Scorn by David Park Barnitz (1867)
The work explores themes of death, decay, and the torment of existence. The speaker expresses a profound sense of despair and abandonment, feeling like a mere corpse subject to the whims of nature's scavengers. The imagery of worms and toads symbolizes the degradation of the body and the inevitability of mortality. The speaker's scorn is directed at those who have contributed to their suffering, suggesting a deep resentment towards life and the forces that govern it. The tone is dark and reflective, emphasizing the futility of resistance against the decay that comes with death. The work ultimately grapples with the tension between life and death, highlighting the emotional and physical torment that accompanies the end of existence. The speaker's disdain for their condition serves as a powerful commentary on the human experience of mortality and the struggle against the inevitable.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Dark Romanticism, Gothic Literature · 130 words
First lines
Dead am I, and ye triumph o'er me dead, Ye that within mine eyes have found your home, Ye that are soft and blind and white like foam, Ye that have made of me your meat and bread.
Unto the worms I am abandoned;
Over my flesh their loathed cohorts roam;
Upon my heart whereto their hosts have clomb Their hungry lips shall evermore be fed.
What this Textopian page supports
Scorn is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Dark Romanticism, Gothic Literature, Philosophical Literature, Tragedy
- Length: 130 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Scorn by David Park Barnitz
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of death and decay.
- Dark Romanticism — The themes of death, despair, and the grotesque align with the characteristics of Dark Romanticism.
- Gothic Literature — The imagery of decay and the macabre elements reflect the conventions of Gothic literature.
- Philosophical Literature — The exploration of existential themes and the nature of life and death suggests a philosophical underpinning.
Tags
Dark Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime · Thriller · Gothic · Atmospheric · Ominous · Foreboding · Tense · Haunting