Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Schooner Flight" is a poetic masterpiece by Derek Walcott, a Saint Lucian poet and playwright, which was published in 1979. The poem is an epic retelling of the history and culture of the Caribbean islands, through the eyes of the narrator Shabine, a sailor on the titular schooner.

Explanation:

The poem "Schooner Flight" tells the story of Shabine, a sailor who travels across the Caribbean islands on the schooner Flight. Through his journey, Shabine encounters a variety of people and cultures, and reflects on the complex history and identity of the Caribbean region. 

The poem is characterized by a number of poetic elements that contribute to its epic and lyrical tone, including:

• Imagery: The poem uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a sense of the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean landscape, such as the "blue-lipped waves" and the "thatch of a fishing-smack".
• Symbolism: The poem employs symbolism to explore the complex cultural identity of the Caribbean, such as the symbol of the schooner Flight as a vessel of freedom and possibility.
• Allusion: The poem alludes to a variety of historical and literary references, from the biblical story of Jonah to the poetry of T.S. Eliot.
• Tone: The poem's tone is epic and lyrical, inviting readers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the Caribbean region and its history.

Comprehensive Conclusion:

"Schooner Flight" is a powerful and evocative poem that tells the story of the Caribbean islands through the eyes of the narrator Shabine. Through its use of imagery, symbolism, allusion, and epic tone, the poem offers a rich and complex portrait of the region's history and culture. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of understanding the complex identity and history of the Caribbean region.

Poem Snippet:

Here are four lines from "Schooner Flight" by Derek Walcott:

Where we, sea-smitten, bade farewell

to the starlit quays of our birth,

and saw the Seven Sisters fall,

saw dawn light scarfs of cloud with gold.