Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Denouement," by Kenneth Fearing, is a complex and multifaceted poem that explores themes of hope, struggle, identity, and betrayal. The poem addresses the tension between collective ideals and individual disillusionment, and the ways in which systemic forces strip people of their identity, leaving them unrecognized in life and in death. With a mix of surreal imagery, social commentary, and rhetorical questions, Fearing examines the human condition against the backdrop of socioeconomic disparities and political upheaval.

In the first section, Fearing sets the stage with a series of idealistic wishes that contrast starkly with the grim reality that follows. He calls upon the sky, the wind, and truth itself to transform the world into a utopia where "walls, streets, [are] home" and "desire of millions [becomes] more real than warmth and breath and strength and bread." The repetition of "change" serves as both a plea and a command, emphasizing the need for transformation. However, this vision quickly dissipates, replaced by a "million mile screen" that promises an ideal "perfect denouement" where every loss and forgotten thing is gathered into a "dynamite triumph" or a "rainbow peace."

The idealistic tone is shattered by the abrupt introduction of harsh reality in section two. Here, Fearing presents the body of a victim "found lying face down in a burlap sack," symbolizing a person strangled by societal and systemic forces. The imagery of a "burlap sack" evokes images of impoverished laborers or victims of violence. The poem shifts to describe agents seizing the victim's belongings, like the bed and a vase of saved-up cigar store coupons, symbolizing the relentless exploitation of the working class.

Fearing critiques political leaders through the recurring phrase "my friends," spoken by the voice on the radio. The repetition of this phrase becomes a hollow echo of false promises, juxtaposed with the reality of death and oppression. The phrase "both rich and poor, my friends, must sacrifice" highlights the hypocrisy of leaders who demand sacrifices from the masses while themselves enjoying privilege.

The poem's second section is characterized by a series of rhetorical questions aimed at identifying the deceased. The questions—"Are you the one who leaped to the blinds of the cannonball express?" and "Or are you the one who started life again with three dependents and a pack of cigarettes?"—illustrate the lack of individuality granted to the victim. Despite the evidence presented, including union books and rent receipts, the identity remains unclear.

The final lines of section two, where Fearing describes the lifeless body "stretched upon the table with the belly slit wide," reveal the dehumanizing process of categorizing and dissecting individuals, reducing them to mere statistics or anatomical curiosities. The repetitive interrogation—"So help you God, this is the truth?"—echoes the empty rhetoric of trials and investigations where truth is often obscured.

Section three shifts focus to the collective struggle of workers, as Fearing describes the chaotic scenes at union halls and committee meetings. The struggle is marred by infighting ("the committee fought like cats and dogs"), corruption ("the funds were looted"), and external oppression ("scabs came through in trucks guarded by police"). Yet, amid this turmoil, a spirit of unity and defiance emerges in the form of graffiti proclaiming "Red Front" and "Your party lives."

Fearing captures the dichotomy between individual and collective in the haunting refrain "Who are these people?" The repetition emphasizes the dehumanization of workers reduced to mere faces in the crowd. The rhetorical questions—"can't they be decent, can't they at least be calm and polite?"—reflect the dismissive attitude of those in power toward labor struggles.

The poem concludes with a vision of hope and unity: "Not unless we live, and live again, / return, everywhere alive in the issue that returns." Fearing evokes the idea of immortality through collective action, where the ideals of solidarity and justice transcend individual lives. The metaphor of "light that still descends from a star long cold" suggests that even in death, the ideals of the fallen continue to inspire and illuminate.

In "Denouement," Kenneth Fearing masterfully blends idealism and realism, exploring the interplay between collective struggle and individual despair. The poem critiques political hypocrisy, economic inequality, and the dehumanizing effects of systemic forces while offering a vision of hope through unity and defiance. The powerful imagery and rhythmic repetition make "Denouement" a poignant reflection on identity, justice, and the pursuit of a better world.

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