What Another Poet Did

By Horatio Alger, Jr.

Narrative Poem
    Another expounder of life's thorny mazes     Excited our pity at fortune's hard fare,     And troubled the city's most troublesome places,     While singing his ditty of "Nothing to Wear."     "A tale worth the telling,"' though I tell for the same,     Great objects of pity we see in the street,     "With nothing to wear, though a legion by name,     Is not to buy clothing, but something to eat.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem appears to offer a critique on societal attitudes towards poverty and deprivation. The playful, rhythmic tone and structured quatrain stanzas serve as a stark contrast to the serious themes discussed, perhaps mirroring the public's indifferent attitude towards those less fortunate. The repeated phrase "Nothing to Wear" is likely symbolic, representing not just literal lack of clothing but also a broader sense of destitution and unmet needs.

The speaker identifies themselves as "another expounder of life's thorny mazes," suggesting they're one among many who observe and comment on societal issues but perhaps feel somewhat powerless to bring about change. The final lines reveal a shift in focus from clothing to food, highlighting the primal, urgent nature of hunger. This strategic shift underscores the urgency of addressing basic human needs before other considerations. The poem skillfully employs irony and tonal dissonance to emphasize the disconnect between the societal perception and the harsh realities of poverty. It invites the reader to question their own perceptions and perhaps, to act.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.