Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Charles White" is a poem written by Yolande Cornelia Giovanni. It was first published in 1970 in the collection of poems "Black Judgement."

Explanation:

The poem "Charles White" is a tribute to the American artist Charles White, who was known for his powerful and emotional depictions of black life in his art. Giovanni celebrates White's life and work, painting a vivid picture of the artist through her words.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse with no set rhyme or meter.
• Theme: The main themes of the poem are celebration, admiration, and tribute to Charles White's life and work as an artist.
• Imagery: Giovanni uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to describe White's art and its impact on the world.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reverential and celebratory.
• Sound: The poem makes use of repetition, alliteration, and assonance to create a musical quality in the language.
• Language: The language of the poem is simple and direct, with occasional poetic flourishes.
• Figurative language: Giovanni uses metaphor and simile to describe White's art, comparing it to the sun, the sea, and the night sky.
• Structure: The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of White's art and legacy.
• Symbolism: White's art is used as a symbol of the beauty and resilience of the black community.
• Emotion: The poem is filled with admiration and affection for Charles White and his work as an artist.

Conclusion:

"Charles White" is a moving tribute to the life and work of an important figure in the history of American art. Through her powerful and evocative language, Giovanni celebrates White's legacy and the impact he had on the world.

Poem Snippet:

"He saw black bodies as beautiful things

and recreated their beauty so that

we could see ourselves as he saw us

glorious"

NOTE: Charles White was an African American artist who was active during the mid-twentieth century. He was born in 1918 in Chicago and grew up in poverty. He began drawing as a child and eventually attended the Art Institute of Chicago, where he honed his skills as a painter and printmaker. White's work often dealt with themes of social justice, including the experiences of Black people in America, and he was associated with the Black Arts Movement. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world and is considered an important contribution to American art history.