Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Working Man's Song" by John Stuart Blackie is a poem that emphatically reinforces the dignity and pride inherent in being a laborer. The speaker, a working-class man, repeatedly rejects the labels and attributes associated with the gentility, affirming instead his freedom, honesty, and humble lineage. The poem is a bold commentary on social class distinctions, the value of work, and the pride of independence.

Theme Analysis:

Pride in Labor: The speaker proclaims his pride in being a working man, with his rank owed to 'the wage of honesty.' This reflects the theme of the dignity of labor, as the speaker holds his head high, seeing his honest work as more valuable than titles or wealth.

Critique of the Aristocracy: The speaker rejects the attributes associated with the gentry - subservience, vanity, superficiality, bullying, and fawning for dignity. This critique suggests a questioning of class structures and the value society places on gentility over genuine merit.

Independence and Autonomy: The speaker emphasizes his freedom from subservience and his ability to think and act independently. He contrasts this with the image of the gentleman as bowing and scraping, highlighting his self-reliance and autonomy.

Reverence for Honesty: The speaker values honesty above all else, associating it with hard work and rejecting deceit and pretense. He implies that an honest working man is more valuable to society than a dishonest gentleman.

Poetic Devices:

Repetition: The repeated phrase, "I am no gentleman, not I!" emphasizes the speaker's rejection of gentility and his pride in his status as a working man.

Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme (AABCCB), which creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the verses.

Metaphor: The speaker uses metaphors, comparing gentlemen to 'butterflies,' 'moths,' and 'bullies,' to underscore their perceived superficiality and aggression.

Allusion: The reference to 'John Knox,' a Scottish minister and leader of the Protestant Reformation, implies the speaker's alignment with values of simplicity, integrity, and independence from established hierarchy.

Conclusion:

"The Working Man's Song" by John Stuart Blackie is a powerful assertion of the dignity of labor and a critique of class-based distinctions. Through repeated affirmations of his identity as a working man and the dismissal of the traits of gentility, the speaker champions the values of honesty, hard work, and independence. The poem is a testament to the pride and worth of the common laborer and a compelling critique of social hierarchy.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...