Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Ralph Waldo Emerson, On The Death Of Garfield, September, 1881" by Robert Underwood Johnson is a poem dedicated to Ralph Waldo Emerson and reflects on the death of President James A. Garfield in September 1881.

Themes:

Grief and Mourning: The primary theme of the poem is grief and mourning over the untimely death of President Garfield. The poem addresses Emerson as a poet who can capture and convey the deep sorrow that the nation feels.

Heroism and Legacy: The poem acknowledges Garfield as a hero and suggests that his legacy deserves to be celebrated through poetry. It emphasizes the impact of a heroic figure on the nation and how poetry can immortalize their memory.

The Role of the Poet: The poem reflects on the role of the poet, who has the ability to express the collective grief of a nation and provide solace through their words. It highlights the poet's gift in addressing and comforting people during times of loss.

Structure and Style:

The poem is written in a traditional rhymed and metered form. It consists of seven quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This formal structure provides a sense of order and elegance to the poem, which is appropriate for the subject matter.

The language used in the poem is dignified and reverent. It pays homage to both Emerson and Garfield and elevates their significance through the use of poetic language.

Historical Context:

The poem was written in response to the assassination and death of President James A. Garfield in 1881. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States and had been in office for only a few months when he was shot by an assassin. His death stirred deep grief and mourning across the nation.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a renowned American poet and essayist who was highly respected for his contributions to xf{literature and philosophy. In the poem, Johnson addresses Emerson as a fellow poet who possesses the gift of capturing the nation's emotions during this time of loss.

Analysis:

The poem begins by acknowledging Emerson as a poet capable of expressing the grief felt over the untimely death of President Garfield. It praises Emerson for his ability to illuminate even the darkest moments and to create a sense of hope through his poetry.

The poem draws a connection between Emerson's poetic legacy and the legacy of Garfield. It suggests that Garfield's heroic status is worthy of being celebrated in Emerson's verse, highlighting the importance of poetry in immortalizing the memory of great individuals.

The closing lines of the poem express the hope that another prophet or poet, following in Emerson's footsteps, will arise to lift the burden of grief from the hearts of the people. This underscores the belief in the power of poetry to provide solace and healing during times of national mourning.

In conclusion, "To Ralph Waldo Emerson, On The Death Of Garfield, September, 1881" by Robert Underwood Johnson is a tribute to both Emerson's poetic talent and the significance of President Garfield's legacy. It explores themes of grief, heroism, and the role of the poet in times of national mourning.

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