There can be no denial about the fact that poetry has immense power to inculcate the masses with the revolutionary thoughts that have the potential to subvert the immoralities or shortcomings of the society. The literary artists use their aesthetic quintessence and grip over the form of art to appeal to the avid readers of their poetry and incite their minds with the revolutionary or subversive thoughts that have the capacity to bring change in the society or the system. As such, one can delve into specific texts that embody this zeal of subversive attitude and affective charm. Nazim Hikmet’s poem, Regarding Art, can be cited to be one of the best examples of poetry that imbibes the human heart with the spirit of change and freedom. Again, the poem, Black Woman, by Leopold Sedar Senghor goes on to portray the issue of racism and speaks for change in the society and perspective. On the other hand, To New York by Leopold Sedar Senghor can very well be described to be a very close commentary on the society, civilization and psyche. Thus, all these three poetic works aim to imbibe the readers with a specific kind of perspective and teaches them to see the world differently.
The primary aim of the proposed paper would be to incorporate the evidence and citations from the three poetic works that are involved. The poems are quite different in their approach, but all aim at transforming and adding to the perspective of the readers and incite change in their hearts. The societal issues that are raised in the respective poetic works hog the attention of the readers from the very inception of the writings. As such, Hikmet is found to pen, “But my/ poetry’s muse/ takes to the air/ on wings made of steel/ like the I-beams/ of my suspension bridges!” (Hikmet 324) These lines portray the immense power of the literary artist’s poetic vision and creativity that transcends the barriers of the society and the world around. Likewise, in the poem, Black Woman, the poet pens, “And your beauty strikes me to the heart, like the flash of an eagle.” (Senghor n.d.) The poem speaks of a societal change and brings in a better perspective about the black community while the world has seen extreme cases of racism and discrimination meted out to the people of the black community. On the other hand, To New York by Leopold Sedar Senghor goes on to evoke the thoughts of the readers as the poems ends with a resonating remark as the poet pens, “Just open your eyes to the April rainbow/ And your ears, especially your ears, To God.” (Senghor 589)
Hence, it would be correct to conclude this proposal by saying that delving deep into these three poems would provide immense potential for exploring the latent side of the human mind that has the courage and perspective to ask questions or see things differently. The aim of the writing would be to explore this potential of the form of art to engage and condition the human minds to think subversively or question the societal institutions. Thus, poetry surely works as a very constructive way of bringing in societal change all over. The quotes from the poems in context and the subsequent analysis in the proposed paper would ensure a comprehensive process of focusing on the issues that are there in the world among people of cultures and communities all over.
Works Cited
Hikmet, Nazim. “Regarding Art.” Text. p. 323.
Senghor, Leopold Sedar. “To New York.” Text. p. 589.
Senghor, Leopold Sedar. “Black Woman.” Text.
