Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Charles Baudelaire wrote vivid and eclectic poems about the social afflictions affecting the societies in which they lived. Both poets are brilliant at painting vivid portraits for the readers with incredibly descriptive imagery and descriptive depictions. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem, “The Cry of the Children,” and Charles Baudelaire’s poem, “To the Reader,” are similar in the regard that they depict social afflictions affecting their society. It is important to note that those these poems are similar in this regard, the way the poets handle presenting these themes and elements differ immensely. The contrast in these poems are shown by the differences in societal afflictions, thematic elements, imagery,
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“The Cry of the Children” is a poem filled with depressing depictions of child cruelty forced upon the by corrupt political labor practices. Elizabeth describes these horrors and atrocities by writing through the mouths of babes and having the children semi-narrate their own feelings about death and life. The children in this poem see death as a respite from the harsh conditions in which they live and work. They welcome death as a time of rest from the hard work they are forced to do during their time on earth. Understandably, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is upset that she has to bear witness to children in real life go through these unfair conditions, and this poem shows her disapproval with the political class that’s letting it happen. In Charles Baudelaire’s poem, “To the Reader,” he creates a portrait of a time where society is filled with humans who are giving in to life’s vices and corruptions. This is much different than the afflictions facing Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s society, because unlike her society, Baudelaire’s peers’ pain is self inflicted. Instead of an outside force, such as a political party, the afflictions are entirely self created and sustained. Baudelaire recognizes this fact, and he laments the debauchery that plagues his fellow countrymen. He consistently shows his disdain and …show more content…
Browning’s poem, “The Cry of the Children,” is an honorable endeavor to change the corrupt labor practices put in place by corrupt politicians. It beautifully establishes clear thematic elements and builds upon them to create a riveting commentary on social injustice in her society. Charle’s Baudelaire’s “To the Reader” keeps the commentary focused on the human spirit and its tendency to easily fall into corruption. His poem creates a commentary that skews criticizing society in general, and instead criticizes the reader. This forces the reader to search their own morality to find if they are the hypocrites that Baudelaire describes at the end of the poem. Both poets create meaningful narrative in their own unique way by imploring commentary about their unique societal afflictions, using strong thematic elements, crafting dark imagery, and having differing, but equally impactful purposes for creating these works of art. These poems are brilliantly written, and will continue to impress readers for years to
“The Cry of the Children” is a poem filled with depressing depictions of child cruelty forced upon the by corrupt political labor practices. Elizabeth describes these horrors and atrocities by writing through the mouths of babes and having the children semi-narrate their own feelings about death and life. The children in this poem see death as a respite from the harsh conditions in which they live and work. They welcome death as a time of rest from the hard work they are forced to do during their time on earth. Understandably, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is upset that she has to bear witness to children in real life go through these unfair conditions, and this poem shows her disapproval with the political class that’s letting it happen. In Charles Baudelaire’s poem, “To the Reader,” he creates a portrait of a time where society is filled with humans who are giving in to life’s vices and corruptions. This is much different than the afflictions facing Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s society, because unlike her society, Baudelaire’s peers’ pain is self inflicted. Instead of an outside force, such as a political party, the afflictions are entirely self created and sustained. Baudelaire recognizes this fact, and he laments the debauchery that plagues his fellow countrymen. He consistently shows his disdain and …show more content…
Browning’s poem, “The Cry of the Children,” is an honorable endeavor to change the corrupt labor practices put in place by corrupt politicians. It beautifully establishes clear thematic elements and builds upon them to create a riveting commentary on social injustice in her society. Charle’s Baudelaire’s “To the Reader” keeps the commentary focused on the human spirit and its tendency to easily fall into corruption. His poem creates a commentary that skews criticizing society in general, and instead criticizes the reader. This forces the reader to search their own morality to find if they are the hypocrites that Baudelaire describes at the end of the poem. Both poets create meaningful narrative in their own unique way by imploring commentary about their unique societal afflictions, using strong thematic elements, crafting dark imagery, and having differing, but equally impactful purposes for creating these works of art. These poems are brilliantly written, and will continue to impress readers for years to