Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Death of Paris" is a poem by William Morris, an English poet, artist, and socialist activist. The poem was first published in Morris's collection of poems titled "The Earthly Paradise" in 1868.

Explanation:

"Death of Paris" is a narrative poem that tells the story of the death of the legendary Trojan prince, Paris. The poem is set during the Trojan War, and it describes the final battle between the Trojans and the Greeks.

Paris is portrayed as a tragic figure, a man who is doomed to die for his sins. He is shown as a man who is torn between love and duty, and who ultimately pays the price for his choices.

Morris's language is rich and poetic, with vivid imagery used to convey the violence and beauty of the battle. The poem is a meditation on the nature of heroism and the price of war, and it is also a tribute to the enduring power of myth and legend.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of one long stanza with forty lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB.
• Imagery: Morris uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey the violence and beauty of the battle. Examples include "the clanging swords," "the purple pallor of the slain," and "the fierce light of battle."
• Alliteration: The poem features alliteration, with repeated consonant sounds creating a musical effect. Examples include "fierce fighting," "fading fame," and "red ruin."
• Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of the Trojan War to symbolize the destructive power of war and the tragic nature of heroism.

Summary:

"Death of Paris" is a narrative poem that tells the story of the death of the legendary Trojan prince, Paris. Morris's language is rich and poetic, with vivid imagery used to convey the violence and beauty of the battle. The poem is a meditation on the nature of heroism and the price of war, and it is also a tribute to the enduring power of myth and legend. The poem is a reminder that even heroes are mortal, and that the cost of war is often too high to bear.