Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "Signs of the Times" is a joyful and rhythmic exploration of the changing seasons and the anticipation of Thanksgiving. Through vivid imagery and playful language, Dunbar captures the essence of autumn, the preparations for the holiday, and the humorous antics of the characters in the poem.

Background: Paul Laurence Dunbar, an influential African American poet, often depicted the everyday experiences and emotions of African Americans in his poetry. Born in 1872, Dunbar's works resonated with a wide audience and showcased his skill in blending dialect and standard English.

Analysis: "Signs of the Times" opens with a description of the changing weather, with the air getting cooler and frost approaching. The imagery of "hicka' nuts an' wa'nuts fallin'" sets the scene of a rural setting where nature is in transition. The mention of a possum keeping out of sight alludes to the creatures preparing for the colder months.

The poem introduces "Mistah Tu'key," a proud and strutting turkey. The turkey's behavior is portrayed humorously as he struts around, seemingly unaware of the approaching holiday season. The playful tone and use of dialect add to the lightheartedness of the poem.

As the poem progresses, the signs of autumn become more evident. The cider press is described as "a-squeakin'" and apples are being eaten from storage. Children are portrayed as swarming around like hornets, looking for eggs in the hay. These images paint a picture of bustling activity and preparations for the upcoming festivities.

"Mistah Tu'key" continues to gobble and strut, unaware of the significance of the season. The speaker remarks that the turkey would quiet down if he knew what was coming. This adds a touch of irony as the readers are aware of the approaching Thanksgiving feast, while the turkey remains oblivious.

The poem humorously depicts the pumpkin as if it were looking at the speaker, seemingly saying "Pies." This personification adds a playful and imaginative element to the poem, as if the pumpkin itself is eagerly anticipating its fate as a pie.

As the poem concludes, the anticipation of Thanksgiving becomes more evident. The poem refers to the farmer checking on the fowls to see if they are fattening, a traditional practice before the holiday feast. The turkey's continued gobbling and bragging serve as a source of amusement, as the speaker remarks that the turkey will soon be captured.

Dunbar concludes the poem with a nod to the preparation of Thanksgiving foods, such as chopping suet and stoning raisins. The humor culminates in the admonishment of "Mistah Tu'key" to stop gobbling, as the speaker humorously warns him of the impending Thanksgiving celebration.

Conclusion: "Signs of the Times" by Paul Laurence Dunbar captures the spirit of the changing seasons and the anticipation of Thanksgiving through playful language, vivid imagery, and a humorous portrayal of "Mistah Tu'key." The poem celebrates the traditions and preparations associated with the holiday while showcasing Dunbar's skill in blending dialect and standard English to create a lively and engaging poetic narrative.

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