Retort

Description

Paul Laurence Dunbar was the first African-American poet to receive national critical recognition in the United States during the 19th century. His parents, Matilda and Joshua Dunbar, had both come across slavery in their youth, and managed to escape it. Mainly under his mother’s influence, who was in fact, formerly a slave, Paul Dunbar focused much on the issue of slavery, and even served to fight against the South in the American Civil War, having been part of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Division.

Dunbar’s talent for poetry and writing came from a young age. His mother guided him on his first steps toward becoming completely fascinated with the written word, through the stories and poetry she had introduced him to. Dunbar attended the local Dayton high school, and achieved remarkable academic success, after which he went on to publish his own book of poems, entitled Oak and Ivy, in 1892, while he was still working in an elevator to make ends meet.

Retort is one of the simplest poems you will come across, yet it covers the issue of the intellect set in conflict with the matters of the heart with great emphasis. The title refers to the retort that the heart boldly speaks out to the head, when it is accused of “foolishly” making its choices based on the kindness or beauty of a smile.

In just ten lines, Dunbar manages to promote the beauty and powerful reality of the human soul over the harsh and cold nature of the intellect. His words are simple and easy to understand, yet the harmony they form makes Retort a timeless little piece of literary art that readers can enjoy today just as they did more than a century ago.

Paul Dunbar continued on his path to literary fame and fortune, especially after his second book, Majors and Minors, was published. It attracted the recognition of famed literary critics like Dean Howells, who considered it a true masterpiece.
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