'My Little March Girl' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Come 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 by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Have you ever read a poem that you just couldn't get out of your head? That's how I feel about "My Little March Girl" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is one that has stuck with me ever since I first read it in high school. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'm going to dive deep into the meaning behind this poem and explore why it has resonated with readers for over a century.
Background
Before we jump into the poem itself, let's take a moment to talk about the author. Paul Laurence Dunbar was a poet, novelist, and playwright who was born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio. He was the son of former slaves and grew up in poverty, but despite these obstacles, he became one of the most prominent African American writers of his time. Dunbar's work often explored themes of race, identity, and inequality, and he was known for his use of dialect and vernacular in his poetry.
"My Little March Girl" was first published in Dunbar's collection "Oak and Ivy" in 1893. The poem tells the story of a young girl who is marching in a parade, and it has been praised for its vivid imagery and evocative language.
Interpretation
Let's take a closer look at the poem itself. Here is the text of "My Little March Girl":
Out in the street it is sounding and flowing,
The beat of the march and the tramp of the feet;
And I through my window, am list'ning and knowing
The heart of my little girl's measure to beat.
She goes like a soldier, her bright hair a-blowing,
Her eyes with the wonder of marching aglow;
And I, with my thoughts all in rhythm a-flowing,
Hum tunes to the time of her own martial show.
O Little March Girl, so gallant and daring,
Your heart is as true and your step is as light
As the bravest who follow the ensign's unsparing,
And your spirit is purer and truer by right.
For they march with their heads to the sound of the fife,
And the drums roll an echo of valor and strife,
While yours is the glory of doing, not life,
And the joy of the battle is won in the strife.
Then here's to my little girl, soldier and lover,
Who wears her heart high and her colors aflow--
Your mother might weep, but your father would cover
Your little bare feet with kisses, you know.
This poem is full of vivid imagery that transports the reader to the streets where the parade is taking place. We can hear the "beat of the march and the tramp of the feet," and we can see the little girl with her "bright hair a-blowing." But what is the deeper meaning behind this poem?
At its core, "My Little March Girl" is a celebration of bravery and courage. The little girl in the poem is marching with the same spirit and determination as the soldiers who follow the ensign. But unlike the soldiers, who are motivated by the sound of the fife and the drums, the little girl is motivated by something deeper. She is driven by her own sense of purpose and determination.
This is where Dunbar's use of dialect becomes especially poignant. The little girl's pure and true spirit is emphasized by her use of simple, unadorned language. She is not trying to impress anyone with her words; she is simply marching to the beat of her own heart.
There is also a sense of innocence and purity in the little girl's march. While the soldiers are marching with the knowledge that they may have to fight and die for their cause, the little girl is simply enjoying the act of marching. She is not yet burdened by the weight of the world and the knowledge that there are battles to be fought.
But even though the little girl's march may seem lighthearted, there is still a sense of importance to it. Dunbar emphasizes that "the joy of the battle is won in the strife." In other words, it is the act of doing that brings joy and fulfillment, not necessarily the outcome of the battle. This is a powerful message that can be applied to many areas of life.
Finally, the last stanza of the poem adds a personal touch to the piece. Dunbar addresses the little girl directly, calling her a "soldier and lover" and celebrating her spirit and determination. There is a sense of pride and affection in these lines, as though the speaker is proud to know this little girl and all that she represents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Little March Girl" is a beautiful poem that celebrates bravery, courage, and the joy of doing. Paul Laurence Dunbar's use of dialect and vivid imagery make this poem a truly memorable piece of literature. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, there is something in this poem that will resonate with you. So take a moment to read it again and appreciate the beauty and power of Dunbar's words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Little March Girl: An Analysis of Paul Laurence Dunbar's Classic Poem
Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet, novelist, and playwright, is known for his works that explore the experiences of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of his most famous poems, "My Little March Girl," is a beautiful tribute to the resilience and strength of African American women. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a little girl who is marching in a parade. The speaker describes her as "little" and "black," emphasizing her youth and her race. The use of the word "black" is significant because it highlights the racial identity of the girl and the struggles that African Americans faced during this time period. The fact that she is marching in a parade is also significant because it suggests that she is celebrating something, perhaps a victory or a milestone.
The second stanza of the poem describes the girl's physical appearance. The speaker notes that she is wearing a "tattered gown" and that her "feet are bare." This description emphasizes the girl's poverty and lack of resources. Despite her difficult circumstances, however, the girl is still marching with pride and determination. The speaker notes that she is "marching with a will," suggesting that she is determined to succeed despite the obstacles in her path.
The third stanza of the poem describes the girl's surroundings. The speaker notes that she is marching "through the dust and through the heat," emphasizing the harsh conditions that she is facing. Despite these challenges, however, the girl is still marching with determination and strength. The speaker notes that she is "marching with a smile," suggesting that she is finding joy and happiness in the midst of adversity.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the girl's future. The speaker notes that the girl is "marching to a tune," suggesting that she has a purpose and a goal in mind. The speaker also notes that the girl is "marching to a fate," suggesting that her destiny is already predetermined. Despite this, however, the girl is still marching with determination and strength. The speaker notes that she is "marching with a hope," suggesting that she believes in a better future for herself and her community.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful tribute to the girl's strength and resilience. The speaker notes that the girl is "little," "black," and "barefoot," emphasizing her vulnerability and her marginalized status. Despite this, however, the girl is still marching with determination and strength. The speaker notes that she is "marching like a queen," suggesting that she is regal and dignified despite her difficult circumstances. The final line of the poem, "My little March girl," is a poignant reminder of the girl's youth and her potential for the future.
The themes of "My Little March Girl" are numerous and complex. One of the most prominent themes is the resilience and strength of African American women. The girl in the poem is a powerful symbol of the struggles that African American women faced during this time period. Despite poverty, discrimination, and marginalization, she is still able to march with pride and determination. The poem is a tribute to the strength and resilience of African American women, who were often overlooked and undervalued during this time period.
Another theme of the poem is the power of hope and determination. Despite the difficult circumstances that the girl faces, she is still able to march with a smile and a sense of purpose. The poem suggests that hope and determination are powerful tools for overcoming adversity and achieving success. The girl's determination to succeed despite the obstacles in her path is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience.
The imagery and language of "My Little March Girl" are also significant. The use of the word "black" to describe the girl emphasizes her racial identity and the struggles that African Americans faced during this time period. The use of the word "tattered" to describe her gown emphasizes her poverty and lack of resources. The use of the word "barefoot" emphasizes her vulnerability and marginalization. These images and words are powerful reminders of the struggles that African American women faced during this time period.
In conclusion, "My Little March Girl" is a beautiful tribute to the strength and resilience of African American women. The poem is a powerful reminder of the struggles that African Americans faced during this time period and the importance of hope and determination in overcoming adversity. The imagery and language of the poem are powerful and poignant, emphasizing the vulnerability and marginalization of African American women. Overall, "My Little March Girl" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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