Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Illiterate" is a poem by William Meredith, an American poet who served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1978 to 1980. The poem was first published in 1961 and is known for its exploration of themes such as poverty, education, and the power of language.

Explanation:

The poem is a narrative told from the perspective of an illiterate man who is attending a class to learn to read and write. The man reflects on his experience of growing up poor and being unable to attend school, noting that "I never learned how to turn / The page to find out what was next." He also reflects on the power of language, noting that "a word like 'arc' / Honest, is hard to learn."

As the poem progresses, the man begins to make progress in his studies, noting that "I now know a, b, c / And soon I will be able to read." He also reflects on the social and economic barriers he faces, noting that "my job is sweeping floors / And sometimes driving a forklift." The poem ends with a sense of hope and determination, as the man asserts his right to education and a better life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "The Illiterate" is a free-verse poem with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid sensory images, particularly of the man's experience of poverty and his surroundings, such as the "blinding stench of button factories."
• Metaphor: The poem employs a number of metaphors, particularly in its depiction of the power of language to shape our lives and the world around us.
• Language: The poem uses simple and direct language, with a particular focus on the man's internal struggle and his determination to learn to read and write.
• Theme: The poem explores themes of poverty, education, and the power of language, as well as the social and economic barriers that can prevent individuals from achieving their goals.

Conclusion:

"The Illiterate" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the experience of an illiterate man attending a class to learn to read and write. Meredith's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and simple language creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, while his exploration of themes such as poverty, education, and the power of language adds depth and complexity to the poem. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of the importance of education and the power of determination in the face of social and economic barriers.

Poem Snippet:

"I never learned how to turn

The page to find out what was next.

I should have asked for help, but who

Would take me by the hand, so

To speak?"

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