Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Ballad of the Children of the Czar" is a poem by Delmore Schwartz, first published in 1937. The poem is based on the true story of the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family in 1918.

Explanation:

 The poem tells the story of the assassination of the Tsar and his family from the perspective of the children. The poem begins with the children sleeping and dreaming of their mother, who has been taken away from them. They awake to the sound of gunfire and realize that they are under attack. They are taken to the cellar of the house where they are staying and the poem describes the fear and confusion they experience. As the poem progresses, the children begin to realize the severity of the situation and the fate that awaits them. The final stanza describes the execution of the family and the chilling aftermath.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in ballad form, with a regular rhyme scheme and rhythm.
• Imagery: The poem makes use of vivid and powerful imagery, such as the description of the children as "creatures of innocence" and the depiction of the "vicious bullets" that "screamed like dragons".
• Symbolism: The poem makes use of various symbols, such as the "tawny lion" which represents the revolutionaries and the "clouds of black" which represent death.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is one of sadness and mourning, as well as a sense of outrage at the senseless violence that was committed.

Conclusion: 

"The Ballad of the Children of the Czar" is a powerful and haunting poem that tells the tragic story of the assassination of the Russian royal family. The use of ballad form, vivid imagery, and symbolism help to create a sense of tragedy and loss that is still felt today. The poem serves as a reminder of the brutality of revolution and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.

Poem Snippet:

"Into the night of the terrible day

The innocent children were led away--

Led away, murdered and done--

In the cellars of Ekaterinburg town."