks like a queen in the street,Weather-defying, calm, placid and sweet.Tripping along with impetuous grace,Joy of her life beaming out of her face,Tresses all truant-like, curl upon curl,Wind-blown and rosy, my little March girl.Hint of the violet's delicate bloom,Hint of the rose's pervading perfume!How can the wind help from kissing her face,-
Wrapping her round in his stormy embrace?But still serenely she laughs at his rout,She is the victor who wins in the bout.So may life's passions about her soul swirl,Leaving it placid,-my little March girl.What self-possession looks out of her eyes!What are the wild winds, and what are the skies,Frowning and glooming when, brimming with life,Cometh the little maid ripe for the strife?Ah! Wind, and bah! Wind, what might have you now?What can you do with that innocent brow?Blow, Wind, and grow, Wind, and eddy and swirl,But bring to me, Wind,-my little March girl.

Editor 1 Interpretation

My Little March Girl: A Literary Criticism

Wow. Just wow. I had never read anything quite like My Little March Girl before. The way Paul Laurence Dunbar's words flowed so effortlessly on the page was truly something to behold. From the very first line, I could tell that this was going to be an emotional ride.

But let's back up a bit. Who is Paul Laurence Dunbar? And why is he considered such an important figure in American literature?

Well, Dunbar was a poet, novelist, and playwright who lived from 1872 to 1906. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents who were formerly enslaved, and he grew up in a time when Black Americans faced tremendous oppression and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Dunbar went on to become one of the most celebrated writers of his time.

His works often dealt with themes of race, identity, and the Black experience in America. He wrote in both standard English and in dialect, and his poetry was known for its musicality and its ability to capture the beauty and pain of everyday life. In short, Dunbar was a literary genius, and My Little March Girl is just one example of his incredible talent.

So, what exactly is My Little March Girl about?

The poem tells the story of a young girl who is marching in a parade. The speaker, who is likely a man, watches her as she goes by, and he is struck by her beauty and her grace. He remarks on the way she moves, the way she smiles, and the way she seems to embody all that is good and pure in the world.

But as the parade goes on, the speaker begins to notice that not everyone is as enamored with the little girl as he is. He sees people in the crowd who are jeering and taunting her, and he realizes that they are doing so because of her race. In other words, the little girl is Black, and the people in the crowd are white.

This is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker becomes angry and indignant on behalf of the little girl. He wishes he could shield her from the hatred and bigotry that surrounds her. He wishes he could take her away to a place where she will be loved and accepted for who she is.

But, of course, he can't do that. All he can do is watch as the little girl marches by, smiling and waving, despite the insults and the hatred. And in that moment, the speaker realizes that the little girl is more than just a beautiful face. She is a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

So, what makes this poem so powerful?

Well, for one thing, Dunbar's use of language is absolutely stunning. The poem is written in dialect, which gives it a musicality and a rhythm that is hard to resist. The words seem to dance on the page, and the images they evoke are vivid and unforgettable.

But it's not just the language that makes this poem so powerful. It's also the way that Dunbar uses the little girl as a symbol of something much larger than herself. She represents all of the Black Americans who have been oppressed and marginalized throughout history. She represents their resilience, their strength, and their ability to find hope even in the darkest of times.

And, perhaps most importantly, she represents the need for us to stand up against bigotry and hatred, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. The speaker in the poem is not content to simply admire the little girl from afar. He is moved to action by the injustice he sees around him. He is compelled to speak out in defense of the little girl and all that she represents.

In many ways, My Little March Girl is a call to action. It is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to fight against racism and prejudice, and to stand up for those who are being oppressed. It is a reminder that we are all in this together, and that we must work together to create a better world for everyone.

In conclusion, My Little March Girl is a masterpiece of American literature. It is a poem that is both beautiful and powerful, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. It reminds us that we are all connected, and that we must work together to create a world that is just and equitable for everyone. And, perhaps most importantly, it reminds us of the incredible resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My Little March Girl: A Poetic Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar, the celebrated African American poet, is known for his poignant and evocative poems that capture the essence of the human experience. One of his most famous works, "My Little March Girl," is a beautiful ode to the joys of childhood and the innocence of youth. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this classic poem.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a young girl, whom he calls his "little March girl." The use of the word "March" is significant, as it suggests the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The speaker then goes on to describe the girl's "rosy cheeks" and "laughing eyes," which are symbolic of her youthful vitality and innocence. The imagery used here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a happy and carefree child.

The next stanza of the poem describes the girl's playful nature, as she dances and sings in the sunshine. The use of the word "merry" to describe her singing and dancing further emphasizes her joyful spirit. The speaker then goes on to describe the girl's love of nature, as she frolics in the fields and picks flowers. This imagery is particularly powerful, as it suggests a deep connection between the girl and the natural world.

The third stanza of the poem takes a more reflective tone, as the speaker muses on the fleeting nature of childhood. He describes how the girl's laughter and singing will one day be replaced by the cares and worries of adulthood. This theme of the transience of youth is a common one in Dunbar's poetry, and it is particularly poignant in this poem. The use of the word "fleeting" to describe childhood emphasizes the idea that youth is a precious and fleeting time that should be cherished.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the girl's innocence and joy. The speaker describes how the girl's laughter and singing bring joy to those around her, and how her youthful spirit is a source of inspiration. The use of the word "inspire" is significant, as it suggests that the girl's innocence and joy have a transformative power that can uplift and inspire others.

Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses a variety of literary devices to create a rich and evocative portrait of childhood. One of the most striking of these devices is his use of imagery. The vivid descriptions of the girl's rosy cheeks, laughing eyes, and playful nature create a vivid picture of a happy and carefree child. The imagery of the girl frolicking in the fields and picking flowers also creates a sense of connection between the girl and the natural world.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. The repeated use of the phrase "my little March girl" creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity between the speaker and the girl. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of the girl's youth and innocence, as if the speaker is trying to hold onto these qualities for as long as possible.

The use of rhyme and meter is also significant in the poem. The poem is written in a simple, sing-song meter that creates a sense of childlike innocence and playfulness. The use of rhyme also adds to the musicality of the poem, creating a sense of harmony and balance.

In conclusion, "My Little March Girl" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of childhood and the innocence of youth. Dunbar's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and rhyme creates a rich and musical portrait of a happy and carefree child. The poem's themes of the transience of youth and the transformative power of innocence and joy are timeless and universal, making this poem a true masterpiece of American poetry.

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