Rain after a Vaudeville Show
The narrative unfolds in a theater setting, where the protagonist exits a vaudeville show into a contrasting world marked by a sudden downpour. The atmosphere inside the theater is stifling, filled with the unpleasant odors of sweat, smoke, and cheap perfume, embodied by a lackluster performance. Upon stepping outside, the protagonist is struck by the beauty of the rain, which transforms the mundane urban landscape into something vibrant and alive. The rain serves as a cleansing force, invigorating the environment and evoking a sense of renewal. It contrasts sharply with the artificiality of the theater, symbolizing a deeper connection to nature and the essence of life. The protagonist experiences a profound emotional response, feeling a surge of joy and vitality as the rain revitalizes the world around him. The imagery of the rain is rich and sensory, depicting its sounds, smells, and visual impact on the city. As the rain pours down, it creates a sense of urgency, driving people to seek shelter while simultaneously beautifying the streets and buildings. The protagonist embraces this chaos, finding solace and exhilaration in the storm. The rain becomes a metaphor for rebirth and the triumph of beauty over the drudgery of everyday life. The work culminates in a celebration of life, nature, and the transformative power of a simple rainstorm, highlighting the contrast between the artificial and the authentic.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1940 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Modernist Poetry · 357 words
First lines
The last pose flickered, failed. The screen's dead white Glared in a sudden flooding of harsh light Stabbing the eyes; and as I stumbled out The curtain rose. A fat girl with a pout And legs like hams, began to sing "His Mother".
Gusts of bad air rose in a choking smother; Smoke, the wet steam of clothes, the stench of plush, Powder, cheap perfume, mingled in a rush.
What this Textopian page supports
Rain after a Vaudeville Show is listed on Textopian as a poem by Stephen Vincent Benet, dated 1940 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: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry, Urban Poetry
- Length: 357 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Rain after a Vaudeville Show by Stephen Vincent Benet
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses deep emotions and vivid imagery, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The use of precise visual images and sensory details aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Modernist Poetry — The poem reflects modernist themes of beauty and existential struggle in a contemporary setting.
- Nature Poetry — The depiction of rain and its transformative effects on the environment highlights themes of nature.
Tags
poetry · nature · beauty · urban · rain · vaudeville · contrast · emotion · imagery · transformation · life · struggle