'Signs of the Time' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Air a-gittin' cool an' coolah,
Frost a-comin' in de night,
Hicka' nuts an' wa'nuts fallin',
Possum keepin' out o' sight.
Tu'key struttin' in de ba'nya'd,
Nary a step so proud ez his;
Keep on struttin', Mistah Tu'key,
Yo' do' know whut time it is.
Cidah press commence a-squeakin'
Eatin' apples sto'ed away,
Chillun swa'min' 'roun' lak ho'nets,
Huntin' aigs ermung de hay.
Mistah Tu'key keep on gobblin'
At de geese a-flyin' souf,
Oomph! dat bird do' know whut's comin';
Ef he did he'd shet his mouf.
Pumpkin gittin' good an' yallah
Mek me open up my eyes;
Seems lak it's a-lookin' at me
Jes' a-la'in' dah sayin' "Pies."
Tu'key gobbler gwine 'roun' blowin',
Gwine 'roun' gibbin' sass an' slack;
Keep on talkin', Mistah Tu'key,
You ain't seed no almanac.
Fa'mer walkin' th'oo de ba'nya'd
Seein' how things is comin' on,
Sees ef all de fowls is fatt'nin' --
Good times comin' sho's you bo'n.
Hyeahs dat tu'key gobbler braggin',
Den his face break in a smile --
Nebbah min', you sassy rascal,
He's gwine nab you atter while.
Choppin' suet in de kitchen,
Stonin' raisins in de hall,
Beef a-cookin' fu' de mince meat,
Spices groun' -- I smell 'em all.
Look hyeah, Tu'key, stop dat gobblin',
You ain' luned de sense ob feah,
You ol' fool, yo' naik's in dangah,
Do' you know Thanksgibbin's hyeah?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Signs of the Time" by Paul Laurence Dunbar - A Masterpiece of Social Criticism
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like it was written just for you? That's how I felt when I first read "Signs of the Time" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem spoke to me in a way that few others have. It's a masterpiece of social criticism that still resonates today, over a century after it was written.
A Brief Introduction to Paul Laurence Dunbar
Before we dive into the poem itself, let me give you a brief introduction to the poet. Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African American poet, novelist, and playwright who lived from 1872 to 1906. He was one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition, and his work was widely praised by both black and white readers.
Dunbar's poetry was known for its use of dialect and its portrayal of African American life. He wrote about the struggles and joys of everyday people, and his work often dealt with themes of racism, oppression, and inequality. "Signs of the Time" is a perfect example of Dunbar's ability to use poetry to comment on the social issues of his time.
"Signs of the Time" - An Analysis
"Signs of the Time" is a poem that speaks directly to the experience of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dunbar starts the poem by painting a picture of a world that is rapidly changing. He talks about how the old ways are disappearing, and how people are struggling to keep up with the pace of progress.
Air a-tremble with the jangle and the jar Of the city's never-ceasing din, In the midst of it all you're sure to find A heart that is longing for the woods again.
You can hear the quick step on the pavement's beat, And the clatter of wheels on the street below, But the sigh of the wind in the rustling leaves Is the sweetest sound that the heart can know.
These opening lines capture the feeling of dislocation that many people felt as they were uprooted from their traditional ways of life. Dunbar's use of language is powerful here – the "jangle and the jar" of the city's noise contrasts sharply with the "sigh of the wind" in the woods. This contrast sets up the central tension of the poem – the tension between the old ways and the new.
As the poem progresses, Dunbar focuses more and more on the experiences of African Americans. He talks about how they are struggling to survive in a world that is hostile to their very existence.
You can see it in the faces of the men Who grope their way through the weary town; And in their hands as they grasp and glean You can read the story of thorns and crown.
These lines are particularly powerful. Dunbar is describing the toll that racism and discrimination take on African Americans. They are forced to "grope their way" through a world that is often hostile to them, and they must use whatever means they can to survive. The reference to the "story of thorns and crown" is a clear allusion to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and it underscores the idea that African Americans are being crucified by the forces of racism and oppression.
But Dunbar doesn't leave us with a sense of hopelessness. Instead, he ends the poem on a note of defiance.
We may cry, but we will not falter, Though the storms be surging round, For we know that the Master is watching, And he'll keep us on the solid ground.
These lines are a powerful reminder that despite the struggles and hardships that African Americans face, they are not alone. They have a higher power watching over them, and they will not falter in their struggle for justice.
Conclusion
"Signs of the Time" is a powerful poem that speaks directly to the experiences of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a testament to Paul Laurence Dunbar's skill as a poet and his ability to use language to comment on the social issues of his time. As a reader, I felt moved and inspired by this poem, and I hope that others will find the same sense of connection and inspiration in its words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Signs of the Time: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Poetry is an art form that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them think. It is a medium through which poets can express their deepest emotions, thoughts, and ideas. One such poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of poetry is Paul Laurence Dunbar. His poem "Signs of the Time" is a masterpiece that speaks to the human condition and the struggles of the African American community in the late 19th century.
Born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar was the son of former slaves. Despite facing racial discrimination and poverty, he went on to become one of the most celebrated poets of his time. Dunbar's poetry was known for its use of dialect and its portrayal of African American life. His work was a reflection of the struggles and triumphs of his community, and it spoke to the universal human experience.
"Signs of the Time" is a poem that captures the essence of Dunbar's style and his message. The poem is a commentary on the state of the world and the struggles of the African American community. It is a call to action, a plea for change, and a reminder of the power of hope.
The poem begins with the lines, "Air a-gittin' cool an' coolah, / Frost a-comin' in de night." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, creating a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The use of dialect adds to the authenticity of the poem, making it feel like a conversation between the poet and the reader.
As the poem progresses, Dunbar paints a picture of a world that is changing, a world that is becoming colder and more unforgiving. He writes, "Men a-gittin' quite prosy, / An' dey 's putt'n' up deir shuttahs / Like dey do when a storm's a-brewin'." These lines are a metaphor for the state of society, where people are becoming more closed off and less willing to engage with one another.
Dunbar then turns his attention to the African American community, writing, "Oh, dey's lots o' keer an' trouble / In dis world to-day; / But we'll git o'er de trouble / Jes' de same ol' way." These lines are a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, they have always found a way to persevere.
The poem then takes a more political turn, with Dunbar addressing the issue of voting rights. He writes, "We kin stan' it all, de whippin', / All de names dat folks kin call; / But de sneakin' an' de skulkin' / Jes' to keep us fum our right to vote." These lines are a commentary on the Jim Crow laws that were in place at the time, which prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
Dunbar then ends the poem with a message of hope, writing, "But we'll wait an' trust in heaven, / An' de saints 'll allus pray, / Dat de right shall come to triumph / Jes' de same ol' way." These lines are a reminder that change is possible, that justice will prevail, and that hope is a powerful force.
"Signs of the Time" is a poem that speaks to the human experience, to the struggles and triumphs of the African American community, and to the power of hope. Dunbar's use of dialect and his portrayal of African American life make the poem feel authentic and relatable. His message of resilience and hope is one that resonates with people of all backgrounds and cultures.
In conclusion, "Signs of the Time" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a reminder of the struggles of the past, the progress that has been made, and the work that still needs to be done. It is a call to action, a plea for change, and a reminder of the power of hope. Paul Laurence Dunbar's legacy as a poet and a voice for the African American community lives on through this timeless work of art.
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