Uncovering the Naturalistic Essence: Exploring the Main Reason Why 'Sympathy' is a Naturalist Poem

Among the many literary movements that emerged in the late 19th century, Naturalism was one of the most influential and controversial. This literary movement sought to depict life as it is, free from romantic embellishment, and to explore the harsh realities of human existence. One of the most well-known Naturalist poems is Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet who wrote about the struggles and injustices faced by black people in America. In this article, we will discuss one reason why Sympathy is considered a Naturalist poem.

To begin with, it is important to understand the characteristics of Naturalism. This literary movement was heavily influenced by the scientific discoveries and theories of the time, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution. Naturalists believed that humans were subject to the same laws of nature as animals, and that their behavior and fate were determined by their environment, heredity, and social conditions. They also rejected the idea of free will and emphasized the role of chance and determinism in shaping human lives.

One reason why Sympathy can be considered a Naturalist poem is its portrayal of the speaker's confinement and isolation. The poem describes a bird trapped in a cage, unable to fly or express its natural instincts. This metaphorical device represents the speaker's own situation as a black person in a racist society, where his freedom and dignity are restricted by the color of his skin. The bird's wings and voice symbolize the speaker's aspirations and identity, which are denied by the oppressive forces of society. Thus, the poem reflects the Naturalist belief in the influence of external factors on human behavior and fate.

Moreover, the language and imagery used in Sympathy convey a sense of empathy and compassion towards the speaker's plight. Dunbar employs a vivid and sensory-rich description of the bird's suffering, using words such as fluttered, bruised, bleeding, and crying. These words create an emotional connection between the reader and the speaker, evoking a feeling of shared humanity and solidarity. The use of first-person point of view and the repetition of the phrase I know what the caged bird feels also reinforce this empathic tone, inviting the reader to identify with the speaker's experience.

Furthermore, the themes of injustice and oppression in Sympathy are typical of Naturalist literature, which often dealt with social issues and marginalized groups. The poem exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of a society that claims to value freedom and equality but denies them to certain groups of people based on their race, class, or gender. The speaker's desire for liberation and self-expression reflects the Naturalist theme of individualism and the struggle against conformity and social norms. Thus, Sympathy can be seen as a critique of the deterministic and oppressive forces of society, which Naturalists sought to expose and challenge.

Another aspect of Sympathy that aligns with Naturalism is its use of symbolism and metaphor. Naturalist writers often used these literary devices to convey abstract ideas and emotions through concrete and tangible images. In Sympathy, the bird and the cage represent opposing forces of nature and culture, freedom and constraint, life and death. The bird's attempt to escape from the cage symbolizes the human desire for autonomy and self-determination, while the cage represents the societal barriers that prevent this freedom. The image of the sun and sky outside the cage suggests the possibility of a better future, a world beyond the confines of the present reality. Thus, the use of symbolism in Sympathy reflects the Naturalist belief in the power of art to reveal the hidden meanings and contradictions of life.

In conclusion, Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a Naturalist poem because it embodies many of the characteristics and themes of this literary movement. The poem's portrayal of confinement and isolation, its empathic tone, its critique of social injustice, its use of symbolism and metaphor all reflect the Naturalist belief in the deterministic and oppressive nature of society and the human struggle for freedom and self-expression. By exploring the complexities of human existence, Naturalist writers like Dunbar paved the way for a more realistic and socially engaged literature that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

Introduction

Sympathy is a famous poem written by Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet. The poem is widely regarded as a naturalist poem because of its theme and style. Naturalist poetry is a type of poetry that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the harsh realities of life and the struggle for survival. In this article, we will discuss one reason why Sympathy is considered a naturalist poem.

The Theme of Sympathy

The theme of Sympathy is one of the primary reasons why it is considered a naturalist poem. The poem depicts the speaker's struggle for freedom from oppression and confinement. The poem's central metaphor is a caged bird, which represents the speaker's confinement and lack of freedom. The bird is trapped in a cage, unable to fly or sing, which symbolizes the speaker's inability to express himself freely due to societal constraints.

The Use of Nature Imagery

Another reason why Sympathy is considered a naturalist poem is its use of nature imagery. The poem describes the bird's natural desire to fly and be free. It also uses imagery to depict the bird's suffering and pain, such as the line, I know what the caged bird feels, alas! The use of nature imagery emphasizes the speaker's connection to the natural world and his struggle to break free from the constraints of society.

The Style of Sympathy

The style of Sympathy is also a reason why it is considered a naturalist poem. The poem is written in free verse, which means it has no set rhyme or meter. This style allows the poem to flow naturally, like a conversation, and emphasizes the speaker's natural emotions and feelings. The lack of structure also mirrors the speaker's lack of control over his own life and destiny.

