Alas for Man
The poem explores the inherent flaws and contradictions of humanity, emphasizing the internal struggle between reason and disorder. It presents a bleak view of man's nature, suggesting that from the beginning, individuals carry within them a destructive element that corrupts their essence. This internal chaos is depicted as an invading force that ultimately overwhelms rational thought, leading to a state of mania and despair. The speaker laments the inability of man to recognize and confront this inner turmoil, particularly the insidious nature of greed, which is portrayed as a trusted yet treacherous companion. The poem suggests that had man been more introspective and proactive in addressing his flaws, he might have achieved a noble end, either by overcoming his weaknesses or by dying with dignity. The imagery of a headsman's cart symbolizes the ultimate consequence of unchecked disorder, while the notion of dying a king reflects the desire for a meaningful legacy. The work serves as a meditation on the human condition, highlighting the tragic irony of existence where self-betrayal leads to downfall. It calls for self-awareness and the courage to confront one's inner demons to avoid a fate of regret and chaos.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1931 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Tragic Literature · 142 words
First lines
Alas for Man, so stealthily betrayed, Bearing the bad cell in him from the start, Pumping and feeding from his healthy heart
That wild disorder never to be stayed
When once established, destined to invade
With angry hordes the true and proper part, Till Reason joggles in the headsman's cart, And Mania spits from every balustrade.
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Alas for Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1931 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Date: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Tragic Literature, Romanticism, Social Critique
- Length: 142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a sonnet, showcasing Millay's mastery of poetic form and language.
- Philosophical Literature — The poem explores deep themes of human nature, morality, and existentialism.
- Tragic Literature — The themes of betrayal, greed, and the inevitability of human flaws contribute to a tragic tone.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Tragedy · Loss · Grief · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophical · Melancholy · Sorrow · Longing · Despair · Futility
More by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Renascence and Other Poems (1912)
- Second April: SPRING (1921)
- Second April: CITY TREES (1921)
- Second April: THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG (1921)
- Second April: JOURNEY (1921)
- Second April: EEL-GRASS (1921)
- Second April: ELEGY BEFORE DEATH (1921)
- Second April: THE BEAN-STALK (1921)
- All works by Edna St. Vincent Millay