Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Good Society" is a poem by William Dean Howells, an American novelist, literary critic, and playwright who was associated with the realism movement in literature. The poem was written in the late 19th century, a time of great social and political change in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War and the fight for civil rights.

Content:

The poem explores the theme of social status and the ways in which society assigns value to certain individuals based on their wealth, education, and social connections. The speaker of the poem notes the superficiality of these social hierarchies and argues that true value can only be found in the relationships between individuals, particularly those based on love and compassion.

Form:

"Good Society" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme and structure of the poem.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. The use of metaphor helps to create a sense of the superficiality of social hierarchies, while the repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in building meaningful relationships.

Summary:

"Good Society" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of social status and the true value of human relationships. The poem's use of metaphor and repetition creates a sense of the superficiality of social hierarchies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the value of every individual. Howells' exploration of these themes reflects the social and political context of his time, as well as his commitment to social justice and equality.

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