The Use of Dialect

Another stylistic element that makes Sympathy a naturalist poem is its use of dialect. The poem is written in African-American dialect, which reflects the speaker's cultural background and emphasizes his connection to nature. The use of dialect also adds authenticity to the poem, making it more relatable to readers who share a similar cultural background.

The Historical Context of Sympathy

The historical context of Sympathy is also a reason why it is considered a naturalist poem. The poem was written in the late 19th century, during a time of great social and political upheaval. African Americans were still struggling for basic rights and freedoms, and many lived in poverty and oppression. Sympathy reflects this historical context by depicting the speaker's struggle for freedom and his desire to break free from societal constraints.

The Connection to Naturalism

The historical context of Sympathy is also connected to the naturalist movement. Naturalism emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of society. Naturalists believed that humans were subject to the same laws of nature as other animals and that society was a product of natural forces. Sympathy reflects this naturalist worldview by emphasizing the speaker's connection to nature and his struggle against societal constraints.

The Importance of Sympathy

Sympathy is an important poem because it reflects the struggles of African Americans during a critical time in American history. The poem highlights the importance of freedom and the struggle to break free from societal constraints. It also emphasizes the connection between humans and nature and the importance of preserving our natural environment.

The Influence of Sympathy

Sympathy has had a significant influence on American literature and culture. The poem has been widely anthologized and studied in schools and universities. It has also inspired other writers and artists to explore themes of freedom, oppression, and the connection between humans and nature. Sympathy remains a powerful reminder of the struggles of African Americans and the importance of freedom and equality for all people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sympathy is considered a naturalist poem because of its theme, style, and historical context. The poem reflects the struggles of African Americans during a critical time in American history and emphasizes the importance of freedom and the connection between humans and nature. Sympathy remains an important work of literature that continues to inspire readers and writers today.

Showing Empathy for the Natural World

One of the key reasons why Sympathy can be considered a naturalist poem is because it shows deep empathy and care for the natural world. The poet expresses a profound sense of sadness and understanding for the struggles that nature faces, suggesting that it deserves respect and compassion. This is a fundamental tenet of naturalism, which sees nature as having intrinsic value beyond its usefulness to humans. By expressing sympathy towards the natural world, the poem encourages us to see ourselves as part of a greater ecosystem and to act as responsible stewards of the environment.

Recognizing Nature as a Living Entity

Another reason why Sympathy is a naturalist poem is because it highlights the idea that nature is alive and deserves to be treated as a living entity. The poem suggests that trees, like humans, have feelings and emotions, and that they suffer when they are mistreated. This recognition of the sentience of nature is a core theme in naturalist literature, which seeks to challenge the notion that nature is a resource to be exploited for human gain. By depicting nature as a living entity, the poem encourages us to treat it with the same respect and care that we would show to any other living creature.

Concern for Human Impact on the Environment

Sympathy also reveals a concern for the impact that humans have on the environment. The poem suggests that we are interconnected with nature and must take responsibility for our actions. The atrocities committed against nature are depicted as being just as horrific as those against humans. This is an important message in naturalist literature, which seeks to raise awareness of the damage that human activity can cause to the natural world. By highlighting the environmental impact of human actions, the poem encourages us to reflect on our relationship with nature and to take steps to mitigate our negative impact.

Celebrating the Beauty of the Natural World

One of the reasons why the poet expresses sympathy towards nature is because of its inherent beauty. The poem celebrates the wonders of the natural world, reminding us of how awe-inspiring it can be. The beauty of nature is a common theme in naturalist literature, which seeks to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. By celebrating the beauty of nature, the poem encourages us to see the value of preserving and protecting it for future generations.

Recognizing the Fragility of Nature

Sympathy also recognizes that nature is fragile and needs to be protected. The poem suggests that nature is vulnerable to mistreatment and that it needs our care and protection. This highlights the naturalist idea that humans have a duty to act as responsible stewards of the environment. By recognizing the fragility of nature, the poem encourages us to take steps to protect it and to ensure that it remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.

Understanding the Interconnectedness of Life

Another naturalist theme present in Sympathy is the idea that all life is interconnected. The poem suggests that humans are not separate from nature but are part of a greater web of life. This recognition of our interconnectedness with nature is a fundamental tenet of naturalism, which seeks to challenge the idea that humans are superior to other forms of life. By highlighting our interconnectedness with nature, the poem encourages us to act with compassion and empathy towards all living things.

Using Nature as a Source of Inspiration

Sympathy can also be considered a naturalist poem because it shows how nature can be a source of inspiration for artists and poets. The beauty of nature is celebrated and used as a source of creative inspiration. This is a common theme in naturalist literature, which seeks to inspire a sense of wonder and awe in the natural world. By using nature as a source of inspiration, the poem encourages us to see the value of preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations to enjoy.

