Please

Introduction

📘 Welcome to our journey through “Please” by Jericho Brown, a captivating collection of poetry that resonates deeply with themes of desire, identity, and human experience. Jericho Brown, an American poet acclaimed for his emotive and powerful verse, crafts poems that explore complex personal and societal landscapes.

“Please” falls under the genre of contemporary poetry, engaging readers with its lyrical beauty and profound insights. Brown’s work is often celebrated for its innovative use of form and a visceral exploration of the self and society. Through this collection, Brown invites us to reflect on the multifaceted meanings of the word “please,” from pleas and desires to the nuances of politeness imposed by societal norms. 🌟

Meaning of Please

Opening section
In the opening verses of “Please,” Jericho Brown sets the tone with a blend of personal longing and broader societal commentary. The poet uses direct addresses and vivid imagery to evoke a sense of yearning and introspection. For example, in one of the opening lines, Brown writes:

“Please, I can’t bear it alone.”

This line succinctly captures the dual themes of personal pain and the universal need for connection.

Mid section
Midway through the collection, Brown shifts towards more explicit social commentary. Here, he often reflects on issues like race, identity, and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. A poignant verse from this section reads:

“Every boy knows he is a wolf.”

This metaphor not only explores the complexities of masculinity but also critiques societal expectations and norms imposed upon individuals.

Concluding section
In the concluding poems, Brown often returns to more intimate themes, weaving them with his societal reflections. The verses here strike a balance between resolution and ongoing struggle, reflecting the continual journey of personal and social understanding. An example from the closing section:

“Thank you for we are a multitude.”

This line celebrates diversity and collective identity, highlighting a central theme of acceptance and unity throughout the collection.

In-depth Analysis

— Stanza by Stanza Breakdown: Each stanza in “Please” is meticulously crafted, utilizing a range of literary techniques that enhance both the emotional and intellectual appeal of the poems.

• Stanza 1:
  • Syntax and Diction: The choice of simple yet poignant words sets a tone of earnestness and urgency.
  • Figurative Language: Metaphors and similes are used to draw vivid comparisons that deepen the emotional impact.

— Themes and Symbols:

• Love and Desire: Often symbolized through natural imagery, reflecting the inherent human need for connection and affection.
• Identity and Self-Exploration: Explored through personal anecdotes and broader social contexts, allowing for a multifaceted discussion of self.

— Literary Techniques:

• Repetition: The recurring use of “please” emphasizes the theme of pleading, both in personal and societal pleas.
• Alliteration and Assonance: These sound devices enhance the lyrical quality of the poems, making them more memorable and impactful.

— Symbolism in ‘Please’: The poems in “Please” are rich with symbols that convey deeper meanings and emotions. For instance:

• Flowers and Plants: Often symbolize growth and natural processes, reflecting human emotions and the cycles of life.
• Light and Darkness: Used to contrast hope and despair, knowledge and ignorance, highlighting the dualities present in human experiences.

— Use of Language: Brown’s language is carefully chosen to resonate emotionally and intellectually with the reader. Examples include:

• Euphony and Cacophony: The use of melodious sounds to evoke beauty and harsh sounds to express discomfort or tension.
• Punctuation and Line Breaks: Strategic use of enjambment and caesura to create pause and impact, directing the reader’s pace and attention.

— Narrative Techniques: Brown often adopts a narrative style that blends the lyrical with the dramatic, enhancing the storytelling aspect of his poems.

• Monologue: Many poems take the form of a direct speech, giving voice to personal and collective experiences.
• Dialogue: Occasionally, poems include dialogues that reflect internal conflicts or conversations with societal norms.

— Imagery: Brown’s imagery is vivid and often sensory, drawing on visual, auditory, and tactile elements to create a strong atmosphere.

• Visual Imagery: Descriptions of scenes and actions that paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
• Auditory Imagery: Use of sounds that echo the themes of the poem, enhancing the emotional landscape.

— Tone and Mood: The tone varies from hopeful to somber, reflecting the complexities of the themes addressed.

• Optimistic Tone: At times, the poems carry an uplifting tone, suggesting hope and resilience.
• Melancholic Mood: In other instances, a somber mood prevails, exploring themes of loss and longing.

Poetic Devices used in Please

Device	Example
Metaphor	“Every boy knows he is a wolf”
Simile	“Loneliness like a good lamp”
Alliteration	“Bitter bread”
Assonance	“Hollow heart”
Personification	“Grief grows into a character”
Hyperbole	“Never-ending night”
Irony	“Please, as if we could ever please”
Synecdoche	“All hands on deck”
Onomatopoeia	“The buzz of a busy bee”
Anaphora	Repeated use of “Please” at the beginning of lines

Please – FAQs

What themes are central to Jericho Brown’s “Please”?
The collection explores themes of love, identity, race, and the nuances of human desire and interaction. Brown delves into personal and societal issues, blending emotional depth with social commentary.

How does Jericho Brown use form in ‘Please’?
Brown experiments with traditional and innovative poetic forms, including the duplex—a form he invented. This hybrid of the sonnet, ghazal, and blues is pivotal in expressing intertwined themes of personal and collective identity.

What is the significance of the title “Please” in Brown’s collection?
The title reflects the multiplicity of pleas expressed in the poems, from desires for love and understanding to calls for social justice and acceptance.

How does Jericho Brown address social issues in ‘Please’?
Brown tackles a range of social issues including racial discrimination, sexuality, and identity politics. He uses personal narratives to discuss broader societal concerns, making the poems both intimate and universally relevant.

What literary influences can be seen in ‘Please’?
Brown’s work shows influences from several literary traditions, including the confessional poetry of Sylvia Plath and the musicality of Langston Hughes. His unique voice also incorporates elements from blues and gospel music, reflecting his cultural heritage.

Can you describe a specific poem from ‘Please’ that exemplifies Brown’s style?
“Langston Blues,” a poem in the collection, exemplifies Brown’s style through its use of the duplex form, a rhythmic and rhyming structure that mirrors musical patterns while tackling profound themes of racial and self-identity.

Please Study Guide

— Exercise: List all the poetic devices used in the following verse from “Please”:

“Grief, when it comes, it’s nothing like we expect it to be.”

Answers:

• Metaphor: Comparing grief to something unexpected suggests it’s more complex than a mere emotion.
• Alliteration: The repetition of the ‘g’ sound in “grief” and “comes” emphasizes the abruptness and impact of grief.
• Personification: Grief is presented as something that can ‘come,’ giving it human-like qualities.