Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Engine" by Alexander Anderson is a poem that celebrates the power and achievements of a steam engine. The poem portrays the engine as a mighty and awe-inspiring creation, exuding strength and vitality.

The poem begins with a cheer for the engine as it bounds along its track, with its breath thick and black. It praises the ingenuity of the people who crafted such a remarkable machine, with its heart of fire, soul of steel, and strength in every limb.

The speaker acknowledges the engine's immense power and urges others to stand clear of its path, likening its muscles to a flaming sword wielded by an archangel. The engine cares little for human life as it rushes towards its goal, effortlessly shaking its iron limbs and emitting a mighty soulful shriek.

Despite the engine's overwhelming strength, the speaker finds pride in being able to play a role in keeping it on track. The engine thunders its thanks as it speeds along, and the speaker believes that even though made of clay, he could render the engine weak with a mere twitch of his hand. There is a mutual trust between the speaker and the engine, as they rely on each other despite their differing materials.

The speaker reflects on the tremendous achievements of those who created the engine. He marvels at their ability to fashion such a powerful and complex machine, comparing it to the feats of ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece. He longs for the spirits of those ancient craftsmen to witness the engine's capabilities and imagines taking them on a wild ride through space, surrounded by smoke and with the engine's clanking hoofs.

The speaker contrasts the engine's might with the works of human artistry, such as sculptures and paintings. While recognizing the talent and skill of artists, the speaker believes that their creations pale in comparison to the incredible power and impact of the engine. He emphasizes the extraordinary feat of turning raw materials and labor into a living, breathing machine.

The poem continues to extol the engine's power and accomplishments, describing its ability to travel great distances and conquer challenges. The engine is personified as a wild, fiery being that surpasses the limitations of ordinary human strength. It is depicted as a force that defies darkness and illuminates the night with its blazing presence.

The speaker further praises the engine's ability to unleash pent-up energy and overcome obstacles. It is depicted as a titan of toil, capable of performing great feats of work that impress even the gods. The engine's power is likened to that of Atlas, the mythological figure who held up the heavens.

The speaker emphasizes the engine's capability to bear its burdens and conquer obstacles in its path. It is described as shaking off the darkness and roaring in its wrath. The engine's power is compared to a bolt of lightning, illuminating the night and reaching up to the stars. The speaker dismisses other human achievements such as bridges and wires, favoring the raw power and strength of the engine.

In conclusion, the poem celebrates the mighty engine and the people who created it. The speaker acknowledges the engine's awe-inspiring presence and its impact on the world. While recognizing the engine's significance, the speaker also pays tribute to the shovel and pick, representing the labor and effort involved in its construction.

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