Acknowledging the Power of Nature

The poem also depicts nature as a powerful force that can inspire awe and fear. This is another key tenet of naturalism, which recognizes the inherent power of nature and the need to respect it. The poem suggests that we should be humbled by the power of nature and that we should approach it with caution and respect. By acknowledging the power of nature, the poem encourages us to see ourselves as part of a greater ecosystem and to act with humility and respect towards the natural world.

Emphasizing the Importance of Conservation

Sympathy can also be read as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the need to protect the natural world for future generations. The poem suggests that we have a responsibility to act as stewards of the environment and to take steps to mitigate our negative impact on nature. This message is a core theme in naturalist literature, which seeks to inspire action to protect the natural world. By emphasizing the importance of conservation, the poem encourages us to take concrete steps to protect the environment and to ensure that it remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.

Appreciating the Value of Simplicity

Finally, the poem shows an appreciation for the simple beauty of nature, highlighting the naturalist value of simplicity and rejecting the excesses of modern life. By celebrating the beauty of nature and rejecting the excesses of modern society, the poem encourages us to see the value of simplicity and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This appreciation for simplicity is a core theme in naturalist literature, which seeks to challenge the idea that material possessions are the key to happiness and fulfillment. By showing an appreciation for simplicity, the poem encourages us to live more sustainable, mindful lives and to see the value of preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations.

Why Sympathy is a Naturalist Poem

The Story of a Caged Bird

Sympathy is a naturalist poem that describes the feelings of a caged bird. The poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar, uses the bird as a metaphor for the plight of African Americans in the late 19th century. The bird is trapped in a cage, unable to fly freely in the sky, just as African Americans were trapped in a society that denied them their basic rights and freedoms.

The bird in the poem is described as being bruised and beaten with wings clipped and feet tied. This vivid imagery highlights the suffering experienced by African Americans who were subjected to physical abuse and forced into slavery. The bird's cries for freedom are ignored, just as the pleas of African Americans for equality and justice were often met with indifference or hostility.

Empathic Voice and Tone

The poem Sympathy is written in an empathic voice and tone. The poet expresses understanding and compassion for the bird's suffering, and by extension, for the suffering of African Americans. The use of first-person perspective, such as I know why and I know what, creates a sense of empathy and connection between the poet and the reader.

The tone of the poem is mournful and reflective. The use of repetition, such as I know why and Alas!, emphasizes the poet's sense of sorrow and lamentation. However, there is also a sense of hopefulness and resilience in the poem, as the bird continues to sing despite its captivity. This can be seen as a metaphor for the strength and perseverance of African Americans in the face of adversity.

Table Information

Keyword	Description
Naturalist poem	A type of poetry that emphasizes the role of nature and the natural world in human life, often focusing on the darker aspects of human existence.
Caged bird	A metaphor for the suffering experienced by African Americans in a society that denied them their basic rights and freedoms.
Empathic voice and tone	The use of language that expresses understanding, compassion, and connection with the subject matter.
Mournful and reflective tone	A tone that conveys a sense of sadness and contemplation.
Hopefulness and resilience	A sense of optimism and strength in the face of adversity.

Closing Message

Thank you for taking the time to read this article about why Sympathy is a naturalist poem. We hope that you found it informative and insightful. As you may have learned, one reason why Sympathy can be considered a naturalist poem is its emphasis on the natural world and the relationship between humans and nature.

Throughout the poem, the speaker draws upon natural imagery to convey his feelings of isolation and confinement. He compares himself to a caged bird, which is a powerful symbol for the restrictions that society places on individuals. The bird's desire for freedom is a natural impulse, just as the speaker's desire for autonomy is a natural human instinct.

Additionally, the poem highlights the brutal realities of life and the harsh conditions that people must endure. The speaker describes the oppressive heat and the cruel treatment that he has experienced, which are both natural elements in the world. By emphasizing these details, the poem underscores the idea that humans are subject to the same forces as all other living things.

We also explored how the poem reflects the principles of naturalism, a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century. Naturalism sought to portray life as it really was, without idealizing or romanticizing it. Sympathy does exactly that, showing the bleakness and brutality of the speaker's situation with unflinching honesty.

Furthermore, we discussed the role of empathy in naturalist literature. Empathy, or the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, is a crucial element in naturalist writing. By placing the reader in the shoes of the speaker, Sympathy invites us to experience his pain and frustration firsthand. Through this empathic connection, we gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the natural world.

In conclusion, Sympathy is a powerful naturalist poem that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Through its use of natural imagery, harsh realities, and empathic connection, the poem offers a poignant commentary on the human experience. We hope that this article has helped you to appreciate the poem's naturalist themes and to see how they contribute to its enduring significance.

Thank you once again for visiting our blog, and we encourage you to continue exploring the rich world of literature and poetry.