'A Little History' by David Lehman

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Valentine Place1996Some people find out they are Jews.
They can't believe it.
Thy had always hated Jews.
As children they had roamed in gangs on winter nights in the oldneighborhood, looking for Jews.
They were not Jewish, they were Irish.
They brandished broken bottles, tough guys with blood on theirlips, looking for Jews.
They intercepted Jewish boys walking alone and beat them up.
Sometimes they were content to chase a Jew and he could eludethem by running away. They were happy just to see him runaway. The coward! All Jews were yellow.
They spelled Jew with a small j jew.
And now they find out they are Jews themselves.
It happened at the time of the Spanish Inquisition.
To escape persecution, they pretended to convert to Christianity.
They came to this country and settled in the Southwest.
At some point oral tradition failed the family, and theirsecret faith died.
No one would ever have known if not for the bones that turned upon the dig.
A disaster. How could it have happened to them?
They are in a state of panic--at first.
Then they realize that it is the answer to their prayers.
They hasten to the synagogue or build new ones.
They are Jews at last!
They are free to marry other Jews, and divorce them, and intermarrywith Gentiles, God forbid.
They are model citizens, clever and thrifty.
They debate the issues.
They fire off earnest letters to the editor.
They vote.
They are resented for being clever and thrifty.
They buy houses in the suburbs and agree not to talk so loud.
They look like everyone else, drive the same cars as everyone else,yet in their hearts they know they're different.
In every

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Little History by David Lehman

Have you ever wondered about the history of poetry? How did it start? Who were the first poets? These are some of the questions that David Lehman tries to answer in his book, Poetry, A Little History.

At its core, the book is a survey of the history of poetry, but it is much more than that. It is a love letter to the art form, a celebration of its beauty, and a plea for its continued relevance in our modern world. Lehman is a gifted writer, and his passion for poetry is infectious. As you read his book, you can't help but be swept up in his enthusiasm.

Overview

The book is divided into four parts, each of which covers a different era in the history of poetry. Part One covers the ancient world, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to the works of the Greeks and Romans. Part Two covers the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including the works of Dante, Chaucer, and Shakespeare. Part Three covers the Romantic era, with its emphasis on emotion and individualism, and Part Four covers the modern era, including the works of T.S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, and Allen Ginsberg.

Throughout the book, Lehman provides a detailed analysis of each era, its poets, and its themes. He highlights the innovations and breakthroughs of each era and shows how they influenced the poets who came after them. He also provides biographical information about each poet, giving readers a glimpse into their lives and the world in which they lived.

Analysis

Lehman is a masterful writer, and his prose is both informative and engaging. He has a deep knowledge of poetry and its history, and he is able to convey that knowledge in a way that is accessible to readers of all levels. He also has a great love for the art form, and he is able to convey that love in his writing.

One of the things that sets this book apart is Lehman's ability to connect the dots between different eras of poetry. He shows how the themes and innovations of one era influenced the poets of the next. For example, he shows how the focus on individualism in the Romantic era paved the way for the confessional poetry of the modern era. He also shows how the surrealism of the modern era can be traced back to the Symbolist poets of the late 19th century.

Another strength of the book is Lehman's ability to provide context. He doesn't just analyze the poems themselves; he also provides historical, social, and cultural context. He shows how the world in which the poets lived influenced their work. For example, he shows how the horrors of World War I influenced the poetry of the modern era.

One of the most impressive things about this book is the sheer breadth of Lehman's knowledge. He covers a vast amount of material and does so in a way that is both comprehensive and detailed. He manages to provide a thorough analysis of each era while also making connections between them.

Interpretation

At its core, Poetry, A Little History is a celebration of the art form. Lehman argues that poetry is more than just a relic of the past; it is a vital and relevant art form that continues to speak to us today. He makes a passionate case for the continued relevance of poetry in our modern world.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that poetry is a reflection of the human experience. Lehman argues that poetry allows us to connect with each other on a deep and meaningful level. He shows how the themes and emotions expressed in poetry are universal and timeless, and how they can speak to us across the centuries.

Another theme of the book is the idea that poetry is a way of making sense of the world. Lehman argues that poetry allows us to explore and understand our own emotions, as well as the events and experiences of the world around us. He shows how poets throughout history have used their art to grapple with the big questions of life, such as love, death, and the meaning of existence.

Finally, the book is a call to action. Lehman argues that poetry is not just something to be studied in classrooms; it is something that should be part of our everyday lives. He encourages readers to read and write poetry, to engage with it in a meaningful way, and to keep the art form alive and vibrant for generations to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, A Little History is an excellent book for anyone interested in poetry or the history of literature. David Lehman is a gifted writer and a passionate advocate for the art form. His book is both informative and engaging, and it provides a thorough analysis of the history of poetry while also making a case for its continued relevance in our modern world. If you love poetry or are just curious about it, this book is definitely worth reading.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry A Little History: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Poetry

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you find yourself lost in the beauty of words and the rhythm of verse? If so, then David Lehman's Poetry A Little History is the perfect book for you. This comprehensive guide to the world of poetry is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the art form and its history.

Lehman's book is a journey through the history of poetry, from ancient times to the present day. He covers all the major movements and styles, from the classical poets of Greece and Rome to the modernists of the 20th century. Along the way, he introduces us to some of the greatest poets of all time, including Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Whitman, Dickinson, and Eliot.

One of the things that sets Poetry A Little History apart from other poetry books is its accessibility. Lehman writes in a clear and engaging style that makes even the most complex poems easy to understand. He breaks down the elements of poetry – such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor – and explains them in a way that anyone can grasp.

Another strength of the book is its organization. Lehman divides the history of poetry into chapters that correspond to different periods and movements. Each chapter begins with an overview of the historical context and the major poets of the time. He then goes on to analyze specific poems in detail, showing how they exemplify the characteristics of the period.

For example, in the chapter on Romanticism, Lehman discusses the work of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He explains how their poetry was a reaction against the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, and how they sought to capture the beauty of nature and the imagination. He then analyzes Wordsworth's famous poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," showing how it uses imagery and metaphor to convey the beauty of the natural world.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Poetry A Little History is Lehman's enthusiasm for poetry. He clearly loves the art form and wants to share that love with his readers. He peppers the book with personal anecdotes and insights, such as his experience of reading T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" for the first time. He also includes a section on his own favorite poems, which is a nice touch.

Overall, Poetry A Little History is an excellent introduction to the world of poetry. It is well-written, informative, and engaging. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the art form, you will find something to enjoy in this book. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to move and inspire us.

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