The Load of Sugar-Cane by Wallace Stevens
"The Load of Sugar-Cane" by Wallace Stevens is a poem that explores the imagery and sensory experiences associated with a boat journey through a lush, natural landscape. The poem opens with a comparison of the boat's movement to the flow of water, emphasizing a seamless and natural progression. The setting is rich with visual elements, such as green saw-grass and rainbows, which are likened to birds, suggesting a vibrant and dynamic environment. The presence of the boatman, marked by his red turban, adds a human element to the scene, while the sound of the wind and the call of kildeer birds contribute to the auditory landscape. The poem captures a moment of harmony between human activity and the natural world, using vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the beauty and fluidity of the experience.
By Wallace Stevens · First published 1923 · Genre: Modernist Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Lyrical Poetry · 78 words
First lines
The going of the glade-boat / Is like water flowing;
Like water flowing / Through the green saw-grass, / Under the rainbows;
Under the rainbows / That are like birds, / Turning, bedizened,
While the wind still whistles / As kildeer do,
Genres
- Modernist Poetry — Exhibits experimental structure and fragmented imagery typical of modernism.
- Imagist Poetry — Utilizes precise, clear natural imagery to evoke mood and meaning.
- Lyrical Poetry — Employs a musical, expressive style that conveys emotions through vivid descriptions.
- Symbolism — Incorporates natural elements as symbols suggestive of broader, abstract ideas.
Tags
Modernist · Lyrical · Imagistic · Philosophical · Surreal · Symbolic · Abstract · Allusive · Metaphysical · Experimental · Language-play · Ambiguous
What this Textopian page supports
The Load of Sugar-Cane is listed on Textopian as a poem by Wallace Stevens, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Wallace Stevens
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Modernist Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Symbolism, Surrealism
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
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