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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

SNAPSHOTS OF THE COTTON SOUTH, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

 

"Snapshots of the Cotton South" is a poem by Frank Marshall Davis that explores the history and legacy of slavery in the American South. The poem was first published in 1948 as part of his collection "47th Street: Poems."

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing the brutal realities of life on a Southern plantation, including the physical and emotional violence inflicted upon enslaved people. The speaker reflects on the ways in which slavery has shaped the history and culture of the South, and notes the continuing legacy of racism and inequality that persists to this day.

As the poem progresses, the speaker explores the themes of resilience and resistance, celebrating the many ways in which enslaved people fought back against their oppressors and built vibrant communities despite the odds. The poem encourages readers to remember and honor the legacy of those who came before us, and to continue fighting for justice and equality.

Poetic Elements:

  • Form: "Snapshots of the Cotton South" is a free verse poem without a set rhyme or meter. The poem consists of 12 stanzas, each with varying line lengths and no consistent pattern of rhyme or rhythm. This form allows the poem to flow freely and naturally, with the language and imagery serving as the primary focus.
  • Imagery: "The white folks used to say / When a nigger died / He went down the river / With the current and the tide"
  • Allusion: None
  • Metaphor: Slavery as a "burden"
  • Symbolism: Cotton as a symbol of Southern identity and economic power

Conclusion:

"Snapshots of the Cotton South" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the history and legacy of slavery in the American South. The poem encourages readers to remember and honor the legacy of those who came before us, and to continue fighting for justice and equality.

Poem Snippet:

 

"But out of the living death

Came the rebirth of hope

The surging will to be free

And the determination to cope."

 


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