Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Birth of Saint Patrick" by Samuel Lover is a lighthearted and humorous narrative poem that tells the story of the confusion and debate surrounding the actual birth date of Saint Patrick, who is a widely celebrated figure in Ireland.

Samuel Lover, born in Dublin in 1797, was an Irish songwriter, novelist, and a painter of portraits. He was known for his humor, wit, and his ability to capture the charm and character of his native Ireland in his works. "The Birth of Saint Patrick" reflects his affectionate and playful portrayal of Irish culture and life.

Theme Analysis: The main theme of this poem is the humorous interpretation of a dispute over the actual birthday of Saint Patrick. It revolves around the conflict between two factions, each adamant about their claim. The theme also touches upon Irish society's propensity for fighting and their love for celebration.

Poetic Devices:

Rhyme: The poem employs an AABB rhyme scheme which adds rhythm and musicality.

Repetition: Lover uses repetition to enhance the humor in the poem. For example, the repeated reference to the disagreement over the birth date and the consequences that followed.

Humor: The primary poetic device used in this poem is humor. The playful description of the dispute and its resolution provides a lighthearted interpretation of a historical event.

Irony: The irony is present in the suggestion that Saint Patrick, a single person, could have two birthdays.

Dialect: Lover uses Irish dialect in his narrative, which lends authenticity to the story and enhances its cultural context.

Metaphor: The metaphor in the line "Then they all got blind drunk -- which completed their bliss," humorously implies that the ultimate joy for the people involved was the celebration itself, rather than the resolution of the dispute.

Dialogue: Dialogue is used to give life to the characters and add dynamism to the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Birth of Saint Patrick" is a humorous narrative poem that provides a lighthearted and witty perspective on the dispute about the birthday of Saint Patrick. It employs several poetic devices and a conversational style that makes it both engaging and entertaining.