Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lo, where Haussmann Comes, see where he comes" is a poem by Kenneth Koch, first published in 1960.

Explanation:

The poem is a surreal and playful commentary on the transformation of Paris by the famous city planner Baron Haussmann. The speaker imagines Haussmann's arrival as a grand procession, complete with elephants, tigers, and a marching band. The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own unique imagery and tone. In the first section, the speaker marvels at Haussmann's grandeur and power. In the second section, the speaker imagines a more chaotic and anarchic response to Haussmann's arrival. In the final section, the speaker reflects on the strange and surreal nature of the spectacle.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. It is divided into three sections, each with its own unique structure and tone.
• Theme: The poem explores the theme of power and transformation, as embodied by Baron Haussmann and his impact on Paris.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid and surreal imagery, including elephants, tigers, a marching band, and a giant fist. The imagery is used to create a sense of grandeur, chaos, and absurdity.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is playful and irreverent, with a sense of irreverence towards the grandeur of Haussmann's transformation of Paris.
• Sound: The poem makes use of sound devices such as alliteration and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.
• Language: The language of the poem is both straightforward and surreal, with unexpected juxtapositions and word choices.
• Figurative Language: The poem makes use of figurative language such as metaphor, simile, and personification to create a sense of grandeur and absurdity.
• Structure: The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own unique structure and tone.
• Symbolism: The use of animals such as elephants and tigers can be seen as symbolic of the power and grandeur of Haussmann's transformation of Paris.
• Emotion: The poem evokes a sense of wonder, playfulness, and irreverence towards power and authority.

Conclusion:

"Lo, where Haussmann Comes, see where he comes" is a playful and surreal commentary on the transformation of Paris by Baron Haussmann. Through its use of vivid imagery, irreverent tone, and unexpected juxtapositions, the poem creates a sense of grandeur, chaos, and absurdity. Ultimately, the poem evokes a sense of wonder and irreverence towards power and authority, and the transformative impact they can have on our world.

Poem Snippet:

"See the large lady,

I don't know where she's going,

She's followed by ducks."

*NOTE: Baron Haussmann, whose full name was Georges-Eugène Haussmann, was a French civic planner and urban reformer in the 19th century. He is known for his renovation of Paris during the Second French Empire under Napoleon III. Haussmann's plan involved tearing down the narrow, winding streets of medieval Paris and replacing them with the broad, straight boulevards and avenues that we see today. This plan also involved the construction of public parks, fountains, and other landmarks, as well as the installation of modern infrastructure such as gas lamps, sewers, and water mains. His work dramatically transformed the city and made it more accessible, hygienic, and beautiful.

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