The Face upon the Barroom Floor Poem Analysis
Tragedy and Artistry in "The Face upon the Barroom Floor"Introduction
"The Face upon the Barroom Floor" is a narrative poem written by Hugh Antoine d'Arcy in 1887. The poem tells the story of an artist who, in a drunken state, recounts the tragic tale of his lost love and the subsequent deterioration of his life and career. In a final act of desperation, he draws a portrait of his beloved on the barroom floor. This article will examine the poem's structure, themes, and symbolism, shedding light on the enduring appeal of "The Face upon the Barroom Floor" as a poignant exploration of tragedy, artistry, and human frailty.
Structure
The poem is composed of 11 stanzas, each containing eight lines, with a consistent AABBCCDD rhyme scheme. The regular meter and rhyme scheme create a sense of rhythm and flow, drawing the reader into the narrative and emphasizing the poem's storytelling aspect. The structure also mirrors the protagonist's methodical and deliberate approach to painting the portrait, as he carefully constructs the image on the barroom floor.
Themes
Tragedy and Loss: Central to "The Face upon the Barroom Floor" is the theme of tragedy and loss. The protagonist's tale of his lost love, combined with the subsequent decline of his life and career, evokes a deep sense of sadness and despair. The poem serves as a reminder of the fragility of human happiness and the often unpredictable nature of life.
Art and Self-Expression: The poem explores the power of art as a means of self-expression and emotional catharsis. The protagonist's decision to paint the portrait of his beloved on the barroom floor is a testament to the enduring power of art to capture and immortalize human emotion.
Redemption and Resilience: Despite the tragic circumstances of the protagonist's life, "The Face upon the Barroom Floor" also contains a message of redemption and resilience. The protagonist's decision to create one final work of art serves as an act of defiance against the challenges that have befallen him, demonstrating the human capacity for hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Symbolism
The Portrait: The portrait of the protagonist's lost love serves as a powerful symbol of his emotional turmoil and the impact of his tragic past on his present state. The portrait represents not only his love for the woman but also his lost dreams and aspirations.
The Barroom Floor: The setting of the poem, the barroom floor, symbolizes the protagonist's fall from grace and the depths to which he has sunk. The act of painting on the floor further emphasizes his desperate and degraded state.
Alcohol: Alcohol plays a significant role in the poem, symbolizing the protagonist's attempt to numb his pain and escape the harsh realities of his life. It also serves as a catalyst for his decision to share his story and create the portrait, illustrating the dual nature of alcohol as both a destructive force and a source of inspiration.
Conclusion
"The Face upon the Barroom Floor" is a poignant and evocative exploration of tragedy, art, and the human capacity for resilience. Through its engaging narrative structure, powerful themes, and rich symbolism, the poem continues to captivate readers with its moving portrayal of love, loss, and the redemptive power of art.