Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Stephen Lawrence, written by Carol Ann Duffy, is a poem that pays tribute to the memory of Stephen Lawrence, a black British teenager who was murdered in the UK in 1993. The poem is an expression of the pain, anger and injustice that the Lawrence family and the black community felt over the tragic death of Stephen Lawrence. Carol Ann Duffy elegantly expresses these emotions in a poignant yet powerful poem that has become an unapologetic cry in the face of bigotry and racism.

Explanation:

Duffy’s poem is written in free verse and contains a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme. It is written from the point of view of Stephen Lawrence himself, as he reflects upon the life he could have had if the tragedy had not occurred. Duffy skillfully uses imagery to evoke vivid emotions in the reader. She paints a picture of Lawrence living a life full of laughter and love—“I could have been, who knows, a doctor,/or dived deep-sea in a town/ of fishermen. ” These vivid images shining a light on all that has been lost due to the horrific act of violence committed against Lawrence. Additionally, Duffy makes use of allusions in her poem by referencing the biblical story of Lazarus. Lawrence is depicted as resurrected, rising up to challenge the hatred and racism that took his life.

Poetic Elements:

• Rhyme Scheme: ABAB
• Structure: The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with its own distinct rhyme scheme and meter.
• Language: Duffy employs a mix of simple, conversational language and poetic language, effective in conveying grief, sorrow and loss.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is sorrowful and angry, echoing the call for justice that has been voiced since Lawrence’s death.

Conclusion:

Carol Ann Duffy’s Stephen Lawrence is a powerful and moving poem that serves as a tribute to Stephen Lawrence and his family. Duffy profoundly captures the violence, grief, and injustice that the Lawrence family experienced with her powerful use of imagery and allusions. The poem is both a condemnation of racism and a reminder of the importance of standing up and speaking out against injustice and bigotry.

Poem Snippet:

The years since have been years of shame.

We failed Stephen Lawrence and all the others,

the wronged, the living and the dead.

The bloodstain on the wall, the attack

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