Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Rita Dove's poem "Banneker" skillfully portrays the life and meditations of Benjamin Banneker, a prominent African American astronomer, mathematician, and almanac author who lived during the colonial period in America. Through a blend of historical insight and poetic imagination, Dove explores the isolation and intellectual vigor of this notable figure.

The poem opens by setting a contemplative tone, with Banneker lying under a pear tree, "wrapped in a great cloak," gazing at the stars. This image sets the stage for a narrative that delves deeply into both his solitude and his deep connection to the universe. The mention of the "heavenly bodies" underscores his interest in astronomy and the cosmos, which is contrasted with the mundane whispers of the local townspeople of Baltimore who find his behaviors odd and unsettling.

Dove uses the local gossip to introduce societal views and misconceptions about Banneker, highlighting themes of racial and social isolation. His dedication to his studies, seen in his choice to remain unmarried and his reputed consumption of strong drink, reflects the sacrifices he made in pursuit of knowledge and intellectual fulfillment. The poem subtly addresses the racial prejudices of the time, noting that Banneker was "Neither Ethiopian nor English," thereby occupying a space that was not fully recognized or accepted by either community.

The poet creatively imagines Banneker's correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, to whom Banneker indeed wrote a letter challenging the Secretary of State's views on race and slavery, advocating for the abolition of slavery. Dove captures Banneker's frustration and hope as he pens "another enflamed letter to President Jefferson," only to anticipate a "polite and rhetorical" response, underscoring the often-dismissive attitude of government officials towards African Americans, even those as educated and eloquent as Banneker.

Further, the poem describes Banneker's daily life in a pastoral setting, balancing his scientific endeavors with routine tasks such as milking cows and stewing a pot. This juxtaposition serves to humanize him, presenting him as a grounded individual connected to both the earth and the skies.

The imagery intensifies towards the end of the poem, where Banneker takes his rifle and "shot at the stars," symbolically challenging the heavens. The dramatic moment when "one went out" blends the literal with the metaphorical, suggesting Banneker's impact on the world was both significant yet limited by the times in which he lived.

Finally, Dove concludes with a powerful vision of a "government’s domed city rising from the morass and spreading in a spiral of lights," perhaps a prophetic image of the evolving American nation that Banneker helped to shape, albeit indirectly through his contributions and challenges to the intellectual and political status quo.

Overall, "Banneker" by Rita Dove is a poignant reflection on the life of a brilliant mind who navigated the complexities of racial identity and intellectual pursuit in a time of profound social constraints. The poem beautifully captures the essence of Banneker's legacy as a thinker and a visionary.

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