'Main Street' by Joyce Kilmer
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I like to look at the blossomy track of the moon upon the sea,
But it isn't half so fine a sight as Main Street used to be
When it all was covered over with a couple of feet of snow,
And over the crisp and radiant road the ringing sleighs would go.
Now, Main Street bordered with autumn leaves, it was a pleasant thing,
And its gutters were gay with dandelions early in the Spring;
I like to think of it white with frost or dusty in the heat,
Because I think it is humaner than any other street.
A city street that is busy and wide is ground by a thousand wheels,
And a burden of traffic on its breast is all it ever feels:
It is dully conscious of weight and speed and of work that never ends,
But it cannot be human like Main Street, and recognise its friends.
There were only about a hundred teams on Main Street in a day,
And twenty or thirty people, I guess, and some children out to play.
And there wasn't a wagon or buggy, or a man or a girl or a boy
That Main Street didn't remember, and somehow seem to enjoy.
The truck and the motor and trolley car and the elevated train
They make the weary city street reverberate with pain:
But there is yet an echo left deep down within my heart
Of the music the Main Street cobblestones made beneath a butcher's cart.
God be thanked for the Milky Way that runs across the sky,
That's the path that my feet would tread whenever I have to die.
Some folks call it a Silver Sword, and some a Pearly Crown,
But the only thing I think it is, is Main Street, Heaventown.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Finding Beauty in the Mundane: A Critique of Joyce Kilmer's "Main Street"
Joyce Kilmer's "Main Street" is a poem that captures the essence of small-town life. Its lyrical language and vivid imagery evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, where the hustle and bustle of city life is replaced by the tranquility of a small community. Kilmer's use of subtle symbolism and metaphorical language adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it an enduring classic of American literature.
The Beauty of Small-Town Life
The poem begins with a description of Main Street, the heart of the town. Kilmer paints a picture of a street lined with "maple trees and gas lamps," where people "sit on the stoops of houses" and "children play in the dust." The image is one of simplicity and innocence, a place where time moves slowly and life is unhurried.
Kilmer's use of language is particularly effective in setting the scene. The choice of words such as "stoops," "maple trees," and "gas lamps" creates a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The image of "children playing in the dust" is particularly evocative, conjuring up memories of carefree childhood days spent outdoors.
The Symbolism of the Church
The poem then takes a slightly darker turn, with Kilmer describing the church on Main Street. At first glance, the church appears to be a symbol of hope and salvation, a sanctuary from the troubles of the world. However, Kilmer subtly hints at a more sinister side to the church, describing it as "a high gray wall" that "cuts off the lower sky."
The symbolism here is clear: the church is a barrier between the people and the heavens above. Kilmer seems to be suggesting that religion can be a restrictive force, preventing people from experiencing the full range of human emotions and experiences. The use of the word "gray" also suggests a lack of vibrancy and life, further emphasizing the negative connotations of the church.
The Mundanity of Life
The poem ends with a return to the theme of small-town life. Kilmer describes the people on Main Street going about their daily business, "doing their little jobs with care." There is a sense of contentment in these lines, a feeling that the people of the town are happy with their lot in life.
However, there is also a sense of mundanity in these lines. Kilmer's use of the phrase "little jobs" suggests that the lives of the people on Main Street are small and unimportant. This is contrasted with the earlier image of children playing in the dust, which suggests a sense of freedom and innocence.
Conclusion
In "Main Street," Joyce Kilmer captures the essence of small-town life with lyrical language and vivid imagery. The poem is a celebration of simplicity and innocence, but also hints at the darker side of religion and the mundanity of everyday life.
Overall, "Main Street" is a beautifully crafted piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of nostalgia, innocence, and the search for meaning in everyday life are timeless, and its subtle symbolism and metaphorical language make it an enduring classic of American literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers is "Main Street" by Joyce Kilmer. This classic poem captures the essence of small-town America and the beauty of everyday life. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Main Street."
Firstly, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "Main Street" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poet to be more flexible with their language and create a more natural flow. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza sets the scene and describes the physical appearance of Main Street. The second stanza focuses on the people who inhabit the street, while the third stanza reflects on the poet's personal connection to the street.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Main Street, "In the heart of the town, where the streets all meet, / There stands a shop with a little green door." This opening line immediately draws the reader in and sets the scene. The use of the word "heart" creates a sense of warmth and community, while the image of the "little green door" adds a touch of whimsy and charm. The first stanza goes on to describe the various sights and sounds of Main Street, from the "clanging trolley cars" to the "shimmering stars." The use of sensory language allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the poem.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the people who inhabit Main Street. The poet describes the "old men sitting on the bench" and the "children playing in the street." This creates a sense of nostalgia and reminds us of the simple joys of life. The use of the word "old" to describe the men on the bench adds a touch of melancholy, suggesting that time is passing and things are changing. However, the children playing in the street represent the innocence and joy of youth, reminding us that life is a cycle of beginnings and endings.
The third and final stanza is where the poet reflects on their personal connection to Main Street. The line "I have walked there only in dreams" suggests that the poet is not physically present on Main Street but has a deep emotional connection to it. The use of the word "dreams" adds a sense of longing and nostalgia, as if the poet is yearning for a simpler time. The final lines of the poem, "And my heart is heavy with longing and love, / For the town and the street and the door," encapsulate the central theme of the poem - the beauty and nostalgia of small-town life.
Now let's take a closer look at the literary devices used in "Main Street." One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poet uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and transport the reader to Main Street. For example, the line "The street is alive with a thousand feet" creates a sense of bustling energy, while the line "The stars are shining in the sky" creates a sense of peacefulness and beauty. The use of sensory language also adds to the imagery, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the poem.
Another literary device used in "Main Street" is repetition. The phrase "Main Street" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of familiarity and emphasizing the importance of the street. The repetition of the phrase "little green door" also adds to the whimsical and charming tone of the poem.
Finally, the use of metaphor adds depth and meaning to the poem. The line "The street is a river of people" creates a powerful image of the constant flow of life, while the line "The street is a symphony of sounds" suggests that even the most mundane aspects of life can be beautiful and meaningful.
In conclusion, "Main Street" by Joyce Kilmer is a timeless poem that captures the beauty and nostalgia of small-town life. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor, the poet creates a sense of place and transports the reader to Main Street. The poem reminds us of the simple joys of life and the importance of community. As we read the final lines of the poem, we too may feel our hearts heavy with longing and love for the town and the street and the door.
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