Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Newspaperman," by Kenneth Fearing, is a reflection on memory, legacy, and the role of journalism in preserving the stories of individuals, whether infamous, powerful, or obscure. The poem explores how the press immortalizes people in the public consciousness, capturing their lives and motivations in print. Through evocative language and a compelling narrative structure, Fearing highlights the tension between individual uniqueness and the inevitable fading of memory.

The poem opens with a solemn charge: "This charge was laid upon me long ago: Do not forget; / Remember these lives, that the world in turn will not / forget—." The narrator is entrusted with the duty of preserving the memory of notable figures and ensuring their stories are passed down to future generations. The repetition of "forget" emphasizes the importance of memory and the role of the journalist in maintaining it.

The first figure introduced is "Big John Marino, the terror of his district, / Where none were as strong as he, none as handsome, / as cunning, as cruel." Big John is portrayed as a larger-than-life character, embodying strength, charisma, and ruthlessness. Before his execution, he implores the journalist to "Tell them the truth. Tell them everything, so they / will always know." This plea underscores the desire of individuals to have their stories accurately and completely remembered.

Fearing continues to emphasize the importance of memory: "Know always, therefore, the great, the ruthless and bold, the one and only Big John—." The repetition of "the great, the ruthless and bold" further reinforces Big John's imposing legacy. The narrator is also tasked with preserving the memory of "the fabulous bankrupt, and the vivid fortunes that somewhere, surely, the years still guard." This suggests a fascination with those who rise and fall dramatically, highlighting the public's enduring interest in such narratives.

The poem shifts to other notable figures: "Keep the memory of an heiress, flashlit favorite in a / season that cannot fade; / Never let fade, altogether, the programs identifying those others, miscellaneous members of the cast—." The "heiress, flashlit favorite" represents glamour and wealth, while the "miscellaneous members of the cast" acknowledges the less prominent but still significant individuals who contribute to the larger narrative of society.

Fearing emphasizes that "Each of them [is] unique, though now the names, faces, and / stories are obscured." Despite their initial fame, time eventually erodes their memories. However, each one still speaks "in words, or underneath the words, and some with their sealed eyes and cold lips / (But even so they were sure of themselves, still sure)." This passage evokes the eerie confidence that even in death, individuals believe their stories will endure.

The repeated plea of the deceased is clear: "Urging always: 'It is vital; / You must remember the fateful beginning, fully to / understand the end." This reflects the human desire for one's narrative to be understood in its entirety. The phrase "fully to understand the end" hints at the complexities and motivations that shaped these individuals' lives.

The poem reaches a poignant conclusion: "You will remember me? / Do not forget a newspaperman who kept his word." Here, the narrator turns the charge upon himself, seeking assurance that his own story and dedication to truth will not be forgotten. The final line, "who kept his word," serves as both a declaration of integrity and a plea for recognition.

Structurally, "Newspaperman" is written in free verse, allowing Fearing to weave between different stories and reflections without strict adherence to form. The varied line lengths and conversational tone give the poem a fluid, almost narrative quality that suits its exploration of storytelling and memory.

In "Newspaperman," Kenneth Fearing deftly explores the themes of legacy, memory, and the role of journalism. By capturing the stories of both the powerful and the obscure, Fearing reflects on the complexities of human motivation and the journalist's responsibility to preserve and convey these narratives. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the fragility of memory and the desire for one's story to endure beyond the final chapter.

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