Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Doty’s “Independence Day” is a poem about a family gathered on the 4th of July to celebrate the American holiday. The poem highlights the joyous mood of the holiday, the presence of family, and the various sounds and sights of the celebration. However, it also touches on darker themes such as the threat of death, the passing of time, and the loss of loved ones.

Explanation:

The poem is structured around the events of the 4th of July celebration. The family gathers together to celebrate and the narrator describes the various activities and sounds around them. They hear the sound of firecrackers, the noise of a car backfiring, and the “low, complaining purr” of a jet plane overhead. The narrator reflects on the joyous mood of the holiday, the presence of family, and the feeling of belonging.

However, the poem also touches on the darker themes of death and the passing of time. The narrator reflects on the inevitability of death, and the knowledge that some of the family members will not be present at the next 4th of July celebration. This is emphasized by the reference to the “women in black at the funeral parlor next door,” a reminder of the presence of death even in the midst of celebration.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse with irregular line lengths and no strict rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in sensory imagery, with detailed descriptions of the sounds and sights of the celebration, such as the “puff and glitter” of the fireworks and the “spangles of light” reflected on the water.
• Repetition: The phrase “the sky” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the sense of vastness and expansiveness of the sky, which contrasts with the fleeting nature of human life.

Conclusion:

Mark Doty’s “Independence Day” captures the joyous mood and the sense of belonging that comes with celebrating a national holiday with family. However, the poem also touches on the darker themes of death and the passing of time, reminding the reader of the transience of life even in the midst of celebration.

Poem Snippet:

“No, love isn't

about survival. That's only part

of the story. Love is our push

into the great unknown”

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