Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Louisa Sarah Bevington was an English poet, journalist, and suffragist, born on October 11, 1845, in Manchester, England. She began writing poetry as a young girl and published her first collection, "Keynotes," in 1893. She was known for her bold and innovative writing style, as well as her feminist beliefs and social activism. "Bought with a Price" was first published in 1906.

Context:

"Bought with a Price" was written during a time of great social and political change in England, as the country continued to grapple with issues such as women's rights, poverty, and industrialization. Bevington was part of a growing movement of women writers and activists who were pushing for greater equality and social change. The poem reflects the tension and uncertainty of the period, as well as the growing sense of moral and social responsibility.

Content:

"Bought with a Price" is a poem about the cost of freedom and the sacrifices that must be made to achieve it. The speaker of the poem describes a woman who has been bought and sold, and who is now struggling to break free from her chains. The poem explores the idea that true freedom can only be achieved through struggle and sacrifice, and that it is a price worth paying.

Form:

"Bought with a Price" is a free verse poem consisting of four stanzas. Each stanza has varying line lengths, and the poem does not have a set rhyme scheme. This lack of a traditional form reflects the chaos and uncertainty of the subject matter, as the poem explores the struggle for freedom.

Poetic Elements:

Bevington uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the struggle for freedom, describing the woman as "a slave beneath the rod," and the struggle as a "long, long strife". She also employs metaphorical language to explore the emotional impact of the woman's situation, such as the "iron grip" that holds her back. These poetic devices contribute to the emotional impact of the poem, emphasizing the importance of the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices that must be made to achieve it.

Summary:

"Bought with a Price" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices that must be made to achieve it. Bevington's use of free verse reflects the chaotic and uncertain nature of the struggle, while her use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language underscores the emotional and psychological impact of the struggle. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience and to inspire social and political change. Overall, "Bought with a Price" is a literary work of great merit and cultural significance, and a testament to the enduring relevance of Bevington's work.

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