Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

CHIEF JOSEPH OF THE NEZ PERCE, by ROBERT PENN WARREN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce" is a historical narrative poem written by Robert Penn Warren that tells the story of Chief Joseph, a Native American leader who fought for the rights of his people in the late 19th century. The poem is a tribute to Joseph's courage and his struggle against oppression and injustice.

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing the landscape of the American West, where Chief Joseph and his people lived. It then tells the story of how the Nez Perce were forced to leave their ancestral land and move to a reservation, where they faced hunger and poverty. Chief Joseph refused to accept this fate and instead led his people on a journey to escape to Canada. The poem describes their long and difficult journey, as they faced harsh weather and battled against the US Army.

Despite their determination and bravery, the Nez Perce were eventually captured and forced to surrender. The poem ends with Chief Joseph's famous speech, in which he expresses his sadness and disappointment at the treatment of his people.

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and urgency, reflecting the desperate situation faced by Chief Joseph and his people.
Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid, sensory imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the natural landscape of the American West. The harsh, unforgiving terrain is used as a metaphor for the struggles faced by the Nez Perce.
Tone: The tone of the poem is one of admiration and respect for Chief Joseph and his people, who are portrayed as heroic figures fighting against injustice.
Sound: The poem makes use of repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, particularly in its descriptions of the Nez Perce's journey and their battles with the US Army.
Language: The language of the poem is simple and direct, reflecting Chief Joseph's own words and emphasizing the authenticity of the story being told.
Figurative language: The poem makes use of metaphor and symbolism to convey its themes, particularly in its use of the natural landscape as a metaphor for the struggles faced by the Nez Perce.
Structure: The poem is divided into three sections, each of which tells a different part of the story. This gives the poem a sense of structure and coherence.

Conclusion:

"Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce" is a powerful tribute to the bravery and determination of Chief Joseph and his people. Through vivid imagery and strong poetic language, Warren captures the struggles and injustices faced by the Nez Perce, while also celebrating their courage and resilience. The poem serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in America and the need to honor and respect their rights and dignity.

Poem Snippet:

"The buzzards whirled in the sky,

Two buzzards wobbled away.

The hills stuttered more terribly

As Chief Joseph spoke."