Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Idea of Ancestry" is a poem written by Etheridge Knight, an African American poet and author. The poem was first published in his 1968 collection "Poems from Prison" which he wrote while incarcerated in Indiana State Prison.

Explanation:

"Idea of Ancestry" is a poem about the importance of knowing and understanding one's roots and heritage. It emphasizes the connection between past and present, and the ways in which our ancestors continue to shape our lives. Throughout the poem, Etheridge Knight refers to his ancestry and cultural heritage as a black American. He describes his ancestors as slaves who were forcibly brought to America, and he reflects on their experiences of oppression and struggle. The poem is a meditation on the legacy of this history and the ways in which it has shaped his identity and sense of self. Knight's personal experiences as a black man in America are intertwined with the experiences of his ancestors, and he acknowledges the profound impact that this history has had on his life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Heritage, ancestry, identity
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to evoke the past and the present, including the image of a "tall oak tree," "grandmother's hands," and "ancestors in the cotton fields."
• Tone: Reflective, contemplative, and somber
• Sound: The poem has a musical quality with its use of repetition, alliteration, and internal rhyme.
• Language: The language is simple and accessible, with a focus on concrete images and sensory details.
• Figurative Language: The poem uses metaphors and similes to create comparisons, such as comparing the "tall oak tree" to the poet's ancestors and the "blue-black cold" to the oppression and struggles faced by black Americans.
• Structure: The poem consists of six stanzas of varying lengths, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme.
• Symbolism: The "tall oak tree" and "grandmother's hands" are symbolic of the poet's ancestry and the ways in which they continue to shape his identity and perspective.
• Emotion: The poem conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia for the past, as well as a deep respect for the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations.

Conclusion:

"Idea of Ancestry" is a powerful and reflective poem that highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating one's heritage. The poem reminds us that our ancestors continue to shape our lives in profound ways, and that we must honor their memory and carry on their legacy.

Poem Snippet:

"we are all dying

to know

from whence we came,

we grope like leaves in the dark

looking for our destiny"