The Paradox
Paul Laurence Dunbar
I am the mother of sorrows,
I am the ender of grief;
I am the bud and the blossom,
I am the late-falling leaf.I am thy priest and thy poet,
I am thy serf and thy king;
I cure the tears of the heartsick,
When I come near they shall sing.White are my hands as the snowdrop;
Swart are my fingers as clay;
Dark is my frown as the midnight,
Fair is my brow as the day.Battle and war are my minions,
Doing my will as divine;
I am the calmer of passions,
Peace is a nursling of mine.Speak to me gently or curse me,
Seek me or fly from my sight;
I am thy fool in the morning,
Thou art my slave in the night.Down to the grave will I take thee,
Out from the noise of the strife;
Then shalt thou see me and know me—
Death, then, no longer, but life.Then shalt thou sing at my coming,
Kiss me with passionate breath,
Clasp me and smile to have thought me
Aught save the foeman of Death.Come to me, brother, when weary,
Come when thy lonely heart swells;
I’ll guide thy footsteps and lead thee
Down where the Dream Woman dwells.
Summary of The Paradox
Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Paradox” is a fascinating exploration of duality and the inherent contradictions within life itself. Published in 1895 in his collection Lyrics of the Hearthside, the poem personifies paradox as a powerful, multi‑faceted entity that embodies opposing forces—sorrow and relief, beginning and end, strength and servitude. Dunbar beautifully demonstrates how these opposing forces are not mutually exclusive but are intertwined and essential to the human experience.
At its core, the poem suggests that everything possesses a paradoxical nature. The “Paradox” is simultaneously a creator and destroyer, a healer and a source of pain. It is both powerful king and humble servant. This complexity is not something to fear or reject, but something to embrace and understand. The poem culminates in the idea that even in the face of death there is life, and accepting this paradoxical nature can bring about peace and understanding.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Knowledge
The central idea of “The Paradox” revolves around the acceptance of life’s inherent contradictions. Dunbar masterfully illustrates that opposites can coexist and even define one another. It is not about choosing one side of a duality, but recognizing the value and necessity of both.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its exploration of these complex themes through personification. By giving the abstract concept of paradox a voice and agency, Dunbar makes it relatable and allows us to contemplate its implications on a personal level. This technique invites the reader into an emotional and imaginative engagement with the concept. The poem also offers a comforting message—that even in death there is a continuation of life, a transformation, and a potential for renewed understanding.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used In The Paradox
Dunbar skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s impact and convey its central themes. These techniques contribute to the poem’s richness, complexity, and overall effectiveness.
Assonance and Alliteration
Dunbar uses assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, and alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create musicality and rhythm within the poem. The long “e” sound in lines such as “Then shalt thou see me and know me” contributes to a flowing cadence. Alliteration, such as the repetition of the “f” sound in “fly from,” adds texture and emphasis.
Anaphora
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is powerfully used in the poem. The repeated phrase “I am…” in the opening stanzas establishes the voice of the Paradox and emphasizes its multifaceted nature. This repetition acts as a rhetorical device, drawing the reader’s attention and reinforcing the Paradox’s claim to encompass all opposing forces.
Consonance
The use of consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, adds to the musicality and reinforces certain themes. For example, the repetition of the “r” sound in “Down where the Dream Woman dwells” creates a sense of fluidity and mystery. Similarly, in “Battle and war are my minions,” the repetition of the “w” sound emphasizes the power and dominance of the Paradox.
Enjambment
Dunbar utilizes enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, to create a sense of momentum and flow. Consider the lines:
Come when thy lonely heart swells;
I’ll guide thy footsteps and lead thee
Down where the Dream Woman dwells.
The enjambment in these lines creates a smooth transition between thoughts and emphasizes the connection between sorrow and solace, loneliness and guidance.
Imagery
The poem is rich in imagery, appealing to the reader’s senses and creating vivid mental pictures. The lines “White are my hands as the snowdrop” and “Swart are my fingers as clay” create a striking visual contrast, symbolizing the dualities inherent in life. The imagery used throughout the poem effectively conveys the complex and multifaceted nature of the Paradox.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor, with the Paradox itself representing the inherent contradictions and dualities of existence. Images of light and darkness, life and death, strength and weakness all serve as symbols, adding layers of meaning to the poem. The “Dream Woman” at the end can be interpreted as a symbol of peace, acceptance, or the ultimate resolution of life’s paradoxes.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in The Paradox
Beyond literary devices, Dunbar employs specific poetic techniques to shape the poem’s structure and enhance its meaning.
Diction and Tone
Dunbar’s diction is relatively simple and accessible, yet imbued with a sense of dignity and solemnity. The tone of the poem is complex; it is both reassuring and unsettling, inviting contemplation rather than providing easy answers. The language creates an atmosphere of mystery and wonder, drawing the reader into the paradoxical world that Dunbar presents.
Quatrains
The poem is structured in quatrains, four‑line stanzas that provide a sense of balance and harmony. The consistent use of quatrains contributes to the poem’s overall rhythm and flow.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem consistently employs an AABB rhyme scheme throughout its stanzas. This regular rhyme scheme creates a sense of musicality and reinforces the poem’s overall structure, offering comfort and stability amidst its exploration of complex themes.
Stanza Form
The poem consists of eight stanzas, each containing four lines. This consistent stanza form mirrors the poem’s exploration of opposing forces and supports its rhythmic unity.
Through careful use of literary and poetic devices, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Paradox” transcends a simple philosophical statement and becomes a profound exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to embrace the complexities and contradictions inherent in life.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “The Paradox” are appropriate to quote when consoling someone.
Come to me, brother, when weary,
Come when thy lonely heart swells;
I’ll guide thy footsteps and lead thee
Down where the Dream Woman dwells.