The poem A London Fete is a harsh example of the differences between perception and actual reality. In order to explain this, the author uses the instance of a public hanging to express how contemptible people who are from the highest moral standards can conduct themselves.
In the case of A London Fete, the moral intelligence that is the cornerstone of any functioning society is overthrown in order to provide a brief, yet intense, period of relief from the long-term oppression of the class based order of the society and its moral standards. For a long time, Britain was the most powerful country in the world and London, as its center, was considered an example of what progress and civilization should be. However, the people that lived there were subject to a very specific and narrow minded class system in which the wealthy were given all the authority and privilege while the less fortunate were afforded little opportunity to better themselves or their social standings . They were subject to the whims and opinions of a relatively small group of mostly white, protestant males. Any opinions or movement differing from what this elite group considered worthy and acceptable was quickly quashed. Oppression reigned within the lower classes and with it dissatisfaction and unease grew and flourished. Public hangings, such as the one depicted in A London Fete allowed these people some release. The 'celebrations' often mirrored the feelings of the lower classes. The helplessness of the doomed man reflected the helplessness that the lower class people felt, locked within their social standing. The desperate way in which they celebrated was representative of the desperation they felt to improve their quality of life. Since it was generally socially unacceptable to express these feelings, the anonymity of the hanging provided an outlet for their social oppression. Gathering en masse at an occasion like a hanging allows the crowd a certain freedom in ano nymity; behavior that would not be tolerated from an individual becomes acceptable from the group at large. Group-think is a common psychological phenomenon that occurs when individual accountability and responsibility are suspended and a more primitive social order takes over. Anonymity is in fact a common theme through out the poem.
The poet, who is unknown in this instance, introduces the work with a simple, yet vivid opening image. The title A London Fete is an ironic metaphor and sets the reader up for a particular kind of experience - joyous, jubilant, formal and celebratory - that never materializes. The use of formal language in the title and the words chosen bring to mind a picture of the most elite members of society gathered together at a formal party. There would be ball gowns and music, sumptuous food and wine served by a deferential and reserved domestic staff. The use of London in the title implies sophistication, superiority and the most modern version of civility that the time period allows. One imagines the people that live there to be well mannered and elegant, the very best of the best. During the nineteenth century, London was the pinnacle of culture and refinement, and viewed itself as an example for the rest of the world. Upon reading the poem, the audience finds that the people described are not displaying the cool sophistication that London was known for, but are instead behaving almost savagely, reveling in the misfortune of one of their own.
The reader swiftly realizes that in the scenario described, it is the commoners who have attended this event, and have taken a desperate delight in the terrible fate of the honored guest - a man who will be hanged. Why is the audience - all uninvited, so enthusiastic about the hanging? Perhaps they use it as a means to justify their own general position within the classes to which they are 'doomed' - better to be common than dead. Maybe it is only in the misfortune of others that they can find a reason to be glad of their own lot in life. Or could it be that they are so oppressed by the upper classes that their rage and frustration break through in the safest venue possible, a moment when indignant outrage at the offences of another is the seemingly appropriate response?
Another element of irony surfaces when the reader understands the crowd is mainly comprised of the lower classes; in the time of history described it is possible that there were many public hangings, but they were seldom attended by the members of the upper class. High society took great pains to remove themselves from the vestiges of the common man, mortality included. They may have ordered a death, but the people born to serve them would carry out every aspect of it. In that sense only would this has been a London party. It was likely ordered by men of the upper classes, but only witnessed by the poor and desperate. The broad social questions raised by the poem ar e hinted at in the simply stated paradox of the title.
I found this to be a difficult and yet interesting assignment. Difficult in that I had not been asked to critique a poem since high school and had to refresh my memory on just what I should be looking for. It was interesting because I often take literature at its face value, especially when reading strictly for pleasure. It was fun to look a little deeper at a poem, and to speculate about what the author may have intended for it to say. It was also interesting because the author was not given. This allowed me to draw my own conclusions about the piece without taking into consideration any of the biases created by age, gender, era, etc. Overall, I was often quite challenged but enjoyed th2e experience.
The article was produced by the writer of masterpapers.com. Sharon White is a 5-years experienced freelance writer and a senior manager of abortion essay services support team. Contact her to get academic Writ ing tips and adolescent essay.
Author:: Sharon White
Keywords:: article submission, Articles, Writers, Writing, Publishing, Ezine, Email marketing, Email newsletter, Email
Post by History of the Computer | Computer safety tips
No comments:
Post a Comment