Summary of “In Flanders Fields” John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields,” is a poignant and powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I. The poem is notable for its powerful imagery, call to arms, and enduring popularity. One of the most striking features of “In Flanders Fields” is vivid imagery. McCrae paints a […]
Category: Poem Analysis
“If We Must Die” by Claude Mckay
Analysis of “If We Must Die” by Claude Mckay “If We Must Die” is a powerful poem by Jamaican-American poet Claude McKay, written in 1919 during a time of racial unrest and violence in America. The poem speaks to the struggles and injustices faced by black people at the time and is often interpreted as […]
Analysis of “A Quoi Bon Dire” by Charlotte Mew
Summary of “A Quoi Bon Dire” “A Quoi Bon Dire” by Charlotte Mew is a reflective poem. It reflects on the passage of time and the memories of a past relationship. The speaker of the poem reflects on a past goodbye that was said 17 years ago and how everyone else believes the person she […]
Analysis of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “A Psalm of Life”
Analysis of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “A Psalm of Life” Summary of “A Psalm of Life” Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a famed English writer and poet, “A Psalm of Life” is a dramatic monologue. First published in 1838, the poem declares that one should enjoy life. It reinforces the idea that living in the present […]
Analysis of “Power” by Audre Lorde
Summary of “Power” by Audre Lorde Written by Audre Lorde, a phenomenal poet and writer, “Power” is a jaw-dropping poetic piece. It brilliantly reflects on the destructive nature of hatred and the search for power through violence. The poem opens with a comparison between poetry and rhetoric, suggesting that poetry is rooted in a willingness […]
Analysis of “A Life” by Sylvia Plath
Summary of “A Life” by Sylvia Plath Written by an iconic writer and poet, Sylvia Plath’s “A Life” is a symbolic poetic piece. The poem explores the idea of existence and how it is perceived. It begins with an image of an egg-shaped bailiwick, described as clear as a tear. This image is used to […]
Analysis of “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” by Maya Angelou
Summary of “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” by Maya Angelou is a symbolic poem. Maya Angelou, an iconic American writer, poet, and activist, catalogs the things that do not scare her. In fact, the poem is a declaration of strength and courage, with the speaker confidently stating that she is not afraid […]
“A Brave and Startling Truth” by Maya Angelou
Summary of the Poem “A Brave and Startling Truth” “A Brave and Startling Truth” by Maya Angelou is a symbolic poem. It speaks to the need for humanity to come together and create a world of peace and harmony. The poem begins with a call to action, urging the reader to rise up and take […]
“Each Life Converges to Some Centre” by Emily Dickenson
Summary of “Each Life Converges to Some Centre” “Each Life Converges to Some Centre” is a thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickenson, a phenomenal American writer, and poet. Emily expresses that every human has a goal or purpose in life, even if it is not fully acknowledged or understood. The goal is often considered too beautiful […]
“The Black Man’s Burden” by H. T. Johnson
Introduction In 1899, a British novelist and poet, Rudyard Kipling, wrote a poem called “The White Man’s Burden,” in which Kipling encouraged the United States to take on the responsibilities of empire, similar to how Britain and other European nations had done so. In this poem, he addresses Theodore Roosevelt, who would later become vice-president […]