Introduction
“38” by Layli Long Soldier is a compelling poem that confronts a significant event in U.S. history — the largest mass execution in the United States, where 38 Dakota men were hanged in 1862 following the Dakota War of 1862. Layli Long Soldier, a poet of Oglala Lakota descent, is renowned for her works that weave together personal and historical narratives, often highlighting the ongoing impacts of past injustices on indigenous peoples.
Her poetry, situated within the broader genre of Native American literature, frequently employs innovative structures and a mix of languages to challenge and engage readers. “38” is no exception, serving not only as a piece of creative literature but also as a medium for historical reflection and cultural critique. Let’s dive deeper into this poem! 📚✨
Meaning of 38
Opening Section
The poem begins by setting a historical context, directly addressing the events of December 26, 1862, when the 38 Dakota men were executed. Long Soldier’s opening lines are stark and factual, setting the tone for the reflective and somber narrative that follows. She uses direct language to anchor the reader in the historical reality, making it impossible to overlook the gravity of the events she describes.
Mid Section
In the middle sections of the poem, Long Soldier shifts between historical recounting and personal reflection. This part of the poem explores the broader implications of the 1862 executions on Dakota people and their descendants. Through her verse, she portrays the lingering pain and the struggle for justice and recognition, interspersing her narrative with Dakota words to emphasize cultural continuity and resilience.
Concluding Section
The concluding section of “38” offers a meditative reflection on the act of remembering. Long Soldier contemplates the role of memory and the act of recounting history as a means of healing. The final lines are introspective, urging both the poet and the reader to reconsider the narratives that shape our understanding of history and our place within it.
In-depth Analysis
Stanza 1 —
- Theme: Historical recounting
- Symbols: The noose, representing both the historical act of execution and the ongoing impact of these events on collective memory.
- Literary Techniques: Repetition of certain stark facts to emphasize the reality and the harshness of the historical event.
- Figurative Language: Metaphors linking the historical events to broader themes of injustice and memory.
Stanza 2 —
- Theme: Personal reflection and cultural identity
- Symbols: The use of Dakota language terms symbolizes cultural resilience and the unbroken connection to history despite past traumas.
- Literary Techniques: Juxtaposition of historical narrative with personal commentary to highlight the continuity between past and present.
- Figurative Language: Similes comparing the silence around historical narratives to a smothering blanket, suggesting suppression and erasure.
Stanza 3 —
- Theme: Memory and Healing
- Symbols: The act of writing or speaking as a symbol of life and resistance.
- Literary Techniques: Stream of consciousness is used to depict the flow of memory and time, creating a sense of urgency and continuity.
- Figurative Language: Allusions to specific historical records and legal texts highlight the official narrative versus the personal and communal memory.
Stanza 4 —
- Theme: Reclamation and Voice
- Symbols: The landscape itself becomes a symbol of persistence and the natural continuation of the Dakota people’s history and culture.
- Literary Techniques: The use of dialogue and rhetorical questions engages the reader directly, making the historical narrative more immediate and personal.
- Figurative Language: Extended metaphors of the earth and natural elements reflect the enduring presence and resilience of indigenous cultures.
Stanza 5 —
- Theme: Future and Legacy
- Symbols: Children and language as symbols of renewal and hope for the future.
- Literary Techniques: Prospective narratives envision a future where past injustices are acknowledged and healed.
- Figurative Language: Personification of future generations as active participants in the reclamation of history and culture.
Poetic Devices used in 38
| Device | Examples |
|---|---|
| Alliteration | “cold, crisp” in describing the execution morning. |
| Anaphora | Repeated use of “We” to create a sense of community. |
| Assonance | Repetition of soft vowel sounds to create a mournful tone. |
| Consonance | “Hangs heavy” to emphasize the weight of history. |
| Enjambment | Use to propel the poem forward, mirroring the relentless passage of time. |
| Imagery | Vivid descriptions of the execution scene and its emotional impact. |
| Metaphor | Comparing history to a “scar” that is both visible and painful. |
| Personification | History “speaks” to us, urging remembrance and reflection. |
| Simile | “Like a shadow” to suggest how history lingers subtly yet significantly. |
| Symbolism | The number “38” itself as a symbol of historical trauma and remembrance. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration of emotions to emphasize the deep scars left by history. |
| Oxymoron | “Frozen fire” to describe the contradictory feelings towards historical events. |
| Paradox | “Silent screams” captures the unspoken yet profound grief and protest. |
| Synecdoche | “A part for the whole” where individual stories symbolize collective experiences. |
| Allusion | References to historical documents and native treaties provide a layered understanding of injustice. |
38 – FAQs
Q: What is the historical significance of the number 38 in Layli Long Soldier’s poem?
A: The number 38 refers to the 38 Dakota men who were hanged in 1862, which is the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
Q: How does Layli Long Soldier incorporate Dakota language in the poem?
A: She uses Dakota words to highlight the cultural identity and resilience of the Dakota people, enriching the textual narrative with deeper cultural significance.
Q: What themes are explored in “38”?
A: The poem explores themes of historical trauma, memory, justice, and cultural resilience.
Q: What is the structure of ’38’ and how does it influence the poem’s impact?
A: The structure of “38” interweaves historical narration with lyrical elements, creating a dialogue between past and present. This structure allows Long Soldier to explore deep emotions while also providing a critical examination of history.
Q: Why does Layli Long Soldier use a mixture of English and Dakota language in her poetry?
A: The use of both English and Dakota serves to challenge the erasure of indigenous languages and asserts the vibrancy of Dakota culture. It also bridges the gap between the audience and the Dakota people’s perspectives.
Q: How can understanding ’38’ help students in advanced placement language courses?
A: Studying “38” helps students appreciate diverse narratives and the power of poetry to address historical injustices. It also provides a deep dive into complex literary techniques and cultural expressions.
38 Study Guide
Verse:
“Underneath December’s frost, the singular gasp of rope taught with weight, held fast by wood and nail, as thirty-eight breaths were stolen in the gray light of morning.”
Exercise:
List all the poetic devices used in this verse.
Answers:
- Imagery: “December’s frost,” “singular gasp of rope,” “gray light of morning”
- Symbolism: “thirty-eight breaths” symbolizing the lives taken
- Alliteration: “wood and nail”
- Consonance: “taught with weight”
- Metaphor: “breaths were stolen” suggesting theft of life without justice
Further Exercise:
- Analyze how the use of enjambment affects the reading of the poem and the perception of its themes.
Answer:
Enjambment in “38” creates a flowing, continuous movement within the poem, mirroring the ongoing impact of history and the fluid nature of memory. It compels readers to move quickly from one line to the next, maintaining a connection between the past and present narratives.