The Outcasts

By Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrative Poem
    Three women stood by the river's flood     In the gas-lamp's murky light,     A devil watched them on the left,     And an angel on the right.     The clouds of lead flowed overhead;     The leaden stream below;     They marvelled much, that outcast three,     Why Fate should use them so.     Said one: "I have a mother dear,     Who lieth ill abed,     And by my sin the wage I win     From which she hath her bread."     Said one: "I am an outcast's child,     And such I came on earth.     If me ye blame, for this my shame,     Whom blame ye for my birth?"     The third she sank a sin-blotched face,     And prayed that she might rest,     In the weary flow of the stream below,     As on her mother's breast.     Now past there came a godly man,     Of goodly stock and blood,     And as he passed one frown he cast     At that sad sisterhood.     Sorely it grieved that godly man,     To see so foul a sight,     He turned his face, and strode apace,     And left them to the night.     But the angel drew her sisters three,     Within her pinions' span,     And the crouching devil slunk away     To join the godly man.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a compelling narrative that explores themes of fate, societal judgment, and the complexities of morality. It follows the story of three women, who, under the scrutiny of both a devil and angel, reflect on their circumstances and their place in society. The heavy use of imagery, particularly with the "river's flood," "gas-lamp's murky light," and "clouds of lead," creates a somber and oppressive atmosphere, highlighting the women's shared sense of destitution and despair.

The poem is structured into uniform stanzas, each contributing to the narrative's progression. The dialogue among the women serves to individualize their experiences, adding depth and personal context to their shared plight. This narrative structure is effective in conveying the complexities of their circumstances, challenging the reader's initial perceptions of them.

The poem's significant twist lies in its final lines, where the angel embraces the women, and the devil joins the 'godly man.' This unexpected shift challenges conventional conceptions of morality, suggesting that judgment and righteousness are not always aligned. This is a powerful commentary on societal hypocrisy and the stigma associated with certain professions or circumstances. The author's use of dramatic irony, through the inversion of traditionally 'good' and 'evil' figures, further underscores this critique.

Overall, the poem presents a profound exploration of societal judgment, moral ambiguity, and the human struggle with fate. Its compelling narrative, rich imagery, and masterful irony make it a poignant and thought-provoking piece.

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.