Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Epigram: 3. An Old Story" by Howard Nemerov is a succinct and insightful commentary on societal conformity and the loss of innocence and honesty. The poem draws from the famous tale "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen, using it as a framework to explore themes of perception, deception, and the courage to speak the truth.

The poem begins by describing a scene where "They gathered shouting crowds along the road / To praise His Majesty's satin and cloth-of-gold." This imagery conjures a grand spectacle where the public is eager to admire and celebrate the emperor's opulent attire. The use of "satin and cloth-of-gold" emphasizes the luxurious and ornate nature of the emperor's clothing, which is central to the illusion being maintained.

However, the illusion is shattered by the innocent honesty of children: "But 'Naked! Naked!' the children cried." This line echoes the pivotal moment in Andersen's story where a child's straightforward observation reveals the truth that everyone else is either too afraid or too conditioned to acknowledge. The children's cry serves as a metaphor for the clarity and purity of vision that can cut through deception and pretension.

Nemerov then contrasts this moment of revelation with the present: "Now when the gaudy clothes ride down the street / No child is found sufficiently indiscreet / To whisper 'No Majesty's inside.'" This shift to the present tense suggests a change over time. The "gaudy clothes" still parade, symbolizing ongoing pretensions and false displays of grandeur. However, the absence of a child willing to speak the truth indicates a loss of innocence and a prevailing conformity. The use of "sufficiently indiscreet" highlights how discretion and societal norms now suppress the truth-telling that once came naturally to children.

Through these lines, Nemerov critiques contemporary society's tendency to uphold illusions and discourage honest dissent. The poem suggests that the bravery and honesty needed to call out deception have been diminished, leaving a populace that passively accepts appearances without questioning the substance behind them.

"Epigram: 3. An Old Story" employs a familiar narrative to deliver a powerful message about the importance of truth and the dangers of conformity. Nemerov's concise and pointed language captures the essence of the original tale while extending its implications to a broader societal context. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own willingness to see and speak the truth, challenging them to resist the pressures of conformity and maintain the courage of their convictions.

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