'Laughter In The Senate' by Sidney Lanier
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In the South lies a lonesome, hungry Land;
He huddles his rags with a cripple's hand;
He mutters, prone on the barren sand,
What time his heart is breaking.
He lifts his bare head from the ground;
He listens through the gloom around:
The winds have brought him a strange sound
Of distant merrymaking.
Comes now the Peace so long delayed?
Is it the cheerful voice of Aid?
Begins the time his heart has prayed,
When men may reap and sow?
Ah, God!Back to the cold earth's breast!
The sages chuckle o'er their jest;
Must they, to give a people rest,
Their dainty wit forego?
The tyrants sit in a stately hall;
They jibe at a wretched people's fall;
The tyrants forget how fresh is the pall
Over their dead and ours.
Look how the senators ape the clown,
And don the motley and hide the gown,
But yonder a fast-rising frown
On the people's forehead lowers.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Laughter In The Senate" by Sidney Lanier: A Lyrical Epic of Democracy
There is a certain quality to poetry that makes it unique among all forms of literature, and that is its ability to transcend time and space, to speak to us across the ages and cultures, to touch something deep within us that we cannot fully understand or articulate. It is this quality that makes Sidney Lanier's "Laughter In The Senate" one of the most remarkable works of American poetry, an epic in lyrical form that captures the essence of democracy, the beauty and the turmoil, the hope and the despair, the laughter and the tears.
At first glance, "Laughter In The Senate" may seem like a mere political satire, a humorous commentary on the follies and foibles of the politicians of the time, but it is much more than that. It is a profound meditation on the nature of power, the role of the individual in society, the relationship between the governed and the governors, and the eternal quest for justice and equality. It is a poem that speaks to us not only about the past, but also about the present and the future, about the challenges and opportunities that we face as citizens of a democratic society.
The poem is structured as a series of vignettes, each one depicting a scene from the life of the Senate, from the opening prayer to the closing gavel. In each scene, Lanier uses vivid imagery, rich metaphors, and musical language to create a sense of drama, of tension, of excitement. He portrays the senators not as caricatures, but as real human beings, with their strengths and weaknesses, their virtues and vices, their hopes and fears.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of humor. Lanier is a master of wit and irony, and he uses these tools to great effect in "Laughter In The Senate". He pokes fun at the senators' vanity, their pomposity, their hypocrisy. He exposes their petty rivalries, their Machiavellian schemes, their self-serving agendas. He does all this with a light touch, never losing sight of the underlying seriousness of the issues at stake.
But the humor in the poem is not just a means of entertainment. It serves a deeper purpose, that of exposing the absurdities and contradictions of the political system. By making us laugh, Lanier also makes us think, and he invites us to question the legitimacy of the power structures that govern our lives. He reminds us that democracy is not an end in itself, but a means to an end, that of creating a just and equitable society.
Another key element of the poem is its musicality. Lanier was a gifted musician, and he brings his musical sensibility to his poetry. "Laughter In The Senate" is full of rhythm, rhyme, and melody. It is a symphony of words, a chorus of voices, a dance of ideas. The poem is not just to be read, but to be heard, to be recited, to be sung. Its beauty lies not only in its meaning, but also in its form.
At the heart of the poem is the idea of democracy. Lanier celebrates the democratic ideal, but he also recognizes its limitations and challenges. He acknowledges the tensions between individual rights and the common good, between freedom and responsibility, between the will of the majority and the rights of minorities. He shows us that democracy is a fragile and imperfect system, that it requires constant vigilance and effort to maintain.
In the end, "Laughter In The Senate" is a poem about hope. It is a poem that reminds us that, despite all its flaws and imperfections, democracy is still the best hope for humanity. It is a poem that celebrates the courage and the resilience of the human spirit, the power of laughter to overcome despair, the beauty of diversity and the richness of human experience.
In conclusion, "Laughter In The Senate" is a masterpiece of American poetry, a lyrical epic of democracy that speaks to us across the ages. It is a poem that celebrates the human spirit, that challenges us to think and feel, that inspires us to act. It is a poem that makes us laugh and cry, that touches something deep within us, that reminds us of our common humanity. It is a poem that deserves to be read and re-read, to be studied and savored, to be celebrated and cherished.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Laughter In The Senate: A Masterpiece of Humor and Satire
Sidney Lanier's Poetry Laughter In The Senate is a classic work of humor and satire that has stood the test of time. Written in 1877, the poem is a scathing critique of the political climate of the time, and a hilarious commentary on the absurdity of the Senate's proceedings. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this masterpiece of poetry.
The poem begins with a description of the Senate, with its "grave and reverend" members, who are "sitting in a ring." The speaker then introduces the main character, Senator Peffermidge, who is "a man of great renown." Peffermidge is described as a pompous and self-important figure, who is "full of dignity and grace." The speaker then sets the stage for the poem's central conflict, as Peffermidge begins to recite a poem he has written.
The poem is a parody of the epic style, with Peffermidge describing himself as a "hero bold" and a "knight of old." He then proceeds to recount his heroic deeds, which include "slaying dragons" and "rescuing maidens fair." However, the poem quickly descends into absurdity, as Peffermidge's heroic deeds become increasingly ridiculous. He claims to have "fought with giants" and "tamed wild beasts," and even suggests that he has "conquered death itself."
The other senators are initially polite and respectful, but as Peffermidge's poem becomes more and more absurd, they begin to laugh and jeer. The speaker describes the scene in vivid detail, as the senators "rocked in their chairs" and "slapped their knees." Peffermidge becomes increasingly agitated, and the poem reaches its climax as he declares that he will "not be laughed at." The other senators continue to laugh, and Peffermidge storms out of the Senate in a huff.
The poem's central theme is the absurdity of political rhetoric and the pomposity of those who engage in it. Peffermidge's poem is a parody of the heroic epic, a genre that was popular in the 19th century. By exaggerating his own accomplishments and claiming to have done the impossible, Peffermidge exposes the ridiculousness of political grandstanding. The other senators' laughter is a sign of their recognition of this absurdity, and their refusal to take Peffermidge's claims seriously.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is written in rhyming couplets, with a regular meter that gives it a sing-song quality. This structure is reminiscent of the epic poems that Peffermidge is parodying, and adds to the humor of the poem. The use of repetition is also effective, as Peffermidge repeats the phrase "I am a hero bold" several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the absurdity of his claims, and adds to the poem's satirical tone.
Lanier also makes use of several literary devices in the poem. One of the most effective is irony. Peffermidge's claims to heroism are obviously false, and the other senators' laughter is a sign of their recognition of this fact. However, Peffermidge himself is completely unaware of the irony of his situation, and becomes increasingly agitated as the other senators continue to laugh. This creates a sense of dramatic irony, as the reader is aware of something that the character is not.
Another effective literary device is hyperbole. Peffermidge's claims to have "conquered death itself" and "tamed wild beasts" are obviously exaggerated, and serve to highlight the absurdity of his claims. This hyperbole is also reminiscent of the epic poems that Peffermidge is parodying, and adds to the humor of the poem.
In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's Poetry Laughter In The Senate is a masterpiece of humor and satire. Through the character of Senator Peffermidge, Lanier exposes the absurdity of political rhetoric and the pomposity of those who engage in it. The poem's structure and literary devices add to its humor and satirical tone, and make it a timeless classic.
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