Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Progress" by Gwendolyn Brooks offers a critical and introspective look at the notion of progress, especially in the context of patriotism, war, and the collective consciousness of a nation. Through a series of vivid images and a tone that shifts from a seemingly traditional adherence to patriotic rituals to a deep, unsettling realization of their cost, Brooks explores the complexity of societal values and the individual's place within them.

The poem begins with an adherence to routine and ritual—"we wear our uniforms, follow / The cracked cry of the bugles"—which symbolizes the structured, often unquestioned, participation in patriotic displays and the maintenance of national pride. The use of "cracked cry" suggests something flawed or broken in these calls to patriotism, hinting at the underlying dissonance between the ideals these rituals are meant to uphold and the reality they mask.

As the poem progresses, the actions of saluting the flag, singing, and applauding the President's voice are depicted as hollow, performed out of habit rather than genuine conviction. This rote performance is contrasted with the internal shift occurring within the collective "we" of the poem. Brooks captures a growing internal discord—"But inward grows a soberness, an awe, / A fear, a deepening hollow through the cold"—indicating a dawning awareness of the true cost of war and the superficiality of the patriotism expressed through these rituals.

The acknowledgment of "death of men who too saluted, sang" serves as a poignant reminder of the human lives sacrificed in the name of national pride and progress. This line underscores the irony and tragedy of losing lives in the pursuit of ideals that are celebrated but not critically examined. The poem questions the very nature of progress, suggesting that the rituals meant to unite and uplift may instead perpetuate a cycle of violence and loss.

The closing lines of the poem—"How shall we smile, congratulate: and how / Settle in chairs? Listen, listen. The step / Of iron feet again. And again wild"—evoke a sense of inevitability and dread. The imagery of "iron feet" marching "again and again" suggests the relentless, cyclical nature of conflict and the impossibility of returning to a state of innocence or naivety. The rhetorical questions about how to celebrate or even resume normalcy after recognizing the true implications of these sacrifices highlight the disjunction between the public face of patriotism and the private realization of its costs.

"The Progress" by Gwendolyn Brooks is a powerful meditation on the contradictions inherent in societal notions of progress and patriotism. Through its nuanced examination of ritual and reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the deeper implications of their participation in nationalistic displays and the true meaning of progress in the shadow of war and loss.

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