A Thanksgiving Poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
This blog post delves into the richness of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, “Thanksgiving.” In this exploration, we will not only dissect the poem’s themes and imagery but also take a brief look into the life of the poet himself. Through a succinct analysis, we aim to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within Dunbar’s work, offering insights into his profound literary contributions.
Join us as we unravel the beauty and significance of both the poem and the poet behind it.
Literary reading: A Thanksgiving Poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
A Thanksgiving Poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
The sun hath shed its kindly light,
Our harvesting is gladly o’er
Our fields have felt no killing blight,
Our bins are filled with goodly store.
From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword
We have been spared by thy decree,
And now with humble hearts, O Lord,
We come to pay our thanks to thee.
We feel that had our merits been
The measure of thy gifts to us,
We erring children, born of sin,
Might not now be rejoicing thus.
No deed of our hath brought us grace;
When thou were nigh our sight was dull,
We hid in trembling from thy face,
But thou, O God, wert merciful.
Thy mighty hand o’er all the land
Hath still been open to bestow
Those blessings which our wants demand
From heaven, whence all blessings flow.
Thou hast, with ever watchful eye,
Looked down on us with holy care,
And from thy storehouse in the sky
Hast scattered plenty everywhere.
Then lift we up our songs of praise
To thee, O Father, good and kind;
To thee we consecrate our days;
Be thine the temple of each mind.
With incense sweet our thanks ascend;
Before thy works our powers pall;
Though we should strive years without end,
We could not thank thee for them all.
by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Who is Paul Laurence Dunbar?
Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was an acclaimed African American poet, novelist, and playwright born in Dayton, Ohio. Despite facing racial discrimination, Dunbar’s talent for writing poetry emerged early, and he gained recognition for his use of African American dialect in his works. Addressing themes of love, race, and the human experience, Dunbar became a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing significantly to African American literature. Despite challenges, he published numerous volumes of poetry, novels, and essays, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering African American writer.
Analysis of the poem
“Thanksgiving” by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards a higher power for the abundance and protection bestowed upon the speaker and their community. Through vivid imagery and sincere language, the poet reflects on the blessings of a bountiful harvest, the absence of calamities, and the overarching providence of God. The poem resonates with themes of humility, acknowledging human frailty and sinfulness, juxtaposed with the divine mercy and grace that have sustained them. It conveys a sense of awe and reverence towards the generosity of the divine, prompting the speaker and the readers to reflect on the blessings they’ve received and to offer thanks and devotion in return.
Themes in “Thanksgiving” by Paul Laurence Dunbar:
- Gratitude: The poem expresses profound gratitude towards a higher power for the abundance and protection bestowed upon the community.
- Humility: There is an acknowledgment of human fallibility and sinfulness, underscoring the idea that blessings are not earned through merit but are gifts of divine grace.
- Divine Providence: The belief in the providence of God is central, as the speaker attributes the blessings of the harvest and protection from calamities to divine intervention.
- Recognition of Blessings: The poem reflects on the abundance provided by God, emphasizing the plenty that has been bestowed upon them despite their unworthiness.
- Devotion and Consecration: There is a call to consecrate one’s days to God, offering praise and worship, and seeking to dedicate one’s life to divine service.
- Inadequacy of Thanks: Despite the attempt to express gratitude, the speaker acknowledges the impossibility of fully thanking God for all His blessings, highlighting the overwhelming nature of divine generosity.
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