Poor Devil! by Stephen Vincent Benet
The narrative follows a protagonist who, disillusioned with life, contemplates suicide as an escape from the burdens of existence. After attempting to end his life with a pistol, he discovers that he has not achieved his desired release. Instead of finding peace in death, he becomes trapped in a state of existential despair, confronted by the same world he sought to escape. The protagonist experiences a profound sense of betrayal and helplessness, realizing that he is now eternally bound to the life he wished to leave behind. This new existence is marked by a heightened awareness of his suffering, as he grapples with the futility of his actions and the inescapable nature of reality. The work explores themes of mortality, the human condition, and the paradox of seeking freedom through death, ultimately revealing the protagonist's deepening anguish and the relentless grip of life.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Dark Humor · 284 words
First lines
Well, I was tired of life; the silly folk, The tiresome noises, all the common things I loved once, crushed me with an iron yoke.
I longed for the cool quiet and the dark, Under the common sod where louts and kings Lie down, serene, unheeding, careless, stark, Never to rise or move or feel again, Filled with the ecstasy of being dead.
I put the shining pistol to my head And pulled the trigger hard -- I felt no pain, No pain at all; the pistol had missed fire I thought; then, looking at the floor, I saw My huddled body lying there -- and awe Swept over me. I trembled -- and looked up.
What this Textopian page supports
Poor Devil! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Stephen Vincent Benet, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Stephen Vincent Benet
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Dark Humor, Philosophical, Tragedy
- Length: 284 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Existentialism — The themes explore the nature of existence, despair, and the human condition.
- Dark Humor — The juxtaposition of death and the absurdity of life reflects a darkly humorous perspective.
- Philosophical — The text engages with deep philosophical questions about life, death, and meaning.
Tags
existentialism · death · despair · life · suicide · rebirth · trapped · eternity · suffering · irony · self-reflection · mortality