Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Equality" is a poem by William Dean Howells, an American novelist, literary critic, and playwright who was associated with the realism movement in literature. The poem was written in the late 19th century, a time of great social and political change in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War and the fight for civil rights.

Content:

The poem explores the theme of equality, specifically the idea that all people are equal regardless of their social status, race, or gender. The speaker of the poem notes the differences between people and the ways in which society assigns value to those differences, but ultimately concludes that true equality can only be achieved through recognizing the humanity and worth of every individual.

Form:

"Equality" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into two stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme and structure of the poem.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. The use of metaphor helps to create a sense of the ways in which society assigns value to certain differences between people, while the repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity and worth of every individual.

Summary:

"Equality" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of equality and the ways in which society assigns value to certain differences between people. The poem's use of metaphor and repetition creates a sense of the urgency of recognizing the humanity and worth of every individual, emphasizing the importance of true equality in a just and fair society. Howells' exploration of these themes reflects the social and political context of his time, as well as his commitment to social justice and equality.

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