Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Robert Earl Hayden's poem about Paul Laurence Dunbar, the speaker reflects on Dunbar's legacy and the impact he had on poetry and the cultural memory. The poem highlights the act of commemorating Dunbar's life and work, using imagery of laying red roses on his grave as a symbol of remembrance and tribute. The poem also captures the sense of sorrow and mourning that still lingers, even though many years have passed since Dunbar's time.

Robert Earl Hayden (1913-1980) was an African American poet and educator known for his significant contributions to American literature. He was born on August 4, 1913, in Detroit, Michigan. Hayden's poetry often explored themes of identity, history, social issues, and the human experience, and his work was celebrated for its insightful and thoughtful exploration of these topics.

The phrase "speak sorrowfully of him" indicates the continued reverence and respect for Dunbar's contributions to literature. The speaker acknowledges that despite the passage of time, Dunbar's influence and significance remain alive, as if he were only recently departed. This illustrates the lasting impact of Dunbar's work and the way in which his poetry continues to resonate with readers.

The line "Poet of our youth is cri du coeur our own" underscores the personal connection between Dunbar's poetry and the speaker's own experiences. The phrase "cri du coeur," meaning "cry of the heart," emphasizes the emotional and heartfelt nature of Dunbar's verses, suggesting that his poems speak to the inner feelings and struggles of those who read them.

The description of Dunbar's verses as "in a broken tongue" alludes to both the dialect poetry that Dunbar was known for and the challenges he faced as an African American poet writing in a racially divided society. Despite these challenges, his poetry was captivating and relatable, much like the stories shared by an older sibling.

The poem also touches on the complexities of Dunbar's identity, referencing the "sad blackface lilt and croon" that characterize his poetry. This phrase acknowledges how Dunbar's work reflected the experiences and emotions of African Americans while also suggesting the bittersweet quality of his verses.

The image of summer's tintypes holding a "happy look" further conveys the layered emotions associated with Dunbar's legacy. Tintypes were early photographic images, and the juxtaposition of the "happy look" with the awareness of the "victim, dying man" highlights the contrasting aspects of his life and the complexity of his artistic expression.

The poem concludes with the symbolic act of placing stones to weigh down the roses on Dunbar's grave, suggesting a desire to anchor his memory and legacy. The act of driving away after paying respects further emphasizes the sense of closure while recognizing that Dunbar's influence endures beyond the immediate moment.

Overall, Hayden's poem captures the enduring significance of Paul Laurence Dunbar's work and the emotions associated with remembering and commemorating his contributions to American literature and culture.

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