Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Stephen Crane's poem "There Exists the Eternal Fact of Conflict," the poet navigates through the intricate landscape of human conflict, patriotism, and the role of practicality in the modern world. Crane, who was a 19th-century American writer known for his literary realism and often for his focus on the human condition, presents a nuanced critique of societal norms and the constructs that tie individuals to certain roles and ideas.

The poem opens with "There exists the eternal fact of conflict," an assertion that encapsulates the everlasting human condition of strife. Whether this conflict is internal or external, between nations or within oneself, Crane denotes it as an "eternal fact," inescapable and omnipresent. This sets the tone for the critical outlook on patriotism that follows.

Following this, Crane transitions to a "mere sense of locality," indicating that humans first form bonds with their immediate surroundings. This progression seems natural and innocent enough-people taking sustenance "from the winds" as they start "grip[ping] upon this sense of locality." However, as people move from this simple attachment to the concept of patriotism, the poem suggests a devolution. Crane labels patriotism as a "godly vice," a paradox that captures the cultural reverence for patriotic sentiment while questioning its virtue.

The line "The godly vice of patriotism makes us slaves," critiques the social construct that transforms the natural affinity for locality into an unyielding loyalty that can blind people to moral nuances. This is followed by the line, "Let us surrender to this falsity," almost sarcastically inviting the reader to accept this flawed system, as if it were an inevitable part of the human condition.

Crane further elaborates on the implications of this patriotic sentiment with the arrival of "practical men." These men are depicted as war-hungry, symbolized by their "thrumming on a thousand drums." They "cry aloud to be led to war," emphasizing that their form of patriotism doesn't stem from a philosophical commitment but rather from a desire for action, perhaps even destruction. Crane critiques them sharply, calling them "poltroons on a thousand fields," implying that their bravery is conditional and their record is less than stellar.

In a specific reference to the "sacked sad city of New York," Crane might be highlighting how even in the realms of cosmopolitan, educated society, the flaws of patriotism and false bravado are manifest. The last lines are especially damning: "They play at being free, these people of New York / Who are too well-dressed to protest against infamy." Crane's claim is that even those who should know better-those who are well-dressed, presumably well-educated-are too ensnared by the trappings of societal norms and the "godly vice of patriotism" to take a stand against moral wrongs.

In terms of historical and cultural context, this poem could be situated in a period where sentiments of nationalism and jingoism were rampant. This could have been particularly relevant during times of war, where questioning the nationalistic fervor could be seen as a betrayal.

In conclusion, Stephen Crane's "There Exists the Eternal Fact of Conflict" provides a poignant critique of the concept of patriotism, tracing its evolution from a simple "sense of locality" to a complex, often destructive ideology. Through his incisive use of language and irony, Crane offers a deeply troubling view of the human condition and societal norms, forcing the reader to confront the inherent problems and contradictions of patriotism.

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