'Deserted Plantation, The' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Oh, de grubbin'-hoe's a-rustin' in de co'nah,
An' de plow's a-tumblin' down in de fiel',
While de whippo'will's a-wailin' lak a mou'nah
When his stubbo'n hea't is tryin' ha'd to yiel'.
In de furrers whah de co'n was allus wavin',
Now de weeds is growin' green an' rank an' tall;
An' de swallers roun' de whole place is a-bravin'
Lak dey thought deir folks had allus owned it all.
An' de big house stan's all quiet lak an' solemn,
Not a blessed soul in pa'lor, po'ch, er lawn;
Not a guest, ner not a ca'iage lef' to haul 'em,
Fu' de ones dat tu'ned de latch-string out air gone.
An' de banjo's voice is silent in de qua'ters,
D' ain't a hymn ner co'n-song ringin' in de air;
But de murmur of a branch's passin' waters
Is de only soun' dat breks de stillness dere.
Whah's de da'kies, dem dat used to be a-dancin'
Evry night befo' de ole cabin do'?
Whah's de chillun, dem dat used to be a-prancin'
Er a-rollin' in de san' er on de flo'?
Whah's ole Uncle Mordecai an' Uncle Aaron?
Whah's Aunt Doshy, Sam, an' Kit, an' all de res'?
Whah's ole Tom de da'ky fiddlah, how's he farin'?
Whah's de gals dat used to sing an' dance de bes'?
Gone! not one o' dem is lef' to tell de story;
Dey have lef de deah ole place to fall away.
Couldn't one o' dem dat seed it in its glory
Stay to watch it in de hour of decay?
Dey have lef' de ole plantation to de swallers,
But it hol's in me a lover till de las';
Fu' I fin' hyeah in de memory dat follers
All dat loved me an' dat I loved in de pas'.
So I'll stay an' watch de deah ole place an' tend it
Ez I used to in de happy days gone by.
'Twell de othah Mastah thinks it's time to end it,
An' calls me to my qua'ters in de sky.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation: "Deserted Plantation" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
The world of poetry is full of beauty, diversity, and depth. It is a world where writers can express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a creative and powerful way. One of the most remarkable poets of the 19th century was Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American writer who dedicated his work to exploring the complexities of race, love, and nature.
Among his most famous poems is "Deserted Plantation," a haunting and evocative piece that captures the sadness and loneliness of a forgotten place. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this masterpiece, and understand how Dunbar used poetic devices to convey his message.
Historical Context and Biography
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written, and the life of its author. Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio. He was the son of ex-slaves, and grew up in poverty, facing discrimination and segregation. Despite the challenges, Dunbar was a gifted writer from a young age, and published his first poem at the age of 14.
Throughout his life, Dunbar wrote prolifically, publishing several collections of poetry, novels, and plays. His work was praised by both black and white audiences, and he became one of the most popular poets of his time. However, he also faced criticism and rejection from some literary circles, who felt that his work was too focused on race and lacked universal appeal.
"Deserted Plantation" was published in 1899, as part of Dunbar's collection "Majors and Minors." At the time, the United States was still recovering from the Civil War and Reconstruction era, and racial tensions were high. Dunbar himself had experienced the effects of racism and segregation, and his poetry often explored the theme of identity and the struggle for equality.
Analysis of "Deserted Plantation"
The poem "Deserted Plantation" is a powerful and haunting piece that paints a vivid picture of a forgotten and abandoned place. The plantation, once a thriving and bustling hub of activity, is now empty and silent, with only the memories of its former inhabitants left behind.
Dunbar uses a variety of poetic devices to create an atmosphere of sadness and loss. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a natural and organic feel. The lack of structure also reflects the chaotic and uncertain nature of the plantation's demise.
The opening lines of the poem immediately set the tone and mood:
"Ye fallen avenues, once more
I mourn your fate unmerited;
For Nature's haughty, lordly power
Has now gone forth, your strength to wed."
The use of personification ("Nature's haughty, lordly power") emphasizes the idea that the plantation's fate was beyond the control of its inhabitants. The fallen avenues, once proud and majestic, are now mourned by the speaker, who is witnessing their decline.
Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses vivid and evocative imagery to describe the plantation's decay. The trees are described as "deadly pale," the fields are "desolate," and the mansion is "drear and empty." These descriptions create a sense of desolation and emptiness, and emphasize the contrast between the plantation's past and present.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the description of the old slave quarters:
"The cabins that erstwhile were filled
With young and happy hearts, are cold;
And never more shall human voice
Be heard within those precincts old."
Here, Dunbar highlights the human cost of the plantation's demise. The slave quarters, once filled with life and joy, are now silent and empty. The use of the phrase "never more" emphasizes the finality of this loss, and the fact that the people who once lived there will never return.
