Introduction
Welcome to a journey through Jericho Brown’s poignant poem, “The Tradition.” This piece is not just a poem; it’s a profound narrative that stitches together personal and collective experiences, reflective of societal issues and personal introspection. Jericho Brown, an American poet acclaimed for his vivid and powerful writing, crafts this poem in a way that both challenges and enlightens the reader. “The Tradition” is a part of his collection that won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, highlighting its critical and societal significance. The genre of this poem blends contemporary concerns with traditional poetic forms, making it a unique study for lovers of poetry and first-time readers alike. Let’s dive into the enriching world of this modern poetic masterpiece! 📚✨
Meaning of The Tradition
Opening section
The poem begins with an evocative scene that sets the tone for the thematic exploration of violence and tradition. Brown opens with images that are seemingly pastoral and harmless but soon introduces a twist that hints at underlying violence and decay. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for societal issues that are often overlooked or normalized.
Mid section
As the poem progresses, Brown shifts focus from the broad to the particular, zooming in on personal and historical traumas. This section interweaves personal history with collective memory, highlighting the inescapability of the past and its impact on the present. Brown uses vivid imagery and careful word choice to draw the reader deeper into the emotional landscape of the poem.
Concluding section
The conclusion of “The Tradition” serves as a powerful commentary on resistance and the potential for change. Brown calls into question the traditions we hold dear, urging the reader to reconsider what should be preserved and what must be reevaluated. The poem closes on a note of tentative hope, suggesting that transformation is possible through awareness and action.
In-depth Analysis
— Stanza 1:
- Imagery: The poem opens with serene images of nature, which are quickly contrasted with unexpected darkness, setting a tone of unease.
- Syntax: Short, impactful lines create a rhythmic disruption, mirroring the poem’s themes of abrupt disturbances in daily life.
— Stanza 2:
- Diction: Brown’s choice of words like “rupture” and “bleed” intensifies the sense of violence that underpins the societal norms.
- Figurative Language: Metaphors relating to the earth and body suggest a deep connection between personal and collective harm.
— Stanza 3:
- Symbols: The garden becomes a symbol of cultivated appearances versus hidden truths.
- Themes: Explores themes of heritage and legacy, questioning what we inherit and what we pass on.
Poetic Devices used in The Tradition
| Device | Example |
|---|---|
| Alliteration | “Some bloom of a bruise” – repetition of the ‘b’ sound enhances the auditory impact. |
| Metaphor | “The earth is a black body” – compares the earth to a bruised body, deepening the theme of violence. |
| Personification | “The earth refuses to bear” – gives the earth human-like refusal, emphasizing resistance. |
| Simile | “Blossoms like a wound” – compares blossoms to wounds, highlighting pain and beauty. |
| Irony | The title “The Tradition” itself is ironic, suggesting a critical look at harmful legacies considered normal. |
| Symbolism | Gardens in the poem symbolize cultivated facades that hide the darker truths underneath. |
| Paradox | “Deadheaded blossoms bruise” – the paradox of harming something already dead, reflects on societal denial. |
| Hyperbole | “I leave a whole garden dead” – exaggerates to emphasize the extent of neglect or damage. |
| Oxymoron | “Tender violence” – juxtaposes care with harm, reflecting conflicted relationships. |
| Assonance | “Dirt keeps secrets” – repetition of the soft ‘i’ sound creates a hushed, secretive tone. |
The Tradition – FAQs
What is the central theme of ‘The Tradition’?
The central theme revolves around the critique of societal norms and the hidden violence within traditional practices that are often overlooked.
How does Jericho Brown use form in ‘The Tradition’?
Brown utilizes traditional forms, such as the sonnet, but often breaks from strict patterns to symbolize disruption and challenge against norms.
What literary techniques are prominent in ‘The Tradition’?
Imagery, symbolism, and irony are heavily used to enhance the poem’s thematic complexity and emotional depth.
Who would benefit from studying ‘The Tradition’?
Students of poetry, particularly those interested in contemporary issues and the use of traditional forms to address modern challenges, would find this poem particularly insightful.
Can ‘The Tradition’ be seen as a social commentary?
Yes, it serves as a powerful social commentary on the persistence of violence and prejudice under the guise of tradition and normalcy.
The Tradition Study Guide
Exercise: Identify all the poetic devices used in the following verse from “The Tradition”:
“I pull petals from the flowers and watch them
flutter down around me like seconds on a clock.”
Answer Key:
- Metaphor: Comparing petals to seconds, implying time passing and decay.
- Imagery: Visual image of petals falling around the speaker, creating a sense of melancholy and transience.
- Symbolism: Petals may symbolize beauty and life, their falling suggests loss and mortality.