An Election Night Pantoum
This poem is a satirical commentary on the American electoral process, specifically targeting the media's role in shaping public opinion and influencing election outcomes. It critiques the sensationalized reporting of election results, highlighting how news outlets often prioritize drama and excitement over factual accuracy and nuanced analysis. The poem also touches on the theme of voter manipulation, suggesting that politicians and their allies may use various tactics to sway public opinion and secure votes. Through its use of language and form, the pantoum creates a sense of rhythm and repetition, mirroring the cyclical nature of election cycles and the ways in which they can become all-consuming and divisive. The poem's tone is one of wry humor and irony, with the speaker using sarcasm and understatement to highlight the absurdities and hypocrisies of the electoral process.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 308 words
First lines
Gaze at the good-natured crowd, List to the noise and the rattle! Heavens! that woman is loud -- Loud as the din of a battle.
List to the noise and the rattle! Hark to the honk of the horn Loud as the din of a battle! There! My new overcoat's torn!
What this Textopian page supports
An Election Night Pantoum is listed on Textopian as a poem by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1920 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Franklin P. Adams
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 308 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a pantoum, a specific form of poetry characterized by repeating lines and a fixed rhyme scheme.
- Satire — The poem uses humor and exaggeration to critique the chaotic and unruly behavior of a crowd during an election night.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal behaviors and norms, particularly focusing on public conduct and decorum during a public event.
- Humor — The poem employs comedic elements, such as hyperbole and irony, to entertain while delivering its message.
Tags
Pantoum · Poetry · Satire · Politics · Election · Literary Device · Verse Form · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Humor · Social Commentary · Critique of Politics