Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Cry in the World" by Dora Sigerson Shorter is a poignant exploration of loss and grief through the interconnected suffering of animals and human beings. This profound poem speaks to universal themes of maternal longing, destruction, and sorrow. Using four different narratives, it portrays the pain of bereavement and the cruelty that causes it.

Theme Analysis

The central theme of the poem is the shared experience of loss, mourning, and the impact of humanity's destructive tendencies on both nature and itself. It's a lamentation, an outcry against the suffering inflicted by human actions.

Provenance

Dora Sigerson Shorter, an Irish poet and sculptor, often engaged with themes related to nature, love, and loss. This particular work reflects the empathy she felt towards both human and non-human life forms.

Context

The poem reflects a universal human condition, one that recognizes the agony of loss across different species. It does not appear to be tied to a specific historical event but rather serves as a timeless representation of grief and suffering.

Content

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each representing a different voice:

The Cows: They lament the loss of their calves, stolen by man.

The Bird: It mourns the loss of its nestlings and the imprisonment of its mate.

The Seal: It grieves for the loved ones taken away, expressing loneliness.

The Woman: She is seen grieving the loss of her child, showcasing human suffering as part of the larger cycle.

Poetic Devices

Repetition: The repeated cry, "Man, man has bereft me," emphasizes the central grievance of the poem.

Imagery: Rich visual imagery creates an emotional connection with the kine, bird, seal, and woman, enhancing the reader's empathy.

Metaphor: The various creatures symbolize different facets of loss and longing, united by their suffering at the hands of humanity.

Rhyme Scheme: The poem consists of four stanzas, each with a distinct pattern which adds to the poem's melancholic tone, emphasizing the lamenting voices and the intertwining themes of loss, grief, and the interconnectedness of all living creatures. This consistent pattern across each stanza unites the different voices of the poem, helping to convey the universality of the suffering expressed.

Structure

The structural choice of moving from the cows to the bird, the seal, and finally the woman, creates a progression that culminates in the acknowledgment of human responsibility. Each stanza builds upon the preceding one, weaving a tapestry of grief.

Conclusion

"A Cry in the World" by Dora Sigerson Shorter is a profound meditation on loss, suffering, and human culpability. By presenting the sorrow of various creatures, the poem forms a haunting chorus of lamentation. It's an elegy that resonates across species, emphasizing the universal nature of maternal grief and longing. The beautiful yet painful imagery, coupled with a rhythmic structure, makes this poem a powerful cry against the often thoughtless cruelty of mankind. Through its poignant verses, the poem invites us to reflect on our own actions and their impact on the world around us.

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