'A Christmas Folksong' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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De win' is blowin' wahmah,
An' hit's blowin' f'om de bay;
Dey's a so't o' mist a-risin'
All erlong de meddah way;
Dey ain't a hint o' frostin'
On de groun' ner in de sky,
An' dey ain't no use in hopin'
Dat de snow'll 'mence to fly.
It's goin' to be a green Christmas,
An' sad de day fu' me.
I wish dis was de las' one
Dat evah I should see.
Dey's dancin' in de cabin,
Dey's spahkin' by de tree;
But dancin' times an' spahkin'
Are all done pas' fu' me.
Dey's feastin' in de big house,
Wid all de windahs wide--
Is dat de way fu' people
To meet de Christmas-tide?
It's goin' to be a green Christmas,
No mattah what you say.
Dey's us dat will remembah
An' grieve de comin' day.
Dey's des a bref o' dampness
A-clingin' to my cheek;
De aih's been dahk an' heavy
An' threatenin' fu' a week,
But not wid signs o' wintah,
Dough wintah'd seem so deah--
De wintah's out o' season,
An' Christmas eve is hyeah.
It's goin' to be a green Christmas,
An' oh, how sad de day!
Go ax de hongry chu'chya'd,
An' see what hit will say.
Dey's Allen on de hillside,
An' Marfy in de plain;
Fu' Christmas was like springtime,
An' come wid sun an' rain.
Dey's Ca'line, John, an' Susie,
Wid only dis one lef';
An' now de curse is comen'
Wid murder in hits bref.
It's goin' to be a green Christmas--
Des hyeah my words an' see:
Befo' de summah beckons
Dey's many'll weep wid me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of "A Christmas Folksong" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Introduction
"A Christmas Folksong" is a poem that was written by Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet, novelist, and playwright. Dunbar was known for his use of dialect and the depiction of African American life, culture, and experiences in his works. "A Christmas Folksong" is one of his most celebrated poems, and it is often included in anthologies of Christmas poetry. The poem is a celebration of the spirit of Christmas, and it captures the joy, warmth, and love that are associated with the holiday season. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, language, and structure of the poem, and I will offer my own insights and perspectives on the work.
Themes
The poem "A Christmas Folksong" is about the joy and celebration of Christmas. The poem celebrates the birth of Christ and the hope and love that his coming brings. The central theme of the poem is the power of love and the importance of family and community. The poem emphasizes the bonds of family and community, and how they bring people together during the holiday season. This theme is reflected in the opening lines of the poem, which state:
When Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Fair peace on earth to bring,
We find that all the roadways
Are echoing and ringing,
These lines emphasize the idea that the birth of Christ brings peace and harmony to the earth, and that this peace is reflected in the celebration of Christmas. The poem also celebrates the joy and warmth of family and community, as reflected in the lines:
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas day in the morning.
These lines suggest that the bells of Christmas bring people together and create a sense of unity and joy. The poet emphasizes that the celebration of Christmas is not just about the birth of Christ, but also about the bonds of family and community.
Imagery
In "A Christmas Folksong," Dunbar uses vivid imagery to evoke the spirit of Christmas. He uses images of nature, music, and celebration to create a sense of joy and warmth. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, he writes:
When Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Fair peace on earth to bring,
We find that all the roadways
Are echoing and ringing,
Here, the poet uses the image of the roadways echoing and ringing to suggest the joy and celebration that accompanies the birth of Christ. The use of the word "fair" to describe peace on earth emphasizes the beauty and goodness of the holiday season.
The poem also uses images of nature to suggest the beauty of the world and the wonder of creation. For example, the poet writes:
The fields and waves,
The winds and caves,
The birds in ev'ry tree,
All join in singing with one accord
To Christ, born of Mary.
These lines suggest that the entire natural world is celebrating the birth of Christ, and that the beauty and wonder of nature are reflected in the holiday season.
Finally, the poem also uses images of music and celebration to create a sense of joy and unity. For example, the poet writes:
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas day in the morning.
These lines emphasize the joy and celebration of Christmas, and the sense of unity and togetherness that is created by the holiday.
Language
Dunbar's use of language in "A Christmas Folksong" is one of the poem's most notable features. The poem is written in a dialect that reflects the speech patterns of African Americans in the late 19th century. This use of dialect adds authenticity to the poem and reflects Dunbar's commitment to portraying African American culture and experiences in his works.
In addition to his use of dialect, Dunbar also employs a range of poetic devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and rhyme, to create a sense of music and rhythm in the poem. For example, the poet writes:
The stars shall dance, the mountains sing,
The little children shout,
In all the world no man shall find
A Christian so devout.
These lines use repetition and rhyme to create a sense of music and rhythm, and to emphasize the joy and celebration of the holiday season.
Finally, the poem also uses biblical language and references to emphasize the religious significance of Christmas. For example, the poet writes:
To Christ, born of Mary.
This line references the biblical story of the birth of Christ, and emphasizes the religious significance of the holiday.
Structure
The structure of "A Christmas Folksong" is relatively simple. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. This simple structure reflects the joy and simplicity of the holiday season, and emphasizes the poem's central message of love, community, and celebration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Christmas Folksong" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the spirit of Christmas. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, dialect, and poetic devices, which create a sense of joy, warmth, and celebration. Through its themes of love, family, and community, the poem emphasizes the importance of these bonds in creating a sense of unity and togetherness. Overall, "A Christmas Folksong" is a timeless and inspiring work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different times and places. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Christmas Folksong" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is a beautiful representation of the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings.
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 works often dealt with themes of racial identity and the struggles of African Americans in the late 19th century. "A Christmas Folksong" is a departure from his usual themes, as it celebrates the universal joy of the holiday season.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the scene on Christmas Eve. The air is filled with the sound of carolers singing, and the streets are lit up with the glow of Christmas lights. The speaker then describes the warmth and comfort of being inside on a cold winter night, surrounded by loved ones. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the joy and togetherness that the holiday season brings.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly beautiful, as it describes the scene inside the house. The fire is burning brightly, and the family is gathered around it, telling stories and sharing memories. The speaker describes the feeling of being wrapped up in a warm blanket, surrounded by the love of family and friends. This is a universal feeling that anyone can relate to, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The third stanza of the poem is a celebration of the food and drink that is shared during the holiday season. The speaker describes the smell of gingerbread and the taste of hot cider, which are both traditional holiday treats. This stanza is a reminder that the holiday season is not just about material gifts, but also about the simple pleasures of life that bring us joy.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges us to remember those who are less fortunate during the holiday season, and to share our blessings with them. This is a reminder that the holiday season is not just about receiving, but also about giving. It is a time to be grateful for what we have and to share our blessings with others.
The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the universal spirit of love and togetherness that the holiday season brings. The speaker describes the feeling of being connected to all humanity, and the joy that comes from sharing this connection with others. This is a reminder that the holiday season is not just about celebrating with our own families and friends, but also about reaching out to others and spreading love and kindness.
In conclusion, "A Christmas Folksong" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the universal joy and togetherness that the holiday season brings. Paul Laurence Dunbar's words transport us to a world of warmth, love, and comfort, where the simple pleasures of life bring us the greatest joy. This poem is a reminder that the holiday season is not just about material gifts, but also about the intangible gifts of love, kindness, and togetherness. It is a timeless reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season, and a celebration of the universal spirit of humanity.
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