Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

UNIVERSITY, by KARL SHAPIRO Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"University" is a poem by Karl Shapiro, first published in his collection "Selected Poems" in 1967. The poem explores the tensions between the intellectual life of the university and the broader society outside its walls.

Explanation:

The poem begins with a description of the university, with its "towers and dormitories, chimneys and lawns." The speaker notes that the university is a place of learning and scholarship, but also a place of privilege and exclusion. He contrasts the "ivory tower" of the university with the "sullen slums" of the city outside.

The poem goes on to explore the contradictions of the university, with its ideals of learning and progress often at odds with the larger society outside. The speaker notes that the university can be a "retreat" from the world, but also a place where students are encouraged to engage with that world and its problems.

The poem ends with a call to action, with the speaker urging the students and faculty of the university to use their knowledge and privilege to effect change in the larger society. He suggests that the university can be a place of transformation, where students can learn to see the world in new ways and work towards a better future.

Poetic Elements:

Form: "University" is a free-verse poem, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
Imagery: Shapiro's use of imagery is rich and evocative, with descriptions of the university and the surrounding city creating a vivid sense of place and contrast.
Tone: The tone of the poem is one of ambivalence, as the speaker explores the contradictions of the university and its relationship to the larger society. The poem ends on a note of hope, however, with the speaker suggesting that the university can be a force for positive change.

Conclusion:

"University" is a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the tensions between the intellectual life of the university and the larger society outside its walls. Shapiro's use of vivid imagery and a free-verse form creates a sense of place and contrast, while the poem's themes of privilege, engagement, and transformation lend it a deeper resonance. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action, urging the students and faculty of the university to use their knowledge and privilege to effect change in the world.

Poem Snippet:

"The university is a pleasant place

With full-grown shrubs and trees.

It is a tower with chimneys

And a myriad of windows;

A great lawned structure

Where scholars sit and learn

And forget the city."