'Accountability' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Folks aint got no right to censuah uthah folks ahout
dey habits;
Him dat giv de squir'ls de bushtails made de bobtails
fu' de rabbits.
Him dat built de grea' big mountains hollered out de
little valleys,
Him dat made de streets an' driveways wasn't shamed
to make de alleys.
We is all constructed diff'rent, d'ain't no two of us de
same;
We can't he'p ouah likes an' dislikes, ef we'se bad we
ain't to blame.
Ef we'se good, we needn't show off, case you bet it ain't
ouah doin'
We gits into su'ttain channels dat we jes caint he'p
pu'suin'.
But we all fits into places dat no othah ones cud fill
An' we does the things we has to, big er little, good er
ill.
John cain't tek de place o' Henry, Su an' Sally ain't
alike;
Bass ain't nuthin' like a suckah, chub ain't nuthin'
like a pike.
When you come to think about it, how it's all planned
out it's splendid.
Nuthin's done er evah happens, 'dout hit's somefin'
dat's intended;
Don't keer whut you does, you has to, an' hit sholy
beats de dickens,--
Viney go put on de kittle, I got one o' mastah's
chickens.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Accountability: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Have you ever read a poem that left you speechless, that sent shivers down your spine, and made you ponder about life? If not, then you need to read "Accountability" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem is a masterpiece, written in 1898, yet it still resonates with readers in the 21st century. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, structure, and language used in this poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
Themes
The poem "Accountability" explores three major themes: accountability, mortality, and faith. Dunbar highlights the need for accountability and the consequences of failing to take responsibility for our actions. He reminds us that we will all face death one day, and we need to be prepared for it. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of faith in our lives, especially during difficult times.
Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses powerful imagery to convey his themes. In the first stanza, he compares life to a book, and every action we take is recorded in it. He writes, "Life's book is a book of reckoning, and every action there is set." This line emphasizes the need for accountability and reminds us that we cannot escape the consequences of our actions.
Dunbar also explores mortality in the poem by reminding us that death is inevitable. He writes, "Each day that's born into the world, death comes to take it in his clutch." This line highlights the idea that death is always lurking around the corner, and we need to be prepared for it.
Finally, Dunbar emphasizes the importance of faith in our lives. In the last stanza, he writes, "But when the book is opened, and the things are brought to light, God grant that we may find some good, some record clean and bright." This line emphasizes the idea that if we have faith in God, we will be rewarded with a clean record.
Symbolism
Dunbar uses several symbols in the poem to convey his themes. The most prominent symbol is the "book of life." Dunbar compares life to a book and every action we take to a page in that book. This symbol emphasizes the idea that we are accountable for our actions and that they will be recorded for eternity.
Another symbol used in the poem is "death." Dunbar personifies death as a "grim reaper" who comes to take us all in his clutch. This symbol emphasizes the idea that death is inevitable and that we need to be prepared for it.
Finally, Dunbar uses the symbol of "God" to emphasize the importance of faith in our lives. He writes, "God grant that we may find some good, some record clean and bright." This line emphasizes the idea that if we have faith in God, we will be rewarded with a clean record.
Structure
Dunbar uses a simple structure in the poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a rhythmic and flowing quality. This structure emphasizes the idea that life is a journey, and every action we take is a step in that journey.
Dunbar also uses repetition in the poem to emphasize his themes. The phrase "book of reckoning" is repeated in the first and third stanzas, emphasizing the idea that we are accountable for our actions. The phrase "death comes to take it in his clutch" is repeated in the second stanza, emphasizing the idea that death is inevitable.
Finally, Dunbar uses rhyme in the poem to give it a musical quality. The rhyme scheme of ABAB emphasizes the idea that life is a journey, and every action we take is a step in that journey.
Language
Dunbar's language in the poem is simple yet powerful. He uses metaphors and personification to convey his themes. In the first stanza, he writes, "Life's book is a book of reckoning, and every action there is set." This line is a metaphor that compares life to a book and emphasizes the need for accountability.
Dunbar also uses personification to convey his themes. In the second stanza, he writes, "Each day that's born into the world, death comes to take it in his clutch." This line personifies death as a "grim reaper" who comes to take us all in his clutch.
Finally, Dunbar uses religious language in the poem to emphasize the importance of faith in our lives. He writes, "God grant that we may find some good, some record clean and bright." This line emphasizes the idea that if we have faith in God, we will be rewarded with a clean record.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Accountability" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a masterpiece that explores themes of accountability, mortality, and faith. Dunbar uses powerful imagery, symbols, structure, and language to convey his themes and leave a lasting impression on readers. This poem is a timeless reminder that we are all accountable for our actions and that we need to be prepared for death. If you haven't read this poem, I highly recommend it. It will leave you speechless and make you ponder about life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Accountability: An Analysis of Paul Laurence Dunbar's Classic
Paul Laurence Dunbar's "Poetry Accountability" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece that speaks to the importance of taking responsibility for one's own words and actions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Themes
The central theme of "Poetry Accountability" is the idea that poets have a responsibility to use their words wisely. Dunbar argues that poetry is not just a form of self-expression but also a means of influencing others. He suggests that poets have a duty to use their words to uplift and inspire rather than to tear down and destroy.
Dunbar also touches on the theme of accountability. He suggests that poets must take responsibility for the impact their words have on others. They cannot simply write whatever they want without considering the consequences. Dunbar's poem is a call to action for poets to be mindful of the power of their words and to use them for good.
Structure
"Poetry Accountability" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of 14 lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that adds to its overall impact.
The poem is divided into two parts. The first eight lines present the problem: poets who use their words to spread negativity and hate. The second six lines offer a solution: poets who use their words to spread positivity and love. This structure creates a sense of tension that is resolved in the final lines of the poem.
Language
Dunbar's use of language in "Poetry Accountability" is powerful and evocative. He employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message. For example, he describes negative poetry as a "poisoned dart" that "wounds the heart." This image suggests that negative words can have a lasting impact on those who hear them.
Dunbar also uses repetition to emphasize his point. The phrase "poet's pen" appears three times in the poem, each time with a slightly different meaning. This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem.
Finally, Dunbar's use of language is notable for its simplicity. He does not use complex vocabulary or convoluted syntax. Instead, he relies on straightforward language that is easy to understand. This simplicity makes the poem accessible to a wide audience and underscores its message of accountability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry Accountability" is a powerful poem that speaks to the responsibility of poets to use their words wisely. Dunbar's use of themes, structure, and language creates a poem that is both impactful and accessible. The poem is a call to action for poets to be mindful of the power of their words and to use them for good. As we continue to grapple with issues of hate speech and online harassment, Dunbar's message is more relevant than ever. We must all take responsibility for the impact our words have on others, and we must use our words to uplift and inspire rather than to tear down and destroy.
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