'A Ballad Of Suicide' by G.K. Chesterton
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The gallows in my garden, people say,
Is new and neat and adequately tall;
I tie the noose on in a knowing way
As one that knots his necktie for a ball;
But just as all the neighbours—on the wall—
Are drawing a long breath to shout "Hurray!"
The strangest whim has seized me. . . . After all
I think I will not hang myself to-day.
To-morrow is the time I get my pay—
My uncle's sword is hanging in the hall—
I see a little cloud all pink and grey—
Perhaps the rector's mother will not call— I fancy that I heard from Mr. Gall
That mushrooms could be cooked another way—
I never read the works of Juvenal—
I think I will not hang myself to-day.
The world will have another washing-day;
The decadents decay; the pedants pall;
And H.G. Wells has found that children play,
And Bernard Shaw discovered that they squall,
Rationalists are growing rational—
And through thick woods one finds a stream astray
So secret that the very sky seems small—
I think I will not hang myself to-day.
ENVOI
Prince, I can hear the trumpet of Germinal,
The tumbrils toiling up the terrible way;
Even to-day your royal head may fall,
I think I will not hang myself to-day
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Ballad Of Suicide: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
G.K. Chesterton's "A Ballad Of Suicide" is a haunting and provocative poem about the tragedy of suicide. With its intricate rhyme scheme and vivid imagery, the poem has captured the imagination of readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes of the poem, the poet's use of language, and the emotional impact of the piece.
Overview of the Poem
"A Ballad Of Suicide" is composed of nine stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is A-B-C-B, and each stanza ends with the same refrain: "And the wind will moan like a wandering soul, / And the clouds will weep, and the world stand still." The poem tells the story of a young woman who takes her own life after being rejected by her lover.
Themes
The most obvious theme of the poem is suicide. Chesterton portrays suicide as a tragic and irreversible act that has a profound impact not only on the person who takes their own life but on the world around them. The refrain at the end of each stanza emphasizes the idea that the world mourns the loss of the person who has committed suicide.
Another theme of the poem is the power of love. The young woman in the poem is driven to suicide by her love for a man who does not love her in return. Chesterton suggests that unrequited love can be a powerful force that can lead to tragedy.
The poem also touches on the theme of societal expectations. The young woman is pressured by society to marry and have children, but she is unable to find happiness in this traditional role. Chesterton suggests that societal expectations can be suffocating and can lead people to make desperate choices.
The Poet's Use of Language
One of the most striking aspects of "A Ballad Of Suicide" is Chesterton's use of language. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that brings the story to life. For example, in the first stanza, Chesterton describes the young woman as having "eyes grown dim with dreams / And the deathly tramp of the feet of doom." This image creates a sense of foreboding and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The poet also uses repetition to great effect. The refrain at the end of each stanza emphasizes the idea that the world mourns the loss of the young woman. In addition, Chesterton frequently repeats words and phrases throughout the poem, such as "love" and "long ago." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the central themes of the piece.
Emotional Impact
"A Ballad Of Suicide" is a deeply emotional poem that can be difficult to read. The tragedy of the young woman's suicide is made even more poignant by the poet's use of language and imagery. Chesterton's portrayal of the world mourning the loss of the young woman is especially powerful, as it emphasizes the profound impact that suicide can have on others.
At the same time, the poem is also a cautionary tale about the danger of societal expectations and the power of unrequited love. Chesterton suggests that individuals should be free to pursue their own happiness and that society should be more accepting of different lifestyles and choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Ballad Of Suicide" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the themes of suicide, love, and societal expectations. Chesterton's use of language and repetition creates a sense of urgency and emotion that stays with the reader long after the poem has ended. While the poem is difficult to read, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who are struggling with mental health issues and the need for greater acceptance and understanding in society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Ballad of Suicide: A Poem of Dark Irony and Social Commentary
G.K. Chesterton's "A Ballad of Suicide" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex and often tragic nature of human existence. Written in the form of a ballad, the poem tells the story of a man who takes his own life, and the reactions of those around him. Through its use of vivid imagery, irony, and social commentary, the poem offers a powerful critique of the societal pressures and expectations that can drive individuals to despair.
The poem begins with a description of the man's suicide, which is depicted in stark and brutal terms. The man "took a rope and swung himself from one of the branches high," and his body is described as "swinging in the sun." This image is both shocking and disturbing, and it immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "swinging" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of motion and movement that is at odds with the finality of death.
As the poem progresses, we are introduced to the various characters who are affected by the man's suicide. These include his mother, who is described as "weeping," and his father, who is "silent." We also meet the man's lover, who is "pale and wan," and his friends, who are "gloomy." Each of these characters is depicted in a different way, but they all share a sense of sadness and loss.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony. Throughout the poem, Chesterton employs a kind of dark humor that is both unsettling and effective. For example, when the man's lover is described as "pale and wan," it is ironic because she is the one who should be most affected by his death, yet she is depicted as being almost indifferent to it. Similarly, when the man's friends are described as "gloomy," it is ironic because they are the ones who should be offering comfort and support, yet they are depicted as being almost as despondent as the man himself.
Another key element of the poem is its social commentary. Chesterton uses the story of the man's suicide to critique the societal pressures and expectations that can drive individuals to despair. The man is described as being "young and strong and bold," yet he is unable to cope with the demands of his life. He is "tired of towers and towns," and he longs for a simpler existence. This is a common theme in Chesterton's work, and it reflects his belief that modern society is too complex and demanding for many people to handle.
The poem also touches on the theme of religion, which was a major preoccupation for Chesterton throughout his career. The man's suicide is described as a "sin," and his body is said to be "swinging in the sun" like a "blasphemous thief." This language is clearly intended to evoke religious imagery, and it suggests that the man's suicide is a violation of the natural order of things. At the same time, however, the poem is not entirely condemnatory. The man is described as being "free," and his suicide is seen as a kind of rebellion against the constraints of society.
In conclusion, "A Ballad of Suicide" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex and often tragic nature of human existence. Through its use of vivid imagery, irony, and social commentary, the poem offers a powerful critique of the societal pressures and expectations that can drive individuals to despair. It is a testament to Chesterton's skill as a poet that he is able to tackle such weighty themes in a way that is both accessible and engaging. This is a poem that deserves to be read and studied by anyone who is interested in the human condition and the complexities of modern society.
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