An Episode

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
I.     There was a man rode into town one day,     Barefooted, hatless, and without a coat.     It was the dead of winter. Round his throat     Were marks of violence: bits and wisps of hay     Bristled his beard and hair. From far away     We saw him coming: desolate and remote     And wild his gaze, that of no man took note,     Or seeming note; and nothing would he say.     But when he'd had a drink, then drunk some more,     He told us he had sold tobacco; see?     And all was lost. At that he caught his breath.     Last night a knock came at his cabin-door.     His son, who answered, was shot dead. And he     Was caught and chok'd and almost beat to death. II.     They said he'd sold tobacco; and he knew     They ought to kill him, burn his house and barn,     And would unless he gave them (this with scorn)     The money he'd received. What could he do?     He had a little money, it was true,     Hid in an old pot underneath the corn     There in the crib, he told them. 'Twas a yarn     To get away. They were a desperate crew.     They set to work upon the crib; and he     Got loose and on a horse and took to flight:     They shot at him. Whatever might occur     He did not care now; they had burned, you see,     His home: for miles its glare lit up the night.     His wife and daughters? God knows where they were.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poet presents a narrative of despair and conflict in two distinct stanzas, following the form of a sonnet. The poem’s theme, a tragic tale of a man's loss and violence, is vividly depicted through descriptive imagery, metaphoric language and a tone of unrelenting melancholy. The man's desperate condition, emphasized by the harsh winter and his physical harm, represents external manifestations of his internal turmoil. The use of indirect dialogue, as he recounts his tale, builds suspense and gives depth to his character.

The poet weaves the narrative through a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, which creates a sense of continuity and inevitability, accentuating the tragic tone. The first stanza introduces the man in a state of desolation, while the second stanza reveals the source of his torment. The poet's use of dramatic irony, where the man's life unravels due to the very tobacco he had sold, underscores the tragic plot. The unanswered question about the fate of his wife and daughters leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved despair, further enhancing the poem's emotional impact.

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.