
Vagrants
'Vagrants' Summary
"Vagrants" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar that portrays the harsh reality of homelessness and poverty. The poem was first published in 1899 and remains a popular piece of literature in the present day.
The poem follows the story of a group of homeless people living on the outskirts of society. Dunbar portrays their suffering and desperation in vivid detail, describing their tattered clothes, dirty faces, and hollow eyes. He also explores the social and economic factors that have led these people to become vagrants, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
Despite the bleak subject matter, the poem offers a glimmer of hope and compassion. Dunbar's use of dialect and rhythm creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the homeless characters. He also suggests that society has a responsibility to help those who are struggling, rather than turning a blind eye to their suffering.
One notable aspect of "Vagrants" is Dunbar's use of African American vernacular. As an African American writer during the late 19th century, Dunbar faced significant challenges in gaining recognition for his work. However, his use of dialect and vivid imagery helped to establish him as one of the most important writers of his time.
Overall, "Vagrants" is a powerful and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Its themes of poverty, compassion, and social responsibility are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
Book Details
Authors

Paul Laurence Dunbar
United States
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents who had been enslaved in Kentucky before the Ame...
Books by Paul Laurence DunbarDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Winter by Richard le Gallienne
Richard Le Gallienne's 'Winter' captures the essence of this evocative season through vivid descriptions and evocative language. Languidly traversing...

Sea Poems by Cale Young Rice
Dive into the enchanting depths of the ocean with "Sea Poems" by Cale Young Rice, where the waves whisper secrets and the sea's mysteries come to life...

Easy Knowledge by Arthur Macy
Discover the enchanting world of knowledge through the lyrical verses of "Easy Knowledge" by the talented poet, Arthur Macy. In this collection, Macy...

Everlasting Flowers by D. H. Lawrence
LibriVox volunteers bring you 9 different recordings of Everlasting Flowers by D. H. Lawrence.

Last Poems by A. E. Housman
In the twilight of his literary journey, A. E. Housman graces us with his final poetic masterpiece, "Last Poems." Within its pages, the poet delves de...

Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by William Butler Yeats
LibriVox volunteers bring you nine different recordings of Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, by William Butler Yeats. This was the weekly poetry p...

Over The Brazier by Robert Graves
It features a series of poems that offer a deeply personal and poignant reflection on the experience of war. The title of the collection is drawn fro...

The Five Senses by Arthur Macy
In "The Five Senses" by Arthur Macy, embark on a poetic journey that transcends the ordinary and delves into the profound tapestry of human experience...

Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson by Snorri Sturleson
Step into the world of Norse mythology and legend with the Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson! This collectio...

The Georgics: A Poem of the Land by Virgil
A poem by the Latin poet Virgil, the second of his three known works. "Georgic" means "to work the land," and on such matters of labour Virgil dwells...
Reviews for Vagrants
No reviews posted or approved, yet...