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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained
THE HOUR BETWEEN DOG AND WOLF: 2. HERMAN THE BASTARD, by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR Poet Analysis Poet's Biography | |||
"The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: 2. Herman the Bastard" by Laure-Anne Bosselaar is a captivating poem that delves into the life and legacy of a character known as Herman the Bastard, exploring themes of isolation, defiance, and the richness of imagination. Set against the backdrop of Bruges in the winter of '62, the poem contrasts the grim reality of Herman's death with the vibrant world of stories and history he shares with the speaker, a child seeking refuge from her own family's narrow-mindedness. Herman's death, described in the opening lines as "alone... felled and frozen next to his empty rabbit pen," paints a picture of neglect and solitude, suggesting that despite his physical absence, his impact on the speaker remains profound. The speaker's curiosity about Herman's origins and the taboo surrounding his name in her family highlights the societal judgments and ostracization faced by those who dare to live by their own rules. Herman's atheism, his reading of banned books, his drinking of beer, and his willingness to speak to Jews mark him as a rebel in the eyes of the speaker's father, a "sinner." However, for the speaker, Herman represents a figure of fascination and freedom. His shack by the Wool Canal becomes a sanctuary where the speaker can escape the stifling environment of her family home. Herman, "obese with life and stories," embodies a world of possibilities and narratives that contrast starkly with the judgment and conformity of the speaker's family life. The poem brilliantly uses the metaphor of a Holy Procession to describe how Herman's stories come to life, parading into the shack like characters from history and art. This procession includes "the silk-clad Dukes of Burgundy, the pompous bishops of Spain, Rubens's peach-hipped women, and Emperor Charlemagne," each evoking rich tapestries of European history and culture. Bosselaar's references to Bruegel, with his depictions of country fairs and beer, further immerse the reader in the vivid and bustling world that Herman conjures with his tales. The narrative takes a dark turn with the mention of St. Bartholomew's night, a historical reference to the massacre of Huguenots, which serves as a grim reminder of humanity's capacity for violence and intolerance. The description of Huguenot bodies "thump[ing] against barges filled with linen and lace" in the steaming canals of Bruges adds a layer of tragedy and horror to the otherwise enchanting stories. Herman's closing remark, "Ach ja, child, humanity!" encapsulates the duality of the human condition—the beauty and richness of culture and history, alongside the darkness and brutality of our actions. It serves as a poignant reflection on the complexity of life, as seen through the eyes of a child who finds solace and wisdom in the company of an outcast. "The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: 2. Herman the Bastard" is a testament to Laure-Anne Bosselaar's ability to weave complex themes into a narrative that is at once historical, personal, and deeply reflective. Through the character of Herman, Bosselaar explores the power of storytelling to transport us, to challenge us, and to remind us of the intricate tapestry of human existence. POEM TEXT: https://littlereview.blogspot.com/2005/02/poem-for-wednesday_15.html
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN AMERICAN SCENE by NORMAN DUBIE FOR ME AT SUNDAY SERMONS, THE SERPENT by LYNN EMANUEL POSSUM SONG (A WARNING) by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SUPPRESSING THE EVIDENCE by CAROLYN KIZER TWO LINES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM; FOR LARRY AND JUDY RAAB by GREGORY ORR |
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