Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Choice" by Dora Sigerson Shorter is a poignant poem that reflects on the complex life of Sir Roger Casement, an Irish-born British diplomat, humanitarian activist, and Irish nationalist. Through a careful examination of the poem's rhyme scheme, structure, and themes, one can appreciate the complexity of Casement's character and the broader historical and cultural context of his actions.

The rhyme scheme of this poem is somewhat irregular, following the pattern AABBCCD for the first three stanzas and ABCCBDD in the last stanza. This inconsistency in the rhyme scheme may reflect the conflicting aspects of Casement's life and the choices he made.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each addressing a different aspect of Casement's life. The titles "Consul Casement," "doomèd Casement," "Sir Roger Casement," and "Irish Casement" signify the different roles he played, including his humanitarian work, his tragic fate, his knighthood, and his Irish nationalism.

Themes:

Humanitarianism: Casement's work in raising awareness of human rights abuses in the Congo and Peru is lauded in the first two stanzas. He is depicted as a savior, drying "your children's tears," and giving life to those who suffered. Honor and Renown: The third stanza reflects on his knighthood and recognition by the British Crown. It contrasts the glittering promise of his future with what follows. Nationalism and Sacrifice: The final stanza delves into Casement's Irish nationalism, highlighting his decision to abandon his honors and take up the cause of Irish independence. This decision ultimately leads to his execution, symbolized by "a hempen rope," and his connection to the Irish landscape is emphasized by the "banshee cries upon far Irish hills."

Style:

The language of the poem is emotive and filled with imagery, from the "red shaken earth" of war to the haunting "banshee cries." The diction reflects both admiration and sorrow, capturing the complexity of Casement's choices.

Conclusion:

"The Choice" is a rich and multi-layered poem that paints a vivid picture of Sir Roger Casement's life, his humanitarian efforts, his honors, and his ultimate choice to support Irish independence. The varied rhyme scheme and the structure of the stanzas, each focusing on a different facet of his life, create a nuanced portrayal that encourages the reader to reflect on the nature of choice, sacrifice, and national identity. The integration of historical context and literary technique makes it a compelling piece that resonates with broader themes of humanity, struggle, and integrity.