Another important aspect of the poem is the use of dialect and vernacular. Dunbar was known for his ability to write in both Standard English and African American dialect, and often used both in his work. In "Deserted Plantation," he uses dialect to give voice to the people who once inhabited the plantation:
"An' oft the slave's low, timid knock
Was answered by the echoing stroke,
That gave the planter's wide oak door
To him whose limbs the shackles bore."
The use of dialect adds authenticity and depth to the poem, and emphasizes the humanity of the people who once lived on the plantation.
Themes and Interpretation
"Deserted Plantation" is a poem that touches on several important themes, including the passage of time, the impact of nature, and the legacy of slavery. At its core, however, the poem is about loss and the human cost of abandonment.
The plantation, once a symbol of wealth and power, is now a symbol of decay and neglect. The people who lived there, both slaves and masters, have vanished, leaving behind only memories and remnants of their lives. The poem speaks to the impermanence of all things, and to the fact that even the most powerful institutions can crumble and fade away.
At the same time, the poem also speaks to the resilience of nature. The trees and fields, although now barren and empty, still hold the promise of new life and growth. The poem suggests that even in the midst of destruction and decay, there is still hope for renewal and regeneration.
Finally, the poem is a reminder of the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for equality. The plantation, once a site of oppression and exploitation, is now a symbol of the injustices of the past. The poem encourages us to remember this history, and to work towards a brighter and more just future.
Conclusion
"Deserted Plantation" is a masterpiece of American poetry, and a testament to the talent and vision of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and haunting themes, the poem captures the sadness and loss of a forgotten place, and speaks to the impermanence of all things. At the same time, it is a reminder of the resilience of nature, and of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. This poem is truly a timeless work of art, and a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Deserted Plantation, The: A Masterpiece of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet, novelist, and playwright, is known for his works that depict the struggles of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "The Deserted Plantation," which is a haunting and evocative portrayal of the aftermath of slavery in the American South. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a deserted plantation, which is now overgrown with weeds and vines. The speaker describes the scene in detail, painting a picture of a once-thriving plantation that has now fallen into ruin. The imagery is powerful, and the reader can almost feel the weight of the silence and emptiness that permeates the scene.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the theme of loss and abandonment. The plantation, which was once a symbol of wealth and prosperity, is now a ghostly reminder of the past. The speaker notes that "the fields are bare," and "the fences broken down," indicating that the land has been left to decay and neglect.
In the second stanza, the speaker introduces the idea of memory, suggesting that the plantation is haunted by the ghosts of its past. The speaker notes that "the old house stands there, silent and gray," and that "the doors are all closed, and the windows decayed." These lines suggest that the plantation is a place of memories, and that the ghosts of the past still linger there.
The third stanza introduces the idea of slavery, which is the underlying cause of the plantation's abandonment. The speaker notes that "the master's dead and the slaves are free," indicating that the plantation was once a place of bondage and oppression. The speaker also notes that "the cabin's tenantless," suggesting that the former slaves have moved on, leaving the plantation behind.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the speaker describes the emotional impact of the plantation's abandonment. The speaker notes that "the place is dead," and that "the silence is unbroken." These lines suggest that the plantation is a place of mourning, and that the loss of the past is felt deeply by those who remember it.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the meaning of the deserted plantation. The speaker notes that "the world has moved on," and that the plantation is now a relic of the past. However, the speaker also suggests that the plantation is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before, and that it should be remembered and honored.
Throughout the poem, Dunbar employs a variety of literary devices to create a powerful and evocative portrait of the deserted plantation. One of the most striking is his use of imagery, which is vivid and evocative. The descriptions of the overgrown fields, broken fences, and decaying windows and doors all contribute to the sense of loss and abandonment that permeates the poem.
Dunbar also employs repetition to great effect, with the repeated use of the phrase "the place is dead" emphasizing the emotional impact of the plantation's abandonment. The repetition of the phrase "the master's dead and the slaves are free" also serves to underscore the theme of slavery and its legacy.
Another important literary device that Dunbar employs is symbolism. The deserted plantation itself is a symbol of the legacy of slavery in the American South, and the ghosts that haunt it are a symbol of the past that still lingers in the present. The broken fences and decaying windows and doors are also symbolic, representing the breakdown of the social and economic structures that once supported the plantation system.
In conclusion, "The Deserted Plantation" is a masterpiece of American poetry, and a powerful reminder of the legacy of slavery in the American South. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Dunbar creates a haunting and evocative portrait of a once-thriving plantation that has been left to decay and neglect. The poem is a testament to the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before, and a call to remember and honor their legacy.
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