Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE INTELLECTUAL, by KARL SHAPIRO Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"The Intellectual" is a poem by Karl Shapiro, first published in his collection "V-Letter and Other Poems" in 1944. The poem is a commentary on the challenges faced by intellectual thinkers in a world dominated by war and violence.

Explanation:

The poem begins with an invocation to the "spirit of man" and a lament that its wisdom has been lost in a world of war and suffering. The speaker then goes on to describe an "intellectual" figure, who is sensitive to the suffering of others and keenly aware of the injustices of the world. The intellectual is depicted as struggling to reconcile his thoughts with his emotions, and as feeling powerless in the face of the world's problems.

The poem ends with a call to action, with the speaker urging the intellectual to engage with the world and to use his or her intelligence and sensitivity to effect change. The final lines suggest that the intellectual's work is a necessary component of a larger struggle to bring about a better world.

Poetic Elements:

Form: "The Intellectual" is a free-verse poem, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
Imagery: Shapiro's use of imagery is vivid and evocative, with references to war, violence, and suffering creating a sense of urgency and desperation.
Tone: The tone of the poem is one of lament and frustration, as the speaker struggles to come to terms with the violence and chaos of the world. The poem ends on a note of hope, however, as the speaker calls on the intellectual to engage with the world and work towards a better future.

Conclusion:

"The Intellectual" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the challenges faced by intellectuals in a world of war and violence. Shapiro's use of vivid imagery and a free-verse form creates a sense of urgency and desperation, while the poem's themes of intellectualism, powerlessness, and the need for action lend it a deeper resonance. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action, urging intellectuals to use their knowledge and sensitivity to effect change in the world.

Poem Snippet:

"O spirit of man, where art thou flown,

Lost in the clouds of the wars we've known!

Once thou didst sing, now thou art dumb,

Drained of thy thoughts by the years to come."