Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Beowulf" by Richard Wilbur is a narrative poem that tells the story of a hero who travels to a strange and threatening land to face a monstrous foe. The poem explores themes of heroism, mortality, and the relationship between the individual and the community.

Form: "Beowulf" is written in free verse with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. The poem consists of six stanzas of varying length, with irregular line lengths and no regular pattern.

Theme: The central theme of the poem is the nature of heroism and the relationship between the individual and the community. The poem explores the courage and sacrifice required of a hero, and the way in which the hero's deeds are celebrated and remembered by the community.

Imagery: The poem uses vivid and sensory imagery to describe the strange and threatening land, such as the image of the lake reflecting the lark's song after the bird has flown, and the shining Roman road that is paved too perfectly for a road that has seen so much use.

Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and mournful, as the speaker reflects on the hero's deeds and his ultimate fate. There is a sense of melancholy and loss, as the hero dies without leaving an heir to carry on his legacy.

Diction: The language used in the poem is simple and direct, with few complex words or phrases. This helps to convey the immediacy and intimacy of the speaker's message.

Figurative language: The poem contains several examples of figurative language, such as the use of metaphor to describe the hero's country as a "childish country" and the hero as a "kinless king."

Symbolism: The hero and his deeds are powerful symbols in the poem, representing the courage and sacrifice required of those who are willing to stand up to evil and defend their community.

Structure: The poem is divided into six stanzas of varying length, with irregular line lengths and no regular pattern. This allows the poet to convey the natural and organic quality of the speaker's message.

Sound: The poem has a musical quality, with the use of repetition and alliteration creating a sense of rhythm and melody.

Point of View: The poem is written from the perspective of the speaker, who is reflecting on the hero's deeds and their significance for the community.

Analysis: In summary, "Beowulf" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the nature of heroism and the relationship between the individual and the community. Published in 1956, the poem reflects the social and cultural climate of the mid-twentieth century, and honors the courage and sacrifice required of those who are willing to stand up to evil and defend their community. Through its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, the poem encourages the reader to reflect on the nature of heroism and the ways in which the hero's deeds are celebrated and remembered by the community.

Publication date: "Beowulf" was first published in Richard Wilbur's collection "Things of This World" in 1956.

*NOTE: Beowulf" is a poetic translation of the epic Old English poem of the same name, which tells the story of the legendary hero Beowulf and his battles against monsters and dragons. The poem explores themes of heroism, mortality, and the struggle between good and evil.

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