Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Crash" by Elizabeth Alexander is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of survival, racial and gender biases, and the resilience of women, particularly women of color. The poem narrates a fictional plane crash and uses it as a metaphor to delve into deeper social and personal issues.

Surviving a Plane Crash:

The poem begins with the speaker, a woman, being the last to exit a plane that has crashed in a cornfield near Philadelphia. The imagery of picking through "hot metal for my rucksack and diaper bag" immediately introduces a sense of urgency and survival, emphasizing the speaker's practical concerns in the midst of chaos.

The Pilot as a Symbol of Resilience:

The pilot, referred to as "sistergirl," is a central figure in the poem. Her survival and composure, as she wipes soot from her eyes, symbolize strength and resilience. The detail that "Her dreadlocks / will hold the smoke for weeks" adds a poignant and lasting reminder of the incident, intertwining her identity with the experience of the crash.

Racial and Gender Prejudices:

A significant turn in the poem occurs with the revelation that "All the white passengers bailed out / before impact, so certain a sister / couldn’t navigate the crash." This reflects deep-seated racial and gender prejudices, where the passengers’ lack of faith in the pilot's abilities is attributed to her being a black woman. The phrase "O ye of little faith" underscores this critique of biased perceptions and unwarranted doubts.

Survival and Solidarity:

The poem then moves to a scene of solidarity and celebration. The speaker invites the pilot to her parents' home for dinner, a gesture of gratitude and recognition of their shared experience. The meal of "roast chicken with gravy and rice" symbolizes comfort, familial warmth, and a return to normalcy after a traumatic event.

Celebration of Life and Overcoming Adversity:

The final lines, "Here we are in the cornfield, bruised and dirty but alive," emphasize survival against the odds. The poem concludes on a note of triumph and resilience, celebrating life and the ability to overcome adversity.

In summary, "Crash" by Elizabeth Alexander is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that uses the metaphor of a plane crash to explore deeper issues of racial and gender bias, resilience, and solidarity. Through vivid imagery and a narrative of survival, Alexander highlights the strength and endurance of women, particularly black women, in the face of societal prejudices and challenges. The poem is a testament to the power of unity and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.

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