Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Edward Woodberry was an American poet, literary critic, and scholar who lived in the 19th century. "Requiem; Thomas Randolph Price" is a poem that was published in 1895.

Context:

The 19th century was a time of great social and political change in America, with the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. The literary scene was dominated by the Romantic poets and the Transcendentalists. The poem reflects the influence of the Romantic tradition on Woodberry's poetry.

Content:

The poem is a requiem for Thomas Randolph Price, a fellow poet and friend of Woodberry's who had recently died. The poem reflects on Price's life and work, and expresses a sense of loss and grief at his passing. The speaker also reflects on the nature of poetry and the power of words to capture and preserve the memory of those who have passed away.

Form:

The poem consists of 18 lines of irregular meter and rhyme. It is written in a formal, elevated style, with a focus on the theme of grief and loss. The poem's structure is carefully crafted to build to a climax, with the final lines expressing the speaker's sense of the power of poetry to preserve the memory of those who have passed away.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of metaphor and symbolism to convey the theme of grief and loss, including the image of the "lonely tomb" and the idea of the poet's words as a "noble company." Woodberry also uses allusion to the classical tradition of poetry, including references to the muses and the power of poetic inspiration. The poem also features a number of poetic devices, including imagery, figurative language, and rhetorical questions.

Summary:

The poem is a requiem for Thomas Randolph Price, and a reflection on the power of poetry to capture and preserve the memory of those who have passed away. It is notable for its use of metaphor and allusion, as well as its focus on the theme of grief and loss. The poem is a reflection of Woodberry's interest in the Romantic tradition of poetry and his exploration of the themes of nature, mortality, and the power of language. Overall, the poem is a well-crafted tribute to Price, and a reflection on the nature of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of human experience.

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