Justice Arnett by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Justice Arnett
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The narrative unfolds through the voice of a retired judge reflecting on his life and career, grappling with the weight of his past decisions and the passage of time. The judge's musings are triggered by a physical incident involving an old docket, which symbolizes the accumulated experiences and judgments he has made over the decades. He acknowledges the physical pain caused by the docket but quickly shifts focus to the metaphorical implications of its contents. The leaves of the docket represent the days of his life, each entry a reminder of the cases he presided over, the lives he impacted, and the moral complexities he faced. The judge's introspection reveals a deep sense of regret and contemplation about justice, morality, and the human condition. As he reflects on his role in the judicial system, he questions the nature of justice itself, pondering whether he truly served it or merely upheld the law. The judge's thoughts are interspersed with vivid imagery and a sense of urgency, as he confronts the reality of aging and the inevitability of death. He grapples with the idea that his legacy is tied to the decisions he made, which may have had far-reaching consequences beyond his understanding. Throughout the work, there is a tension between the ideal of justice and the flawed nature of humanity. The judge's reflections serve as a critique of the legal system, highlighting its limitations and the often arbitrary nature of justice. He recognizes that the law cannot account for the complexities of human emotions and relationships, leading to a sense of disillusionment. The narrative culminates in a poignant realization that life is a series of choices, each with its own weight and significance. The judge's journey is one of self-examination, ultimately leading him to a deeper understanding of his own humanity and the shared struggles of those he judged. The work encapsulates themes of regret, the search for meaning, and the quest for redemption, leaving readers to ponder the true essence of justice in a flawed world.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Philosophical Fiction · 241 words

First lines

It is true, fellow citizens, / That my old docket lying there for years / On a shelf above my head and over / The seat of justice, I say it is true / That docket had an iron rim / Which gashed my baldness when it fell --

(Somehow I think it was shaken loose / By the heave of the air all over town / When the gasoline tank at the canning works / Blew up and burned Butch Weldy) --

But let us argue points in order, / And reason the whole case carefully:

First I concede my head was cut, / But second the frightful thing was this:

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Justice Arnett is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1914 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Drama, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Satire
Length: 241 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Drama — The text presents a monologue that suggests a theatrical performance, focusing on character and dialogue.
Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore deep questions of justice, time, and existence, prompting reflection on moral and existential issues.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in imagery, characteristic of literary fiction.