Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Title: The New Millennium; A Vision in The Strand Author: Andrew Lang

Provenance "The New Millennium; A Vision in The Strand" is a socio-political poem written by Andrew Lang, a well-known 19th-century Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic. The poem is set in London and reflects on the socio-economic situation of the time, looking forward to a utopian era of justice.

Theme Analysis

Social and Economic Inequality: The poem presents a stark image of inequality, describing the poverty and deprivation of the poor contrasted with the wealth and power of the rich.

Struggle for Justice and Equality: Lang explores the idea of justice as a potent force and a dream of the people, albeit one that seems distant and elusive. He paints the image of justice as a slowly moving force, unable to catch up with the swift reality of life.

Inadequacy of Reforms and the Status Quo: The poem criticizes the inadequacy of contemporary efforts to address social inequality. Lang suggests that the measures being employed are insufficient to effect real change.

The Vision of a New Millennium: Despite the bleak depiction of the present, the poem also dreams of a new era - a millennium where equality will finally reign. However, this is presented in an ironic, almost dystopian light, suggesting that such equality might come at a great cost.

Poetic Devices

Imagery: Lang uses vivid imagery to describe the bustling streets of London, the slow-moving justice, and the stark contrast between the rich and the poor. This serves to paint a clear picture of the socio-economic situation.

Irony: The poem employs irony to critique societal norms and the concept of justice. The "true Millennium" is not a utopia of prosperity and equality, but a dystopian world of universal hardship.

Symbolism: The "big red box" symbolizes the socialist cause and the fight for justice. The velocipede (an early form of bicycle) on which it is transported represents the slow, laborious effort to bring about social change.

Personification: Lang personifies justice, depicting it as a slow-moving entity struggling to permeate society.

Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, as in "copies of a weekly screed", adds a rhythmic quality to the poem.

In conclusion, "The New Millennium; A Vision in The Strand" is a thought-provoking exploration of socio-economic inequality, the struggle for justice, and the vision of a future era. Lang's vivid descriptions, use of irony, and symbolism make for a poignant social critique.

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