Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's poem "Found in the Free Library" serves as a potent critique of power and fear, deftly exploring how fear can distort perception and enable manipulation. The poem opens by describing a figure who has been made larger than life due to the collective fear of the people: "And we were made afraid, and being afraid / we made him bigger than he was." This opening sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that fear has the capacity to magnify threats and obscure reality.

Wilner's portrayal of this figure is both contemptuous and pitiful. Described as "a little man / and ignorant, wrapped like a vase of glass / in bubble wrap all his life," he is depicted as someone who has been insulated from the hardships of the world. This imagery conveys his fragility and detachment from reality, emphasizing his unearned privilege and ignorance. The comparison to the "spoiled children of the sultans of old / in sedan chairs, on the backs of slaves" further underscores his disconnection from the struggles of ordinary people, as he is carried "over the rough surface of other lives."

The poem then shifts its focus to the consequences of this collective fear and the actions of those who exploit it. Wilner describes how fear allows those in power to manipulate and control, highlighting the broader socio-political implications: "And being afraid we forgot to notice / who pulled his golden strings." This line suggests that while the people were distracted by fear, those in power took advantage of the situation to enrich themselves and tighten their control.

Wilner details the various ways in which these manipulations manifest, including economic exploitation ("their banks overflowed while / the public coffers emptied"), environmental degradation ("poured their smoke / into our lungs"), and the militarization of society ("beat our ploughshares / into swords"). The poem's indictment of these actions is stark and unflinching, painting a picture of systemic corruption and abuse.

The poem also addresses the human cost of these manipulations, particularly the impact on the vulnerable and marginalized. Wilner speaks of how the powerful "crush the children / of Iraq, took the future from our failing grasp," and how they responded to the cries of hungry children with pharmaceuticals to "drug them so they wouldn't fuss." This brutal imagery underscores the dehumanizing effects of power and the profound sense of betrayal felt by those who are most affected.

The poem's climax comes with the repetition of the word "war," emphasizing the relentless nature of the exploitation and control: "To us, they just said war, and war, and war." This repetition reflects the constant drumbeat of conflict and fear-mongering used to distract and subdue the populace.

The final lines of the poem suggest a moment of abrupt censorship or suppression: "and then, to quell dissent, they sent.… (but here the document is torn)." This torn document symbolizes the incomplete and fragmented understanding of the full extent of the manipulation and the deliberate efforts to silence dissent. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for truth and transparency in the face of oppression.

"Found in the Free Library" is a compelling and thought-provoking poem that critiques the dynamics of power, fear, and manipulation. Wilner's use of vivid imagery and stark language effectively conveys the devastating impact of these forces on society, calling attention to the ways in which fear can be used to control and exploit. The poem's fragmented conclusion leaves readers with a sense of unfinished business, a call to remain vigilant and question the narratives presented by those in power.

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