Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Edmonstoune Aytoun's "American's Apostrophe to Boz" is a satirical poem that was first published in the Edinburgh Monthly Magazine in 1842. This poem was written in response to Charles Dickens' book "American Notes," in which Dickens described his travels in the United States. Aytoun's poem is a critique of Dickens' portrayal of America and Americans.

The poem is framed as an apostrophe, or a direct address, to Boz, which was Dickens' pen name. Aytoun uses this rhetorical device to create a sense of intimacy and familiarity between himself and Dickens. However, the tone of the poem is anything but friendly. Aytoun begins by acknowledging Dickens' immense popularity in America, but then proceeds to criticize his portrayal of the country and its people.

Aytoun's main theme is the idea that Dickens has unfairly stereotyped Americans. He accuses Dickens of being "blinded by thy fame" and of "painting all things with a jaundiced eye." Aytoun argues that Dickens has ignored the diversity and complexity of American society and has instead relied on simplistic and exaggerated stereotypes. He accuses Dickens of portraying Americans as "braggarts, bullies, and bores" and of perpetuating negative stereotypes that are harmful to the country's reputation.

Aytoun also critiques Dickens' writing style. He accuses Dickens of being overly sentimental and of relying too heavily on melodrama and exaggeration. Aytoun argues that Dickens' writing is not grounded in reality but is instead a product of his own imagination.

In terms of poetic devices, Aytoun employs a variety of techniques to convey his message. He uses alliteration, assonance, and rhyme to create a musical and rhythmic effect. For example, he writes, "Thou hast dared to be a censor, and hast dared to levy fines." The repetition of the "d" sound creates a harsh and accusatory tone. Aytoun also uses irony and sarcasm to underscore his critique of Dickens. He writes, "Thou hast told us all our faults, and hast made our virtues known." This line is ironic because it suggests that Dickens has not actually made American virtues known but has instead focused only on their faults.

In terms of provenance and context, Aytoun's poem is situated within a broader cultural and literary context. In the mid-19th century, America and Britain were engaged in a complex and often contentious relationship. Dickens' "American Notes" was part of a larger trend of British travel writing about America, which often portrayed the country in a negative light. Aytoun's poem can be seen as a response to this trend, as well as a critique of Dickens' specific portrayal of America.

In conclusion, William Edmonstoune Aytoun's "American's Apostrophe to Boz" is a satirical poem that critiques Charles Dickens' portrayal of America and Americans. Aytoun argues that Dickens has relied on simplistic stereotypes and has ignored the diversity and complexity of American society. He also critiques Dickens' writing style, accusing him of being overly sentimental and melodramatic. Through his use of poetic devices and rhetorical strategies, Aytoun creates a powerful critique of Dickens and his portrayal of America.

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