A. D. Nineteen Hundred
The poem presents a grim and foreboding vision of the early 20th century, marked by the looming threats of war, famine, and disease. It opens with a stark portrayal of these calamities as heralds of the new century, emphasizing their overwhelming presence and the pervasive atmosphere of dread they create. The imagery evokes a sense of impending doom, with references to corpses and tombs, suggesting a world on the brink of destruction. As the poem progresses, it contrasts the ideals of civilization and Christianity with the harsh realities of violence and death. The nations are depicted as monstrous entities, engaged in a chaotic struggle that foreshadows an apocalyptic scenario. The speaker questions the validity of humanity's claims to progress and morality in light of the devastation wrought by conflict. The tone is one of despair and disillusionment, reflecting a deep skepticism about the future. The poem serves as a critique of the era's optimism, highlighting the stark divide between the aspirations of civilization and the brutal truths of human existence. The imagery of death and destruction dominates, creating a powerful commentary on the state of the world as it enters a new century fraught with uncertainty and peril.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Apocalyptic Fiction · 156 words
First lines
War and Disaster, Famine and Pestilence, Vaunt-couriers of the Century that comes, Behold them shaking their tremendous plumes Above the world! where all the air grows dense With rumors of destruction and a sense, Cadaverous, of corpses and of tombs Predestined; while, -- like monsters in the glooms, -- Bristling with battle, shadowy and immense, The Nations rise in wild apocalypse. -- Where now the boast Earth makes of civilization? Its brag of Christianity? -- In vain We seek to see them in the dread eclipse Of hell and horror, all the devastation Of Death triumphant on his hills of slain.
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A. D. Nineteen Hundred is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Apocalyptic Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 156 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around war, destruction, and the consequences of conflict.
- Apocalyptic Fiction — The imagery and themes suggest a focus on impending doom and societal collapse.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques civilization and humanity's failures in the face of disaster.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Early 20th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Stream-of-Consciousness · Free Verse