An Analysis of Poetry and Social Commentary in Sonnets

Sonnets have long been a powerful literary form for conveying complex ideas, emotions, and social commentary. In this essay, we will explore two sonnets, each with its unique thematic content and artistic style, and delve into the rich tapestry of poetic expression they offer. These sonnets, although distinct, share a common thread of addressing societal issues, invoking strong emotions, and employing various poetic devices to deliver their messages effectively.

Sonnet #1: Nature's Innocence Versus Human Corruption

The first sonnet under examination encapsulates the zeitgeist of the 1950s and 1960s, shedding light on the collective consciousness of the era.

The poet, likely responding to the prevailing societal attitudes, underscores the disparity between the purity of nature and the moral decay of humanity. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen words, the sonnet draws a stark contrast between the untainted innocence of the natural world and the moral depravity of human beings.

The poem's somber tone is evoked through the use of words like "bloody," "monsters," and "killed," which cast a gloomy and dark shadow over the narrative.

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This tone mirrors the disillusionment and anxiety prevalent in the mid-20th century, as society grappled with the aftermath of World War II and the unfolding civil rights movement.

The sonnet's structure deviates from the traditional Shakespearean sonnet, opting instead for a rhyme scheme of a-a-b-b-c-c-b-d-e-f-d-e-f. While the poem may not contain explicit allusions, it is replete with hidden meanings and symbolic nuances. For example, the reference to the "Indian pipe" as the "Corpse Plant" carries profound symbolism.

This fungus-like organism, with its opaque appearance and moon-like luminescence, epitomizes death and decay. When touched or picked, the Indian pipe withers and blackens, hence the line, "Picked, one blackens." This image serves as a powerful metaphor for the corrupting influence of human actions on the natural world.

Furthermore, the repeated mention of "bloodroot," known scientifically as Sanguinaria, is deliberately chosen for its unsettling nickname, "bloodroot poppy." This moniker derives from the plant's blood-red sap, "Picked, one bla it oozes," which the poet weaves into a wreath of symbolism. Significantly, the bloodroot poppy is native to regions near the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, locales marred by the brutal lynching of Emmett Till, a poignant historical reference that underscores the poet's message.

As the sonnet progresses, it boldly asserts that "Forgetting would call for consciencelessness," serving as a direct plea to the reader's conscience. The poet implores us not to forget the tragic fate of Emmett Till, emphasizing that to do so would render us no different from the heartless monsters who perpetrated the crime. By posing the rhetorical question, "Who could forget (Emmett Till)," the poet ensures that we remember this heinous act and the societal ills that enabled it.

In the final lines of the sonnet, the theme of consciencelessness comes full circle, drawing parallels between the moon and the Indian root, both unforgiving in their nature. This idea serves as a bridge to the subsequent sonnet, where the exploration of human ethics continues.

Sonnet #2: A Harrowing Glimpse into the Maiming of Emmett Till

The second sonnet in our analysis delves deeper into the harrowing story of Emmett Till, offering a visceral and anguished portrayal of the events surrounding his brutal maiming. The poem's mood is one of fear and disgust, as it provides a haunting account of the violence inflicted upon an innocent young man.

The speaker's identity remains ambiguous, but the direct address to the reader adds a sense of immediacy and personal responsibility. The tone of the sonnet is marked by anguish, reflecting the collective pain and outrage that reverberated through society in response to Till's tragic fate.

The poem adheres to a traditional sonnet structure, consisting of fourteen lines, each containing ten syllables. This formal structure may have been chosen as a mark of respect for Emmett Till and the solemnity of the subject matter. Within this structure, the poem employs a series of similes, presented non-chronologically, to convey its ideas.

The sonnet transitions from a description of Emmett's specific case to a broader commentary on humanity's capacity for cruelty. The recurrent image of a "gouged eye" watching "boots kick a face" paints a grotesque tableau that sears into the reader's memory, serving as a powerful indictment of the inhumanity displayed.

One notable feature of this sonnet is the use of sentence fragments, all beginning with the word "like." These fragments, devoid of a subject, create a disjointed yet impactful narrative, akin to a series of visceral snapshots. This fragmented structure mirrors the fragmented state of society, torn apart by racial injustice and violence.

The sonnet also makes clever use of enjambment, with punctuation often coinciding with the end of a line, emphasizing specific words and phrases. The diction employed is passionate and heavy with negative connotations, amplifying the emotional weight of the poem's message.

Two notable allusions enhance the poem's depth. The first alludes to John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," invoking a sense of collective suffering and societal upheaval. The second allusion harks back to Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural speech, with the famous line, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This reference underscores the fear and terror prevalent in the era, as well as the poet's critique of the society that allowed such horrors to persist.

Central to the poem's impact is its reliance on similes, each beginning with "like." This repetition underscores the poet's message, drawing parallels between various images of violence and cruelty. The rhyme scheme, a b b c c d d a e f g e f g, adds to the poem's rhythmic flow, while the iambic pentameter, coupled with the repetition of "like," imbues the poem with a natural, free-flowing rhythm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these two sonnets offer a poignant exploration of the human condition, society's moral compass, and the enduring power of poetic expression. The first sonnet delves into the 1950s and 1960s, using vivid imagery and symbolism to contrast the innocence of nature with the corruption of humanity. It serves as a stark reminder of our responsibility to remember and confront societal injustices.

The second sonnet plunges us into the heart-wrenching narrative of Emmett Till's maiming, immersing the reader in the visceral horror of the events. Through fragmented sentences and powerful similes, it paints a haunting picture of societal cruelty and its consequences. These sonnets serve as timeless reminders of the human capacity for both beauty and brutality.

Both poems underscore the enduring relevance of poetry as a medium for addressing societal issues. While they may be separated by decades, the themes they explore—social injustice, moral decay, and the responsibility of collective memory—resonate across time and continue to challenge us today.