Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"After Tennyson" by Ambrose Bierce is a biting and satirical commentary on political corruption, lawlessness, and moral degradation in society. Structured in the form of a poetic dialogue, the poem uses vivid imagery and sharp language to critique societal ills. It pays homage to Alfred Lord Tennyson, but the content is imbued with Bierce's own brand of dark humor and cynicism.

The poem opens with a question presumably posed to the speaker, asking why they continue to live in a place characterized by corruption and decay. What follows is a scathing indictment of the state of the society in which the speaker lives.

Themes

Political Corruption: Bierce portrays a society where politicians and officials are corrupt, where justice is drowned by gold, and where freedom is handed down like chains. The biting critique of politicians, judges, and monopolies reveals a deep disillusionment with the political system.

Moral Decay: The poem goes beyond political corruption to depict a society steeped in moral degradation, where honor is dead, laws are flouted openly, and criminals execute the laws they once broke. This paints a bleak picture of a society that has lost its moral compass.

Satirical Hope: The poem concludes with a satirical hope that if justice and patriotism were to return, the speaker would leave for the North. The irony is that the speaker implies that they would then run for office, suggesting that they too might be drawn into the corrupt system.

Structure and Style

The poem's structure is straightforward, with regular meter and rhyme, reflecting the poetic style of Tennyson but imbued with Bierce's biting satire. The question-and-answer format provides a platform for the speaker to deliver their condemnation of society.

Imagery and Symbolism

Imagery of Death and Decay: Honor is described as "dead," law is "hissed," and corruption is rampant. This imagery conveys a sense of societal decay.

Chains of Freedom: The metaphor of freedom's chains being handed down from one leader to another symbolizes the perversion of the very principles upon which the society is founded.

Northern Escape: The reference to Alaska's sky symbolizes a longing for escape from a corrupted society, but the irony lies in the speaker's final declaration to run for office, suggesting an inherent contradiction in their moral stance.

Conclusion

"After Tennyson" by Ambrose Bierce is a powerful satirical poem that provides a critical examination of societal corruption, political malfeasance, and moral decline. Through its biting language and vivid imagery, the poem conveys a profound sense of disillusionment and cynicism.

The poem stands as a testament to Bierce's capacity to critique the failings of his society with wit and literary finesse. By employing a Tennysonian structure, he aligns himself with the poetic tradition while infusing it with his own dark humor and social commentary.

The reader is left with a sense of the tragic-comic nature of societal decay, where even the possibility of redemption is met with irony and skepticism. It is a poignant reflection on the challenges of living with integrity in a world where honor and justice seem to have lost their way.

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