An American Beast
The poem 'An American Beast' uses vivid imagery and metaphor to critique the moral and political state of America. The 'beast' represents a corrupt and greedy force, lurking in the shadows, avoiding self-reflection, and preying on innocence. The beast's hunger for children's lives symbolizes the exploitation of the future generation. It feeds on empty promises, suggesting deceit and betrayal. The poem highlights the absence of moral and ethical middle ground, emphasizing that there is no compromise between truth and lies, peace and violence, democracy and fascism. The beast's soullessness underscores the loss of humanity and conscience in the face of power and greed. Through this metaphor, the poem critiques societal hypocrisy and the destructive nature of unchecked power.
| Word | In English | Plain (English) | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| cowardly | fearful | afraid and lacking courage | cow-ard-ly |
| baleful | threatening | menacing or harmful | bale-ful |
| bestial | animal-like | savage or brutish | bes-ti-al |
| desecrates | violates | treats something sacred with disrespect | des-e-crates |
| hypocrisies | pretenses | claims to have moral standards that are not actually followed | hy-poc-ris-ies |
| emerald | green | bright green color | em-er-ald |
| fascism | authoritarianism | a political system with dictatorial power | fas-cism |
| prowl | sneak | move around stealthily | prow-l |
The poet of 'An American Beast' is currently unknown. The poem appears to be a contemporary work reflecting on societal issues.