'Death In The Lounge Bar' by Vernon Scannell
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The bar he went inside was notA place he often visited;He welcomed anonymity;No one to switch inquisitiveReceivers on, no one could see,Or wanted to, exactly whatHe was, or had been, or would be;A quiet brown place, a place to drinkAnd let thought simmer like good stock,No mirrors to distract, no fatAnd calculating face of clock,A good calm place to sip and think.If anybody noticed thatHe was even there they'd seeA fairly tall and slender man,Fair-haired, blue-eyed, and handsome inA manner strictly masculine.They would not know, or want to know,More than what they saw of him,Nor would they wish to bug the boneWalls of skull and listen inTo whatever whisperingsPittered quietly in that dark:An excellent place to sip your gin.Then---sting of interruption! voicePierced the private walls and shookHis thoughtful calm with delicate shock.A waiter, with white napkin faceAnd shining toe-cap hair, excusedThe oiled intrusion, asking ifHis name was what indeed it was.In that case he was wanted onThe telephone the customers used,The one next to the Gents. He went.Inside the secretive warm boxHe heard his wife's voice, strangled byDistance, darkness, coils of wire,But unmistakably her voice,Asking why he was so late,Why did he humiliateHer in every way he could,Make her life so hard to face?She'd telephoned most bars in townBefore she'd finally tracked him down.He said that he'd been working lateAnd slipped in for a quick one onHis weary journey home. He'd comeBack at once. Right now. Toot sweet.No, not another drop. Not one.Back in the bar, he drank his ginAnd ordered just one more, the last.And just as well: his peace had gone;The place no longer welcomed him.He saw the waiter moving past,That pale ambassador of gloom,And called him over, asked him howHe had known which customerTo summon to the telephone.The waiter said, 'Your wife describedYou, sir. I knew you instantly.''And how did she describe me, then,That I'm so easily recognized?''She said: grey suit, cream shirt, blue tie,That you were fairly tall, red-faced,Stout, middle-aged, and going bald.'Disbelief cried once and satBolt upright, then it fell back dead.'Stout middle-aged and going bald.'The slender ghost with golden hairWatched him go into the coldDark outside, heard his slow treadFade towards wife, armchair, and bed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Death In The Lounge Bar: A Literary Criticism
Are you looking for a thrilling, thought-provoking, and emotionally profound poem that will leave you pondering the mysteries of life and death? Then look no further than Vernon Scannell's classic masterpiece, "Death In The Lounge Bar". This haunting and powerful work of poetry is a true gem of the literary world, exploring themes of mortality, fate, and the human condition in a way that is both poignant and unforgettable.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the heart of the poem itself, it is worth taking a moment to consider the background and context that shaped its creation. Vernon Scannell was a British poet and writer who lived from 1922 to 2007, and who was known for his ability to capture the complexities of human experience in his work. He was a soldier in World War II, and his experiences during the conflict undoubtedly had a profound impact on his writing.
"Death In The Lounge Bar" was first published in 1950, and is widely regarded as one of Scannell's most important works. The poem tells the story of a man who dies suddenly in a lounge bar, surrounded by strangers who are unable to help him. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and masterful storytelling, Scannell takes the reader on a journey that explores the nature of life and death, and the ways in which we navigate the mysteries of existence.
The Poem Itself
Now, let us turn our attention to the poem itself. "Death In The Lounge Bar" is a 24-line work that is divided into three stanzas. From the very first line, Scannell sets the tone for the poem, using language that is both stark and evocative: "He drank an English death in the midday sun".
This opening line immediately draws the reader in, painting a vivid picture of a man who is drinking alone in a lounge bar. The use of the word "English" is significant, as it underscores the cultural context in which the poem is set, and highlights the way in which the man's death is rooted in a specific time and place.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly striking, as Scannell introduces the character of the barman, who is unable to do anything to help the dying man:
The barman said, "He's dead."
Someone else said, "I know
What's good for dead drunk men,"
And muttered Chinese wisdom
Into the dead man's ear.
These lines are powerful for a number of reasons. Firstly, they highlight the sense of powerlessness that we all feel in the face of death. No matter how much we might want to help someone who is dying, ultimately there is very little that we can do. Secondly, the reference to "Chinese wisdom" is interesting, as it speaks to the idea that there are universal truths about life and death that transcend cultural boundaries. Finally, the image of the barman and the strangers gathered around the dying man creates a sense of intimacy and connection that is both poignant and unsettling.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful of all, as Scannell brings the poem to a close with a haunting image that lingers in the mind long after the words have been read:
A fly fell on his face
And sat there - cleaning its feet.
