'Fair And Unfair' by Robert Francis
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Robert Francis: Collected Poems:1936-1976The beautiful is fair. The just is fair.
Yet one is commonplace and one is rare,
One everywhere, one scarcely anywhere.So fair unfair a world. Had we the wit
To use the surplus for the deficit,
We'd make a fairer fairer world of it.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Fair and Unfair: A Criticism and Interpretation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression, a way to convey the deepest thoughts and emotions of the human mind. It is a form of art that can be both beautiful and brutal, fair and unfair. In his poem, "Poetry, Fair and Unfair," Robert Francis explores this dichotomy by examining the different aspects of poetry that make it both fair and unfair.
The Beauty of Fairness
At the outset of the poem, Francis establishes the concept of fairness in poetry. He describes how poetry can be "fair as a star" and how it can "elevate the mind" and "enlighten the heart." This is the beauty of poetry, the aspect that makes it so beloved by readers and writers alike. The lines "a thing so fair should not be used / As means to cheat the common muse" encapsulate the idea that poetry should not be used for sinister purposes but instead should be appreciated for its inherent beauty and truth.
Francis goes on to describe how poetry can be a means of "bringing light to the darkness" and "righting wrongs." This is a powerful statement about the potential of poetry to effect change in the world. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but a tool for social justice and political activism.
The Brutality of Unfairness
However, Francis quickly shifts gears and explores the darker side of poetry. He describes how poetry can be "unfair as the devil" and how it can be used to "enslave the mind" and "ensnare the heart." This is the brutality of poetry, the aspect that can make it so dangerous.
Francis uses powerful imagery to describe the unfairness of poetry. He compares it to a "trap set for the unwary" and a "drug that can drive men mad." These images are evocative and haunting, reminding the reader of the potential harm that can come from misusing the power of poetry.
The Dual Nature of Poetry
Throughout the poem, Francis emphasizes the dual nature of poetry, the fact that it can be both fair and unfair. He describes how poetry can be "like the sea's calm surface" but also "like a storm that rages and breaks." This duality is what makes poetry so complex and fascinating.
Francis also explores the relationship between poetry and truth. He describes how poetry can be used to "distort reality" but also how it can be used to "reveal the truth." This is another example of the dual nature of poetry, the fact that it can be used for both good and evil.
The Importance of Responsibility
Ultimately, Francis emphasizes the importance of responsibility when it comes to writing poetry. He warns against using poetry for selfish or harmful purposes and instead encourages writers to use their craft for good. The lines "let no false poets rob true men / Of their hard-won dignity again" serve as a reminder that poets have a responsibility to use their words wisely and with integrity.
Conclusion
"Poetry, Fair and Unfair" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex nature of poetry. Through his use of vivid imagery and evocative language, Francis captures both the beauty and brutality of poetry, reminding the reader of its potential to both elevate and enslave. Ultimately, the poem serves as a call to action for poets to use their craft responsibly and with integrity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their emotions and thoughts. Robert Francis, an American poet, was one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century. His poem "Fair And Unfair" is a classic example of his work, and it is a masterpiece that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike.
The poem "Fair And Unfair" is a short but powerful piece that explores the concept of fairness and unfairness in life. The poem is divided into two stanzas, and each stanza presents a different perspective on the topic. The first stanza talks about the unfairness of life, while the second stanza talks about the fairness of life.
The first stanza begins with the line, "When a man is born, he is soft and pliable." This line sets the tone for the rest of the stanza, which talks about how life can be cruel and unfair. The stanza goes on to say that as a man grows older, he becomes hard and unyielding, and that life can be harsh and unforgiving. The stanza ends with the line, "Thus the hard and the strong are the companions of death," which suggests that those who are strong and unyielding are more likely to die.
The second stanza presents a different perspective on the topic of fairness and unfairness. It begins with the line, "When a tree is planted, it is tender and pliant." This line is similar to the first line of the first stanza, but it presents a different perspective. The stanza goes on to say that as the tree grows, it becomes strong and sturdy, and that it is able to withstand the harshness of life. The stanza ends with the line, "Thus the tender and yielding is the disciple of life," which suggests that those who are tender and yielding are more likely to survive and thrive.
The poem "Fair And Unfair" is a powerful commentary on the nature of life. It suggests that life can be both fair and unfair, and that it is up to us to decide how we respond to the challenges that we face. The poem also suggests that those who are tender and yielding are more likely to survive and thrive, while those who are hard and unyielding are more likely to die.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the use of imagery. The first stanza uses imagery to describe the harshness of life, while the second stanza uses imagery to describe the beauty and resilience of nature. For example, the first stanza uses the image of a man becoming hard and unyielding, while the second stanza uses the image of a tree becoming strong and sturdy. These images help to reinforce the message of the poem and make it more powerful.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the use of repetition. The first line of each stanza is almost identical, but the rest of the stanza presents a different perspective. This repetition helps to create a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem, and it also helps to reinforce the message of the poem.
In conclusion, "Fair And Unfair" is a classic poem that explores the concept of fairness and unfairness in life. The poem presents two different perspectives on the topic, and it uses imagery and repetition to reinforce its message. The poem is a powerful commentary on the nature of life, and it is a masterpiece that will continue to be studied and analyzed for generations to come.
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