'A Border Ballad' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Oh, I have n't got long to live, for we all
Die soon, e'en those who live longest;
And the poorest and weakest are taking their
chance
Along with the richest and strongest.
So it 's heigho for a glass and a song,
And a bright eye over the table,
And a dog for the hunt when the game is flush,
And the pick of a gentleman's stable.
There is Dimmock o' Dune, he was here yester-
night,
But he 's rotting to-day on Glen Arragh;
'T was the hand o' MacPherson that gave him
the blow,
And the vultures shall feast on his marrow.
But it 's heigho for a brave old song
And a glass while we are able;
Here 's a health to death and another cup
To the bright eye over the table.
I can show a broad back and a jolly deep chest,
But who argues now on appearance?
A blow or a thrust or a stumble at best
May send me to-day to my clearance.
Then it 's heigho for the things I love,
My mother 'll be soon wearing sable,
But give me my horse and my dog and my
glass,
And a bright eye over the table.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Border Ballad: A Masterpiece of Symbolism and Emotion
When it comes to African American literature, Paul Laurence Dunbar is a name that stands out. Born in 1872, he wrote numerous poems and novels during his short life, becoming one of the most celebrated writers of his time. Among his works, "A Border Ballad" stands out as a masterpiece of symbolism and emotion.
As the title suggests, "A Border Ballad" is a ballad, a popular narrative poem that tells a story in a simple and direct language, often with a refrain or a repeated line. Ballads are usually meant to be sung or recited, and they often deal with themes of love, death, and betrayal. Dunbar's ballad is no exception, but it adds a layer of social commentary and political critique that elevates it to a higher level of art.
The ballad tells the story of two young lovers, Ella and Gabriel, who live on opposite sides of a border that separates their communities. Ella is a fair maiden of the North, while Gabriel is a bold and handsome youth of the South. They meet by chance and fall in love, despite the warnings of their elders and the hostility of their peers. They promise to meet again at the border, where they will cross over to the other side and marry.
However, fate has other plans. When Ella arrives at the border, she finds Gabriel dead, killed by a bullet from his own side. The ballad ends with Ella's lament for her lost love and her condemnation of the senseless conflict that separates them.
At first glance, "A Border Ballad" may seem like a simple and sentimental love story, but a closer reading reveals a deeper and more complex meaning. Dunbar uses symbols and metaphors to convey a message that goes beyond the personal tragedy of Ella and Gabriel. He uses the border as a symbol of the racial and social divides that plague America, and he shows how these divisions lead to violence and destruction.
The border in Dunbar's ballad represents not only a physical boundary but also a moral and cultural one. The North and the South are not only geographically separated but also ideologically opposed. The North represents progress, freedom, and enlightenment, while the South represents tradition, slavery, and ignorance. Ella and Gabriel's love transcends these differences, but their society cannot. The ballad suggests that love alone is not enough to overcome prejudice and hate.
Moreover, Dunbar uses the characters of Ella and Gabriel to represent two different attitudes towards the border and the conflict it embodies. Ella is a naive and innocent girl who believes in the power of love to conquer all. She is willing to cross the border and marry Gabriel, even though it means defying her society and risking her life. Gabriel, on the other hand, is a proud and defiant youth who refuses to submit to the enemy. He is willing to fight and die for his beliefs, even though it means losing the love of his life. The ballad suggests that both attitudes are valid but incompatible, and that the conflict between them is tragic and inevitable.
Furthermore, Dunbar uses the motif of the bullet to symbolize the violence that underlies the border and the conflict it represents. The bullet is a powerful and deadly force that destroys everything in its path, regardless of its origin or target. In the ballad, the bullet that kills Gabriel is not fired by the enemy but by his own side, suggesting that the true enemy is not outside but inside. The ballad suggests that violence begets violence, and that the only way to break the cycle is to reject it altogether.
In conclusion, "A Border Ballad" is a masterpiece of symbolism and emotion that speaks to the universal themes of love, conflict, and human nature. Dunbar's use of symbols, metaphors, and motifs creates a rich and complex narrative that challenges the reader's assumptions and prejudices. The ballad shows how the border between people and cultures can be both a source of connection and a source of division, and how the choices we make can have profound consequences for ourselves and others. It is a poem that deserves to be read and studied, not only for its literary merit but also for its relevance to the social and political issues of our time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Border Ballad" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "A Border Ballad" is a narrative poem that tells the story of two lovers, a knight and a lady, who are separated by a border. The knight is from Scotland, and the lady is from England. The poem is set in the medieval period, and the border between Scotland and England is a symbol of the political and cultural divide between the two countries.
The poem begins with the knight lamenting his separation from his lady love. He expresses his longing for her and his desire to be reunited with her. The knight's love for the lady is intense and passionate, and he is willing to do anything to be with her. He says, "I'll cross the border, I will, I swear, / As the Lord shall help and me."
The lady, on the other hand, is torn between her love for the knight and her loyalty to her country. She knows that if she crosses the border to be with the knight, she will be betraying her country and her people. She says, "But I cannot cross that border, / That stands between you and me."
The conflict between love and loyalty is a central theme of the poem. The knight and the lady are both torn between their love for each other and their loyalty to their respective countries. The border between Scotland and England is a metaphor for the cultural and political divide between the two countries. The poem explores the idea that love can transcend borders and cultural differences, but it also acknowledges the reality that loyalty to one's country can be a powerful force that can keep lovers apart.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in ballad form, which is a traditional form of poetry that was often used to tell stories. Ballads typically have a simple and repetitive structure, with a regular rhyme scheme and a strong rhythm. The poem "A Border Ballad" follows this structure, with a regular rhyme scheme and a strong rhythm that gives the poem a musical quality.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. One such device is imagery. The poem is full of vivid and evocative imagery that helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, the opening lines of the poem describe the knight's surroundings:
"O my love's like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June: O my love's like the melodie, That's sweetly play'd in tune."
These lines create a sense of beauty and romance, and they also establish the setting of the poem as a natural and idyllic landscape.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The border between Scotland and England is a powerful symbol that represents the cultural and political divide between the two countries. The border is also a symbol of the obstacles that the knight and the lady must overcome in order to be together. The poem uses this symbol to explore the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
In conclusion, "A Border Ballad" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The poem tells the story of two lovers who are separated by a border, and it uses vivid imagery and powerful symbolism to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The poem's structure and use of literary devices enhance its meaning and impact, making it a timeless masterpiece of poetry.
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