Con Brio by William Carlos Williams
The poem critiques the notion of miserliness, particularly in the context of historical and heroic figures. It challenges the perception of Lancelot as a brooding character, suggesting that such a view stems from a narrow and fearful mindset. The speaker argues that this fear of losing what one has leads to a life of restraint and mediocrity, inhibiting bold actions and experiences. The imagery of apple trees serves as a metaphor for potential and vitality, emphasizing that life should be about flourishing and embracing abundance rather than clinging to a fear of loss. The speaker advocates for a more generous and spirited approach to life, akin to Lancelot's willingness to spend and engage fully in his pursuits. The poem ultimately calls for a rejection of fear-driven conservatism in favor of a more vibrant and courageous existence.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1948 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism · 234 words
First lines
Miserly, is the best description of that poor fool / Who holds Lancelot to have been a morose fellow, / Dolefully brooding over the events which had naturally to follow / The high time of his deed with Guinevere.
He has a sick historical sight, if I judge rightly, / To believe any such thing as that ever occurred.
But, by the god of blood, what else is it that has deterred / Us all from an out and out defiance of fear / But this same perdamnable miserliness, / Which cries about our necks how we shall have less and less / Than we have now if we spend too wantonly?
Bah, this sort of slither is below contempt!
What this Textopian page supports
Con Brio is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1948 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Carlos Williams
- Date: 1948 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Con Brio by William Carlos Williams
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and historical reflections, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Modernism — The style reflects modernist tendencies, including a focus on individual perception and a break from traditional narrative forms.
- Historical — The reference to Lancelot and Guinevere situates the work within a historical context, engaging with themes of legend and myth.
Tags
Modernist · Experimental · Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · Free Verse · Imagism · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Stream-of-Consciousness · Fragmented Narrative · Autobiographical Elements