'Lesson In Grammar' by Vernon Scannell
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THE SENTENCE
Perhaps I can make it plain by analogy.
Imagine a machine, not yet assembled,
Each part being quite necessary
To the functioning of the whole: if the job is fumbled
And a vital piece mislaid
The machine is quite valueless,
The workers will not be paid.
It is just the same when constructing a sentence
But here we must be very careful
And lay stress on the extreme importance
Of defining our terms: nothing is as simple
As it seems at first regard.
"Sentence" might well mean to you
The amorous rope or twelve years" hard.
No, by "sentence" we mean, quite simply, words
Put together like the parts of a machine.
Now remember we must have a verb: verbs
Are words of action like Murder, Love, or Sin.
But these might be nouns, depending
On how you use them –
Already the plot is thickening.
Except when the mood is imperative; that is to say
A command is given like Pray, Repent, or Forgive
(Dear me, these lessons get gloomier every day)
Except, as I was saying, when the mood is gloomy –
I mean imperative
We need nouns, or else of course
Pronouns; words like Maid,
Man, Wedding or Divorce.
A sentence must make sense. Sometimes I believe
Our lives are ungrammatical. I guess that some of
you
Have misplaced the direct object: the longer I live
The less certain I feel of anything I do.
But now I begin
To digress. Write down these simple sentences:--
I am sentenced: I love: I murder: I sin.
Submitted by Andrew Mayers
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lesson In Grammar by Vernon Scannell: A Masterpiece in Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like the world stopped spinning just for a moment? That's exactly how I felt when I first read Vernon Scannell's "Lesson In Grammar". This classic poem, first published in 1973, is a masterpiece in every way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll delve deep into the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to show you why it's so remarkable.
Structure
At first glance, the structure of "Lesson In Grammar" appears straightforward. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with eight lines. However, upon closer inspection, the structure reveals a lot about the poem's message.
The first and second stanzas are relatively similar in structure. Each focuses on a different aspect of grammar, with the first stanza discussing punctuation and the second stanza discussing syntax. However, the final six lines of each stanza are where the real magic happens. In both stanzas, the speaker uses these lines to describe something much larger than grammar itself.
In the third stanza, the structure changes slightly, with the first four lines focusing on the theme of power and the last four lines introducing a new grammatical concept, the subjunctive. Finally, the fourth stanza brings everything together, using the structure of the previous stanzas to show the reader the true message of the poem.
Themes
One of the most significant themes in "Lesson In Grammar" is power. The poem's speaker recognizes the power that words and grammar have over people, and he's not afraid to use it. In the second stanza, for example, the speaker uses syntax to manipulate the reader's emotions:
"Words in their sequence set/ A rhythm, and that is power."
The idea of power extends beyond just language, however. The third stanza introduces the concept of political power, with the speaker's use of the subjunctive:
"If he were a king, if he had power..."
The speaker goes on to describe what he would do if he had that kind of power, showing the reader that even grammar is a tool for those in positions of power.
Another theme present in the poem is the idea of the human condition. The speaker recognizes that humans are flawed, and that's reflected in their use of language. In the first stanza, for example, the speaker describes the purpose of punctuation:
"To show how it was meant/ And what it was meant to mean."
This line acknowledges that people often struggle to express themselves clearly, and punctuation is necessary to convey meaning. The final stanza brings this theme full circle, reminding the reader that grammar is just a tool to help humans communicate:
"When all's said and done/ It's just another way of saying/ What we really mean."
Literary Devices
Scannell uses a variety of literary devices in "Lesson In Grammar" to enhance the poem's message. One of the most significant devices is imagery. The speaker uses vivid descriptions to create a mental image of the concepts he's discussing. In the second stanza, for example, he describes syntax as "A web of words, a mesh/ That catches and holds the sense."
Another device the poet uses is repetition. The phrase "It's just another way of saying" is repeated twice in the final stanza, emphasizing the poem's message that grammar is just a tool for communication. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "If he were a king" in the third stanza creates a sense of longing and desire for power.
The poem also features metaphor and personification. In the first stanza, the speaker personifies punctuation, describing it as "A button here, a comma there/ And lo! The work is done." This personification makes punctuation seem more approachable and less intimidating for the reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Lesson In Grammar" by Vernon Scannell is a masterpiece of poetry. Its structure, themes, and literary devices work together seamlessly to convey a powerful message about the role of language in our lives. The poem reminds us that grammar is just a tool for communication, and that power and the human condition are ever-present in our use of language. If you haven't read this classic poem yet, I highly recommend it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lesson In Grammar: An Analysis of Vernon Scannell's Classic Poem
Vernon Scannell's Lesson In Grammar is a classic poem that explores the complexities of language and the power of words. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Scannell takes the reader on a journey of discovery, revealing the hidden depths of grammar and the importance of understanding its rules.
The poem begins with a simple scene: a classroom filled with students learning the rules of grammar. The teacher, a stern figure, is described as "a dragon" who "breathed fire" as she drilled the students on the intricacies of language. The use of this metaphor immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that grammar is a powerful force that must be respected and feared.
As the lesson progresses, Scannell introduces us to a cast of characters who represent different aspects of language. There is the "nouns and verbs" who are described as "the backbone of the language," and the "adjectives and adverbs" who are "the flesh and blood." These characters are personified, giving them a sense of life and vitality that makes them more than just abstract concepts.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Scannell introduces us to the "black sheep" of the language: the pronouns. These characters are described as "slippery customers" who "shift their shape" and "hide their meaning." This is a powerful metaphor that suggests that pronouns are not to be trusted, and that they can be used to obscure the truth.
The poem then moves on to explore the power of language, and the way in which it can be used to manipulate and control. Scannell describes how words can be used to "twist and turn" the truth, and how they can be used to "conceal and deceive." This is a powerful reminder of the importance of using language carefully, and of the dangers of using it to manipulate others.
The poem then returns to the classroom, where the students are struggling to understand the complexities of grammar. Scannell describes how the students are "tongue-tied" and "stammering," struggling to find the right words to express themselves. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of language, and of the way in which it can be used to express our thoughts and emotions.
Finally, the poem ends with a powerful message of hope. Scannell describes how the students, through hard work and dedication, are able to master the complexities of grammar. He describes how they are able to "speak with ease" and "write with grace," suggesting that through the power of language, we can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
In conclusion, Vernon Scannell's Lesson In Grammar is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of language and the power of words. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Scannell takes the reader on a journey of discovery, revealing the hidden depths of grammar and the importance of understanding its rules. This is a poem that reminds us of the power of language, and of the way in which it can be used to express our thoughts and emotions. It is a poem that inspires us to work hard and to master the complexities of language, so that we can use it to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
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