Franklin Jones by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Franklin Jones
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The poem presents the reflections of a man who laments his untimely death and the unfulfilled potential of his inventions, particularly a flying machine. He expresses a desire for more time to realize his dreams and achieve recognition. The imagery of the workman attempting to sculpt a dove, which instead resembles a chicken, symbolizes the disparity between aspiration and reality. The speaker contemplates the futility of life, comparing human existence to that of a chicken, destined for the block, while contrasting it with the vision of an angelic intellect that perceives the inevitable end. The speaker's thoughts reveal a deep sense of frustration and irony regarding human ambition and mortality. He recognizes that despite having grand ideas and the capacity for greatness, life can be reduced to mundane outcomes. The metaphor of being "hatched" and "running about the yard" underscores the limitations imposed by life’s circumstances, suggesting that many individuals may never escape their predetermined paths. The poem delves into themes of ambition, creativity, and the harsh realities of life. It raises questions about the nature of success and the impact of time on human endeavors. The speaker's yearning for another year highlights the urgency of artistic and personal fulfillment, while the mention of the angel's brain suggests a longing for higher understanding and insight that transcends ordinary existence. Ultimately, the work reflects on the tension between aspiration and the constraints of reality, illustrating the struggle of individuals to leave a mark on the world despite the inevitability of death. The poignant realization that one's dreams may remain unrealized serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition, emphasizing the fragility of life and the relentless passage of time.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical · 104 words

First lines

If I could have lived another year I could have finished my flying machine, And become rich and famous.

Hence it is fitting the workman Who tried to chisel a dove for me Made it look more like a chicken.

For what is it all but being hatched, And running about the yard, To the day of the block?

Save that a man has an angel's brain, And sees the ax from the first!

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Franklin Jones is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1901 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Modernist, Biography
Length: 104 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Literary Fiction — The themes explore existential thoughts and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
Philosophical — The text delves into philosophical reflections on life, ambition, and mortality.
Modernist — The style reflects modernist elements, focusing on individual perception and abstract concepts.