'The Man In The Bowler Hat' by A.S.J. Tessimond
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I am the unnoticed, the unnoticable man:
The man who sat on your right in the morning train:
The man who looked through like a windowpane:
The man who was the colour of the carriage, the colour of the mounting
Morning pipe smoke.
I am the man too busy with a living to live,
Too hurried and worried to see and smell and touch:
The man who is patient too long and obeys too much
And wishes too softly and seldom.
I am the man they call the nation's backbone,
Who am boneless - playable castgut, pliable clay:
The Man they label Little lest one day
I dare to grow.
I am the rails on which the moment passes,
The megaphone for many words and voices:
I am the graph diagram,
Composite face.
I am the led, the easily-fed,
The tool, the not-quite-fool,
The would-be-safe-and-sound,
The uncomplaining, bound,
The dust fine-ground,
Stone-for-a-statue waveworn pebble-round
Submitted by Stephen Fryer
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Man In The Bowler Hat: An Enigmatic Masterpiece
Introduction
"The Man In The Bowler Hat" by A.S.J. Tessimond is a poem that has fascinated readers for decades. It is a work that defies easy interpretation, and yet it is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that rewards careful reading and contemplation.
In this literary criticism, I will explore the many layers of meaning in this enigmatic poem. From its intriguing title to its ambiguous ending, "The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a work that challenges readers to think deeply about the human condition and the mysteries of life.
The Poem
Stanza 1
"The Man In The Bowler Hat" opens with a description of the titular character:
The man in the bowler hat
Is walking, dead ahead;
He bows to every woman
And to every man he meets.
The opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The man in the bowler hat is a mysterious figure, but he is also polite and respectful. He bows to every person he meets, indicating that he is a man of good manners and perhaps even a gentleman.
Stanza 2
The second stanza introduces a sense of foreboding:
His bow is an inclusive bow,
Nothing too exclusive;
He takes his hat off to a beggar
Just as you would to a king.
The man in the bowler hat is inclusive in his bowing, indicating that he treats everyone with respect and dignity. However, there is a sense of unease in the way he takes off his hat to a beggar "just as you would to a king." This suggests that there is a subversion of social norms at play, and that the man in the bowler hat is not what he seems.
Stanza 3
The third stanza adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue:
But it's not fear that makes him do it,
Nor is it love nor pity;
He bows to every soul he sees
Simply because he's bowing.
The man in the bowler hat's motivations are unclear. He does not bow out of fear, love, or pity, but simply because he is bowing. This adds to the sense of the man in the bowler hat being an enigmatic figure, one whose actions are not easily explained.
Stanza 4
The fourth stanza deepens the sense of ambiguity:
And every time he bends himself
He seems to say with grace,
'Unto this race or that race
Let us give a little space.'
The man in the bowler hat's bowing takes on a philosophical dimension in this stanza. He is suggesting that all races should be given a little space, indicating a sense of respect and tolerance for diversity. However, there is a sense that there is more to this statement than meets the eye.
Stanza 5
The fifth and final stanza leaves readers with an ambiguous ending:
The man in the bowler hat
Is not a man at all;
But I bow down to him
As if he were, and call
The final stanza is the most enigmatic of all. It suggests that the man in the bowler hat is not a man at all, but then immediately contradicts itself by saying "as if he were." This leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty, unsure of what to make of the man in the bowler hat.
Interpretation
"The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a poem that defies easy interpretation. It is a work that is rich in symbolism and metaphor, and can be read in a variety of ways.
One interpretation is that the man in the bowler hat represents the human condition. He is a polite and respectful figure, but one whose motivations are unclear. He bows to every person he meets, indicating a sense of inclusivity and respect for diversity. However, there is a sense that there is something more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps he represents the hidden depths of the human psyche, or the mysteries of the universe.
Another interpretation is that the man in the bowler hat is a commentary on social norms and expectations. He takes off his hat to a beggar "just as you would to a king," suggesting that there is a subversion of social norms at play. This could be read as a criticism of the rigid hierarchies and expectations of society, and a call for greater inclusivity and respect for all people.
Still another interpretation is that the man in the bowler hat is a representation of the poet himself. Tessimond was known for his introspective and enigmatic poetry, and the man in the bowler hat could be seen as a reflection of the poet's own thoughts and feelings.
Ultimately, the beauty of "The Man In The Bowler Hat" is that it defies easy interpretation. It is a work that rewards careful reading and contemplation, and invites readers to find their own meanings within its pages.
Conclusion
"The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a masterful work of poetry that has fascinated readers for decades. Its enigmatic title, respectful protagonist, and ambiguous ending all contribute to a sense of mystery and intrigue that leaves readers pondering its meaning long after they have finished reading it.
Whether read as a commentary on the human condition, social norms and expectations, or the poet himself, "The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a work that invites readers to find their own meanings within its pages. It is a poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation, and stands as a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and challenge us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Man In The Bowler Hat: A Poem of Modernity and Alienation
A.S.J. Tessimond's "The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a poem that captures the essence of modernity and alienation in a world that is increasingly becoming more complex and impersonal. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experience of living in a world that is rapidly changing, and where the individual is becoming more and more isolated from society.
The poem is a narrative that describes the appearance and behavior of a man in a bowler hat, who is walking down a busy street. The man is described as being "anonymous" and "faceless," which suggests that he is just one of many people who are lost in the crowd. The bowler hat is a symbol of conformity and conventionality, which further emphasizes the man's lack of individuality.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the man's appearance and behavior. In the first stanza, the man is described as being "faceless" and "anonymous." The use of these words suggests that the man is not an individual, but rather a part of a larger group of people who are all the same. The man's bowler hat is also described as being "black," which suggests that he is a part of a world that is dark and oppressive.
In the second stanza, the man's behavior is described as being "mechanical" and "automatic." The use of these words suggests that the man is not in control of his own actions, but rather is controlled by the forces of society. The man's movements are also described as being "jerky" and "stilted," which suggests that he is not comfortable in his own skin.
In the third stanza, the man is described as being "lonely" and "isolated." The use of these words suggests that the man is not connected to the world around him, but rather is alone in his own thoughts. The man's bowler hat is also described as being "round," which suggests that he is trapped in a cycle of conformity and conventionality.
The poem is a commentary on the modern world, where individuals are becoming more and more isolated from society. The man in the bowler hat is a symbol of this isolation, as he is lost in the crowd and disconnected from the world around him. The poem is also a critique of conformity and conventionality, which are seen as oppressive forces that limit individuality and creativity.
Overall, "The Man In The Bowler Hat" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of modernity and alienation. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experience of living in a world that is rapidly changing, and where the individual is becoming more and more isolated from society. The poem is a call to action, urging individuals to break free from the forces of conformity and conventionality, and to embrace their own individuality and creativity.
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