'Coal' by Audre Lorde

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Iis the total black, being spokenfrom the earth's inside.There are many kinds of openhow a diamond comes into a knot of flamehow sound comes into a words, colouredby who pays what for speaking.Some words are open like a diamondon glass windowssinging out within the crash of sunThen there are words like stapled wagersin a perforated book-buy and sign and tear apart-
and come whatever will all chancesthe stub remainsan ill-pulled tooth with a ragged edge.Some words live in my throatbreeding like adders. Other know sunseeking like gypsies over my tongueto explode through my lipslike young sparrows bursting from shell.Some wordsbedevil meLove is word, another kind of open.As the diamond comes into a knot of flameI am Black because I come from the earth's insideNow take my word for jewel in the open light.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Audre Lorde's "Coal" is one of the most powerful, evocative, and unapologetic poems of the 20th century. This poem is a testament to the poet's ability to use language to evoke strong emotions and convey complex ideas. The poem's title, "Coal," suggests something dark, dirty, and unrefined. But the poem itself is a celebration of the transformative power of struggle and the beauty that can arise from adversity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "Coal" to understand how Audre Lorde uses poetry to express her perspective on life, identity, and the human experience.

Themes

At its core, "Coal" is a poem about transformation. The poem explores the idea that struggle and hardship can be transformative, that they can bring about change, growth, and beauty. Throughout the poem, Lorde uses the metaphor of coal to represent struggle and hardship, and she contrasts this with the image of a diamond to represent beauty, strength, and resilience.

The poem also touches on themes of identity, race, sexuality, and gender. Lorde was a black lesbian feminist, and her poetry often addresses issues of social justice and the struggle for equality. In "Coal," Lorde uses her personal experiences as a black woman to explore the idea of identity and the ways in which societal expectations can shape and constrain our sense of self.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Coal" is its vivid and evocative imagery. Lorde uses imagery to create a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion, and to convey complex ideas and themes.

The most prominent image in the poem is that of coal. Lorde uses coal as a metaphor for struggle, hardship, and adversity. She writes, "I am black because I come from the earth's inside / Take my word for jewel in your open light." Here, Lorde is suggesting that even though coal may seem dark and unrefined, it is actually a valuable and precious substance that can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable.

Lorde also uses the image of a diamond to represent beauty, strength, and resilience. She writes, "But believe this diamond / is black because it reflects." Here, Lorde is suggesting that the diamond's blackness is not a flaw or a weakness, but rather a reflection of its surroundings. This image is particularly powerful when read in the context of Lorde's identity as a black woman, as it suggests that blackness is not a flaw or a weakness, but rather a reflection of the world around us.

Language

Lorde's use of language in "Coal" is both precise and evocative. Her use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of depth and complexity, while her use of repetition and rhythm creates a sense of movement and emotion.

One of the most striking elements of the poem is its use of repetition. Lorde repeats the phrase "I am" multiple times throughout the poem, each time adding a different descriptor. This repetition creates a sense of movement and progression, and it also reinforces the theme of identity that runs throughout the poem.

Lorde also uses rhythm and sound to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. The poem's opening line, "I"ve known rivers," is particularly striking, as the repetition of the "I" sound creates a sense of urgency and intensity. Similarly, Lorde's use of alliteration and assonance throughout the poem creates a sense of rhythm and movement that reinforces the poem's themes of transformation and resilience.

Conclusion

"Coal" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the transformative power of struggle and the beauty that can arise from adversity. Through her use of metaphor, imagery, and language, Audre Lorde creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites the reader to engage with the poem on multiple levels. By exploring themes of identity, race, sexuality, and gender, Lorde raises important questions about the human experience and the struggle for equality. "Coal" is a testament to the power of poetry to express complex ideas and emotions, and it is a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of Audre Lorde's work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Audre Lorde's "Coal" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of identity, power, and transformation. The poem is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity and oppression. In this analysis, we will explore the various literary devices and techniques used by Lorde to convey her message and the significance of the poem in the context of her life and work.

The poem begins with the line "I am coal," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Coal is a symbol of strength and endurance, but it is also a substance that is often associated with darkness and pollution. By identifying herself as coal, Lorde is acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of her identity. She is proud of her strength and resilience, but she is also aware of the challenges she faces as a black woman in a society that is often hostile to her.

Throughout the poem, Lorde uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her message. For example, she describes herself as "the blackest of black," which emphasizes her racial identity and the challenges she faces as a black woman. She also compares herself to a diamond, which is a symbol of beauty and value, but also of pressure and transformation. This metaphor suggests that Lorde's struggles have made her stronger and more valuable, but they have also transformed her in ways that are both positive and negative.

Another important literary device used by Lorde in "Coal" is repetition. The poem is structured around a series of repeated phrases, such as "I am coal," "I am black," and "I rise." These repetitions create a sense of rhythm and momentum that drives the poem forward and emphasizes its central themes. They also serve to reinforce Lorde's message of strength and resilience, as each repetition of "I rise" suggests that she is overcoming the challenges she faces and becoming stronger as a result.

One of the most powerful aspects of "Coal" is the way it explores the relationship between power and identity. Lorde suggests that power is not just a matter of physical strength or political influence, but also of self-knowledge and self-acceptance. By embracing her identity as a black woman and acknowledging the challenges she faces, Lorde is able to tap into a source of inner strength that allows her to rise above her circumstances and become a more powerful and resilient person.

The poem also has a strong political dimension, as Lorde uses her personal experiences to comment on broader social and political issues. For example, she describes the "white fathers" who have oppressed her and her people, suggesting that racism and sexism are intertwined and that both must be overcome in order to achieve true equality. She also suggests that the struggle for liberation is ongoing and that it requires a constant effort to resist and overcome the forces of oppression.

In the context of Lorde's life and work, "Coal" can be seen as a powerful statement of her feminist and anti-racist beliefs. Lorde was a prominent activist and writer who fought tirelessly for the rights of women and people of color. She believed that art and literature could be powerful tools for social change, and she used her own writing to challenge the dominant narratives of her time and to give voice to those who had been silenced.

Overall, "Coal" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of identity, power, and transformation. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor, the poem conveys a message of strength and resilience that is both personal and political. In the context of Lorde's life and work, "Coal" can be seen as a powerful statement of her feminist and anti-racist beliefs, and as a testament to the power of art and literature to effect social change.

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