Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Benjamin Banneker Helps to Build a City" is a poem by Jay Wright, first published in his collection "The Homecoming Singer" in 1971. The poem explores the contributions of Benjamin Banneker, an African-American mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor, to the building of Washington D.C. in the late 18th century.

Explanation: 

The poem begins with the speaker describing the "Saturdays of Banneker," where he works as a surveyor and "marks the squares / That shall build a capital." The poem highlights the intelligence and skill of Banneker, as he performs calculations and measurements with "a diviner's grace" and "marks with a hand so sure / They are chiseled in air." The speaker also notes the racial prejudice faced by Banneker, describing how "white men go by, offering no word / Of praise, or even recognition," but Banneker perseveres and continues to work with determination.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of six stanzas, each with six lines. The lines are generally short and concise, contributing to the poem's sense of focus and precision.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to convey Banneker's work as a surveyor, such as "he moves with a diviner's grace" and "he marks with a hand so sure / They are chiseled in air."
• Personification: The poem personifies the city of Washington D.C. as a living entity, describing how Banneker's work will help "bring into existence / This city that shall grow."
• Tone: The tone of the poem is one of admiration and respect for Banneker's intelligence and determination, while also acknowledging the challenges he faced due to racial prejudice.

Conclusion: 

"Benjamin Banneker Helps to Build a City" is a tribute to the legacy of Benjamin Banneker and his contributions to the building of the United States capital. The poem uses vivid imagery and personification to convey Banneker's skill and dedication, while also highlighting the racial prejudice he faced. Ultimately, the poem celebrates Banneker's legacy and his role in shaping the nation's history.

Poem Snippet:

"He is at work before the mist is gone,

Squaring up the earth, multiplying the earth,

Dividing, dividing again,

Measured rhythms of algebra,

That he learned alone, untaught,

Now sharpened in the practice of a day."