'When De Co'n Pone's Hot' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Dey is times in life when Nature
Seems to slip a cog an' go,
Jes' a-rattlin' down creation,
Lak an ocean's overflow;
When de worl' jes' stahts a-spinnin'
Lak a picaninny's top,
An' yo' cup o' joy is brimmin'
'Twell it seems about to slop,
An' you feel jes' lak a racah,
Dat is trainin' fu' to trot--
When yo' mammy says de blessin'
An' de co'n pone's hot.
When you set down at de table,
Kin' o' weary lak an' sad,
An' you 'se jes' a little tiahed
An' purhaps a little mad;
How yo' gloom tu'ns into gladness,
How yo' joy drives out de doubt
When de oven do' is opened,
An' de smell comes po'in' out;
Why, de 'lectric light o' Heaven
Seems to settle on de spot,
When yo' mammy says de blessin'
An' de co'n pone's hot.
When de cabbage pot is steamin'
An' de bacon good an' fat,
When de chittlins is a-sputter'n'
So's to show you whah dey's at;
Tek away yo' sody biscuit,
Tek away yo' cake an' pie,
Fu' de glory time is comin',
An' it's 'proachin' mighty nigh,
An' you want to jump an' hollah,
Dough you know you'd bettah not,
When yo' mammy says de blessin'
An' de co'n pone's hot.
I have hyeahd a' lots o' sermons,
An' I've hyeahd o' lots o' prayers,
An I've listened to some singin'
Dat has tuck me up de stairs
Of de Glory-Lan' an' set me
Jes' below de Mastah's th'one,
An' have lef' my hea't a-singin'
In a happy aftah tone;
But dem wu'ds so sweetly murmured
Seem to tech de softes' spot,
When my mammy says de blessin',
An' de co'n pone's hot.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"When De Co'n Pone's Hot" by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Literary Analysis
Paul Laurence Dunbar's "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is one of his most famous poems. This 1896 poem captures the essence of African American life in the post-Civil War era. It is a poem that has been passed down through generations, and it continues to resonate with readers today. In this literary analysis, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to demonstrate how Dunbar's work exemplifies the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience.
Historical Context
Before diving into the poem, it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was written. Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a gifted writer who became one of the first African Americans to gain national recognition for his work. Dunbar's writing focused on the experiences of African Americans, and he was particularly interested in exploring the dialect and folk culture of the South. "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" was written during a time of great social and political change in the United States. The Civil War had ended, and slavery had been abolished, but African Americans still faced discrimination, poverty, and violence. Dunbar's poem is a reflection of this tumultuous era, and it gives voice to the struggles and joys of African American life.
Themes
The themes of "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" are rooted in the African American experience. One of the most prominent themes is the celebration of food as a symbol of community and cultural identity. The poem opens with the speaker describing the process of making cornbread, a staple food in African American cuisine. The speaker's attention to detail and his use of dialect create a vivid picture of the cooking process, and readers can almost smell the aroma of the freshly baked cornbread. The act of cooking and sharing food is a way for the African American community to come together and celebrate their shared culture.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the resilience and strength of the African American spirit. The speaker describes the difficult circumstances that many African Americans faced, such as poverty, discrimination, and violence. Despite these challenges, the speaker suggests that the African American community is able to find joy and laughter in even the toughest situations. This resilience is exemplified in the final lines of the poem, when the speaker proclaims, "Den take de hoe-cake hot an' brown, / Dat's fit fer king er fit fer clown." The speaker's use of dialect and wordplay conveys a sense of pride and defiance in the face of adversity.
Imagery
Dunbar's use of imagery in "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is both vivid and evocative. The poem is filled with sensory details that bring the cooking process to life. For example, the speaker describes the "kitchen wid de do' flung wide" and the "lightwood-knots a-blazin' higher." These images create a visual and tactile experience for the reader, and they help to convey the warmth and comfort of the cooking process. The use of dialect also adds to the sensory experience, as readers can almost hear the speaker's voice as he describes the cooking process.
Another powerful image in the poem is the metaphor of the cornbread as a symbol of the African American community. The speaker describes the cornbread as "golden brown" and "fit fer king er fit fer clown." These descriptions suggest that the cornbread is a food that can be enjoyed by all people, regardless of their social status or background. The metaphor of the cornbread as a unifying force in the African American community is a powerful one, and it helps to reinforce the theme of cultural identity that runs throughout the poem.
Language
The language used in "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is both playful and poignant. Dunbar's use of dialect and wordplay adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the phrase "De pone's hot, de oven's hot, / An' you knows jes' whar de spot" is both rhythmic and playful. The use of repetition and rhyme creates a sense of musicality in the poem, and it helps to reinforce the themes of community and celebration.
