Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Around Pastor Bonhoeffer: The Plot Against Hitler" is a poem by American poet Stanley Kunitz. It was first published in his 1978 collection "The Poems of Stanley Kunitz, 1928-1978". Kunitz was a highly respected American poet who served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress twice, and won several awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Explanation:

"Around Pastor Bonhoeffer: The Plot Against Hitler" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of courage, resistance, and the struggle for justice in the face of tyranny. The poem is inspired by the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and resistance fighter who was executed by the Nazis during World War II.

As the speaker contemplates the plot against Hitler, they become increasingly aware of the courage and conviction of those who risked their lives to stand up against tyranny and injustice. The poem ends on a note of both sadness and hope, as the speaker acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice made by Bonhoeffer and others, but also finds solace in the idea that their legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Around Pastor Bonhoeffer: The Plot Against Hitler" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid, sensory images, such as the "shadowy cellars" where the conspirators plotted against Hitler.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and reverent, with moments of both sadness and hope.
• Metaphor: The plot against Hitler is a metaphor for the struggle for justice and resistance against tyranny.

Conclusion:

"Around Pastor Bonhoeffer: The Plot Against Hitler" is a deeply moving and inspiring poem that celebrates the courage and conviction of those who risked their lives to stand up against tyranny and injustice. Kunitz's use of vivid imagery and rich language creates a sense of both beauty and sadness, while his exploration of the legacy of Bonhoeffer and others adds depth and nuance to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"We shall remember the plots

and the shadowy cellars,

the whispers and betrayals,

the unmarked graves.

But we shall also remember

the courage and conviction

of those who risked their lives

to resist tyranny and injustice,

and whose legacy continues to guide

and inspire us to this day."