Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Masks" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a striking quatrain that explores the deceptive nature of outward appearances and the dichotomy between appearance and reality. This theme is rendered through the metaphor of theatrical masks, representing Tragedy and Comedy.

"Masks" offers a concise yet profound commentary on human emotions and how they often contradict our expectations or outward displays. By using the metaphor of the masks of Tragedy and Comedy, Aldrich alludes to the ancient theatrical tradition and extends it to a universal human experience.

Themes

Deceptive Appearances: The poem explores how appearances can be deceptive, not only in the theatre but also in real life. The metaphor of masks symbolizes how we often disguise our true feelings, only to reveal something entirely different when the mask is removed.

Contradictions and Paradoxes: The paradoxes within the poem, such as Tragedy revealing "laughing lips" and Comedy revealing tears, showcase the contradictory nature of human emotions. The unexpected inversion in each line drives home the point that reality is often far more complex and nuanced than it appears.

Human Emotions: The underlying theme of the poem is the complexity and inconsistency of human emotions. What appears tragic may be hiding joy, and what seems comedic may be masking sorrow. These contradictions reflect the multifaceted nature of human feelings and how they defy categorization.

Structure and Style

The structure of the poem, a quatrain, is quite simple and concise, reflecting the nature of the universal truth it conveys. Its brevity adds to the impact of the revelation, with each line delivering a surprising twist.

The alternate endings provided offer slightly different nuances. While "It's ten to one you find the girl in tears" emphasizes the likelihood and commonality of the experience, "How wan her cheeks are, and what heavy tears!" adds a physical description that makes the image more vivid and poignant.

Conclusion

"Masks" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a beautifully crafted and succinct poem that delves into the intricate nature of human emotions. Through the metaphor of theatrical masks and a concise quatrain form, it encapsulates a universal truth about the unpredictable and often deceptive nature of our feelings. The contradiction between the masks of Tragedy and Comedy serves as an allegory for the human condition, where appearances seldom reveal the true emotions lying beneath. It is a reminder that what we see on the surface rarely tells the whole story, whether on the stage of the theater or the stage of life.