'An Easy-Goin' Feller' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Ther' ain't no use in all this strife,
An' hurryin', pell-mell right thro' life.
I don't believe in goin' too fast
To see what kind o' road you've passed.
It ain't no mortal kind o' good
'N' I wouldn't hurry ef I could.
I like to jest go joggin' 'long,
To limber up my soul with song;
To stop awhile 'n' chat the men,
'N' drink some cider now an' then.
Do' want no boss a standin' by
To see me work; I allus try
To do my dooty right straight up,
An' earn what fills my plate an' cup.
An' ez fur boss, I'll be my own,
I like to jest be let alone,
To plow my strip an' tend my bees,
An' do jest like I doggoned please.
My head's all right, an' my heart's meller,
But I'm a easy-goin' feller.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry: An Easy-Goin' Feller by Paul Laurence Dunbar – A Masterpiece of African American Literature
As a literary critic, I have read and analyzed countless works of poetry, but there are only a few that have left me in awe. One such poem is "An Easy-Goin' Feller" by African American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. This masterpiece of African American literature is a work of art that speaks to the struggles faced by African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, language, structure, and style of this poem to showcase its beauty and significance.
Setting the Scene
Before diving into the poem, let's set the scene. Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio, and was the son of former slaves. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Dunbar became one of the first African American writers to achieve national recognition. He published several books of poetry, including "Oak and Ivy," "Majors and Minors," and "Li'l Gal," which showcased the beauty and struggles of African American life. "An Easy-Goin' Feller" is one of Dunbar's most popular poems, and for a good reason.
Themes
The themes of "An Easy-Goin' Feller" are central to African American literature. The poem explores the themes of oppression, identity, and freedom. Dunbar portrays the life of an African American man who is "easy-goin'" and content with his life, despite the injustices and hardships he faces. The man in the poem is an archetype for the African American community, who faced discrimination and segregation, yet found joy and contentment in life.
The poem opens with the lines, "He kin' o' lopes along, No matter what's gone wrong, An' cites the funniest kind o' jokes." These lines set the tone for the poem, portraying the man as carefree and easy-going, despite the struggles he faces. The man's easy-going nature is juxtaposed with the description of his surroundings, which are characterized by "hard times" and "struggle." This contrast highlights the resilience of the African American community in the face of adversity.
The theme of identity is also explored in the poem. The man in the poem is proud of who he is, despite the stereotypes and prejudices he faces. He is "black, but not ashamed" and "ain't afeared of nothin' on this earth." This pride in his identity is significant because African Americans were often forced to assimilate into white culture to survive in a white-dominated society. Dunbar's poem is a celebration of African American identity and culture.
Finally, the theme of freedom is explored through the man's carefree nature. Despite the oppression he faces, the man is free in his mind and spirit. He is not weighed down by the struggles of life, but instead finds joy in the simple things. This theme of freedom is significant because African Americans were denied basic freedoms like the right to vote, own property, and even freedom of movement. Dunbar's poem is a reminder that freedom is not just a physical state but also a mental and spiritual one.
Language
The language used in "An Easy-Goin' Feller" is simple yet powerful. Dunbar uses a colloquial style of language that captures the essence of African American culture. The man in the poem speaks in a dialect that is unique to the African American community, which adds to the authenticity of the poem. The use of slang, such as "Kin' o' lopes" and "Ain't afeared," gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality.
Additionally, Dunbar's use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and meaning to the poem. For example, the man is described as "a storm-proof, cove-red wagon, packed with joyful hopes." This metaphor compares the man's resilience to a wagon that can withstand any storm. The use of "joyful hopes" suggests that despite the struggles he faces, the man is optimistic about the future.
The use of imagery is also prevalent throughout the poem. The description of the man's surroundings, such as "the road is mighty dusty, an' the winds are mighty strong," creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The use of sensory imagery, such as "the smell of new-mown hay," adds to the realism of the poem.
Structure
The structure of "An Easy-Goin' Feller" is simple yet effective. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. The repetition of the phrase "easy-goin' feller" at the end of each stanza creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the theme of the poem.
The use of enjambment is also prevalent in the poem. Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza. For example, in the first stanza, the sentence "He kin' o' lopes along, No matter what's gone wrong," continues into the second line. This use of enjambment creates a sense of flow and adds to the musicality of the poem.
Style
The style of "An Easy-Goin' Feller" is unique to African American literature. Dunbar's use of dialect, metaphors, and imagery, creates a sense of authenticity and realism that is rarely seen in literature. Additionally, Dunbar's use of colloquial language and slang adds to the musicality of the poem.
The style of the poem is also significant because it reflects the oral traditions of the African American community. African Americans have a rich tradition of storytelling, which was often passed down through generations orally. Dunbar's use of dialect and colloquial language reflects this tradition and adds to the authenticity of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "An Easy-Goin' Feller" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a masterpiece of African American literature. The poem explores the themes of oppression, identity, and freedom through the life of an easy-going man. Dunbar's use of language, structure, and style, adds depth and meaning to the poem, creating a sense of authenticity and realism that is rarely seen in literature. This poem is a reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but also a celebration of their resilience and spirit. Dunbar's poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of a people and a culture.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "An Easy-Goin' Feller" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is a celebration of the simple joys of life and the importance of living in the moment.
The poem begins with the speaker introducing us to the titular character, an "easy-goin' feller" who is content with his life and takes pleasure in the small things. The speaker describes him as "one of them kind that can laugh when he's tickled, / And whistle when things look blue." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of joy and contentment.
The first stanza of the poem describes the easy-goin' feller's love of nature. He is "fond of the fields and the woods and the streams," and takes pleasure in the simple act of being outside. The speaker tells us that the feller "don't bother his head with no high-falutin' / Idees of bein' a king." This is a clear indication that the feller is not interested in material possessions or status symbols. He is happy with what he has and finds joy in the natural world around him.
The second stanza of the poem describes the easy-goin' feller's love of music. He is "fond of a fiddle and a song," and enjoys singing and dancing. The speaker tells us that the feller "don't keer for nothin' that's fine and gran' / But jest a common tune." This is another indication that the feller is not interested in material possessions or status symbols. He finds joy in the simple act of making music and sharing it with others.
The third stanza of the poem describes the easy-goin' feller's love of people. He is "fond of his friends and his kin," and enjoys spending time with them. The speaker tells us that the feller "don't keer for nothin' that's cold and grim / But jest a hearty grin." This is yet another indication that the feller is not interested in material possessions or status symbols. He finds joy in the simple act of being with people he cares about and sharing a laugh.
The final stanza of the poem sums up the easy-goin' feller's philosophy on life. He believes that "life is a joke that's just begun," and that we should enjoy it while we can. The speaker tells us that the feller "don't keer when the race is run / Or who has lost or won." This is a clear indication that the feller is not interested in competition or winning at all costs. He believes that life is about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.
Overall, "An Easy-Goin' Feller" is a celebration of the simple joys of life and the importance of living in the moment. The easy-goin' feller is a role model for us all, reminding us to take pleasure in the natural world, to make music and share it with others, and to spend time with the people we care about. His philosophy on life is one that we should all strive to emulate, reminding us that life is about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.
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