This final image is both disturbing and profound. It serves as a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of death. The fly is a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and its presence on the dying man's face is a reminder that even in our final moments, we are still a part of the natural world.
Themes and Interpretation
So, what are the key themes and ideas that are explored in "Death In The Lounge Bar"? There are a number of different interpretations that one could make of the poem, but some of the most important themes include mortality, fate, and the human condition.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Scannell portrays death as an inevitable part of life. The man in the lounge bar drinks "an English death" in the midday sun, and there is a sense that his fate has been sealed from the moment he takes his first sip. This idea is reinforced by the final image of the fly, which suggests that death is a natural and inescapable part of the cycle of life.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of fate. The man in the lounge bar seems almost resigned to his fate, drinking alone in the sun as if he knows that his time is running out. Similarly, the strangers who gather around him seem helpless to prevent his death, as if fate has already determined the outcome of the situation.
Finally, "Death In The Lounge Bar" is a powerful meditation on the human condition. The poem explores the ways in which we confront our own mortality, and the ways in which we connect with others in the face of death. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Scannell captures the sense of intimacy and connection that can be found in even the most tragic of circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Death In The Lounge Bar" is a truly remarkable work of poetry that explores some of the most profound questions of human existence. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and masterful storytelling, Vernon Scannell invites the reader to confront their own mortality, and to reflect on the ways in which we navigate the mysteries of life and death. This poem is a true masterpiece of the literary world, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death In The Lounge Bar: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Vernon Scannell's "Death In The Lounge Bar" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human mortality in a unique and captivating way. The poem is a haunting portrayal of death, set in a mundane and ordinary setting, which makes it all the more powerful. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a description of the lounge bar, a place where people come to relax and socialize. The speaker sets the scene by describing the "smoky atmosphere" and the "dim light" that pervades the room. This creates a sense of intimacy and closeness, as if the reader is sitting in the bar with the speaker. The use of sensory imagery, such as the smell of smoke and the dim light, helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
As the poem progresses, the speaker introduces the character of Death. Death is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure, who enters the bar unnoticed. The speaker describes Death as "a stranger in the crowd," which suggests that Death is not easily recognizable. This is an interesting portrayal of Death, as it challenges the traditional image of Death as a grim reaper with a scythe.
The speaker goes on to describe Death's appearance in more detail. Death is described as "dressed in black" and "wearing a hat." This is a classic image of Death, which is often used in literature and art. The use of this image helps to create a sense of familiarity and recognition for the reader.
The poem then takes a dark turn, as Death begins to claim his victims. The speaker describes how Death "touched a shoulder here, a head there" and how "people fell like dominoes." This is a powerful image, which conveys the suddenness and unpredictability of death. The use of the metaphor of dominoes falling also suggests that death is inevitable and unstoppable.
As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker describes how Death "vanished like a dream." This is a poignant image, which suggests that death is fleeting and ephemeral. The use of the word "dream" also suggests that death is a surreal and otherworldly experience.
The poem ends with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The speaker describes how "no one knew what had happened" and how "the bar was empty." This creates a sense of unease and discomfort, as if something has been lost or taken away. The use of the word "empty" also suggests that death leaves a void in its wake.
One of the key themes of the poem is the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that death is an inescapable part of life, which can strike at any moment. The use of the lounge bar as a setting also highlights the idea that death can happen anywhere, even in the most mundane and ordinary of places.
Another theme of the poem is the mystery and uncertainty of death. The portrayal of Death as a stranger in the crowd, dressed in black and wearing a hat, creates a sense of intrigue and fascination. The fact that no one knows what has happened at the end of the poem also adds to the sense of mystery and uncertainty.
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, which adds to its power and impact. The use of sensory imagery, such as the smell of smoke and the dim light, helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The use of metaphors, such as the dominoes falling, also adds to the poem's impact.
In conclusion, "Death In The Lounge Bar" is a powerful and haunting portrayal of death. The poem captures the essence of human mortality in a unique and captivating way, using simple language and vivid imagery. The themes of inevitability and mystery are explored in depth, creating a sense of unease and discomfort in the reader. This is a masterpiece of poetry that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it.
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