Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"At a Parade" is a poem by Frank Templeton Prince, first published in 1947. The poem explores the themes of conformity and individuality, as well as the tension between the desire to fit in and the desire to stand out.

Explanation:

The poem takes place at a parade, where the speaker observes the participants and reflects on their actions. The poem emphasizes the uniformity and conformity of the participants, who are all dressed alike and marching in unison.

At the same time, however, the speaker also notices moments of individuality and rebellion, such as when one of the participants breaks ranks and steps out of line. The speaker reflects on the tension between the desire to conform and the desire to stand out, and suggests that both impulses are present in all of us.

The poem ends on a note of ambiguity, with the speaker suggesting that the participants may be marching towards either "triumph or defeat." This ambiguity reflects the larger uncertainty of human existence, and the difficulty of knowing whether our actions will lead to success or failure.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "At a Parade" is a free-verse poem with no set rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid and detailed imagery to describe the participants and their actions, emphasizing the uniformity and conformity of the group.
• Irony: The poem is full of irony, particularly in its descriptions of the individual moments of rebellion and the larger tensions between conformity and individuality.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is both reflective and uncertain, emphasizing the complexity and ambiguity of human behavior and motivation.

Summary:

"At a Parade" is a thought-provoking and insightful poem that explores the tension between conformity and individuality. Prince's poem suggests that both impulses are present in all of us, and that the desire to fit in and the desire to stand out are constantly in conflict. It is a reminder of the complexity of human behavior and the need to navigate the tensions between competing desires and impulses.

Poem Snippet:

"Even in that close, proud rank,

One had broken loose and had stepped

Aside for a moment. He stopped,

Pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket."

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