The use of dialect is also significant in the poem. Dunbar was known for his ability to capture the speech patterns and idioms of African American culture, and "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a prime example of his skill. The use of dialect creates a sense of authenticity and realism in the poem, and it helps to convey the unique cultural identity of the African American community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of African American life in the post-Civil War era. Dunbar's use of imagery, language, and themes helps to convey the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience. The poem celebrates the importance of food as a symbol of cultural identity and community, and it highlights the resilience and strength of the African American spirit. "When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a timeless work of literature that continues to speak to readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar's writing.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot: A Masterpiece of African American Literature
Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the most celebrated African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wrote a poem that has become a classic in the canon of African American literature. "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a masterpiece of vernacular poetry that captures the essence of African American life in the post-Civil War South. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this poem, and explain why it remains relevant today.
The poem is written in the dialect of African American English, also known as Black English or Ebonics. This dialect is characterized by its unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and is spoken by millions of African Americans in the United States. Dunbar, who was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1872, was one of the first African American writers to use this dialect in his poetry. He believed that it was important to capture the authentic voice of African Americans, and to celebrate their culture and traditions.
The title of the poem, "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot," is a reference to a popular Southern dish made from cornmeal, water, and salt. The dish is traditionally cooked on a hot stove or in an oven, and is a staple of African American cuisine. The title suggests that poetry, like co'n pone, is best enjoyed when it is fresh and hot. It also suggests that poetry, like food, is a basic necessity of life.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene in which a group of African Americans are gathered around a fire, cooking co'n pone. The speaker observes that the aroma of the cooking food is "sweet an' heavy," and that it fills the air with a sense of warmth and comfort. The speaker then turns his attention to the subject of poetry, and declares that "Poetry's like bread--it ain't for sale." This line suggests that poetry, like bread, is a basic necessity of life, and that it cannot be bought or sold.
The speaker goes on to describe the qualities of good poetry. He says that good poetry is "simple an' plain," and that it speaks to the heart and soul of the reader. He also says that good poetry is "full o' meat," meaning that it is substantial and meaningful. The speaker contrasts good poetry with bad poetry, which he describes as "froth an' foam." This line suggests that bad poetry is superficial and lacking in substance.
The speaker then turns his attention to the subject of race. He says that African Americans have been "scoffed an' scorned," and that they have been denied their basic rights and freedoms. He says that African Americans have been "crushed an' bruised," but that they have not been defeated. He declares that African Americans are "still a-risin'," and that they will continue to rise until they achieve their full potential.
The speaker concludes the poem by returning to the subject of co'n pone. He says that co'n pone is a symbol of African American culture and tradition, and that it represents the resilience and strength of the African American people. He says that co'n pone is "good enough for kings," and that it is a reminder that African Americans are worthy of respect and dignity.
The themes of "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot" are many and varied. One of the main themes is the importance of African American culture and tradition. The poem celebrates the unique qualities of African American life, and suggests that these qualities are worthy of respect and admiration. Another theme is the power of poetry to inspire and uplift. The poem suggests that poetry, like co'n pone, is a basic necessity of life, and that it has the power to nourish the soul and uplift the spirit. Finally, the poem is a celebration of the resilience and strength of the African American people. The poem suggests that despite the many challenges and obstacles that African Americans have faced, they have not been defeated, and that they will continue to rise until they achieve their full potential.
The imagery of "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is rich and evocative. The poem is filled with images of cooking food, warm fires, and the sweet aroma of co'n pone. These images suggest a sense of warmth, comfort, and community. The poem also contains images of struggle and hardship, such as the image of African Americans being "crushed an' bruised." These images suggest the resilience and strength of the African American people, and their determination to overcome adversity.
The language of "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a unique blend of African American English and standard English. The poem is written in the dialect of African American English, which gives it a distinctive rhythm and cadence. The use of this dialect also gives the poem a sense of authenticity and immediacy. The poem also contains elements of standard English, such as the use of metaphor and simile. These elements give the poem a sense of depth and complexity.
In conclusion, "Poetry When De Co'n Pone's Hot" is a masterpiece of African American literature. The poem celebrates the unique qualities of African American life, and suggests that these qualities are worthy of respect and admiration. The poem also celebrates the power of poetry to inspire and uplift, and suggests that poetry, like co'n pone, is a basic necessity of life. Finally, the poem is a celebration of the resilience and strength of the African American people, and suggests that despite the many challenges and obstacles that they have faced, they have not been defeated, and that they will continue to rise until they achieve their full potential.
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