American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Coal: Burning Brightly in the Face of Adversity and Illness
Audre Lorde

Especially in the context of illness, Audre Lorde's poem "Coal," which is both powerful and emotional, delves into issues of resilience, identity, and the transformational potential of facing hardship. Coal is transformed from an apparently insignificant substance into a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance in the face of emotional and physical difficulties by Lorde using a complex tapestry of imagery and metaphors.

Themes of Transformation and Resilience:

Coal is first described in the poem as "a black stone held in the hand," highlighting its firmness and weight. This picture conveys the speaker's emotional and bodily burden—likely brought on by illness—right away. But the poem soon turns its attention to how this load might evolve. When Lorde writes, "But coal is also life," she is implying that development and renewal are possible even in the midst of adversity and gloom.

The comparison of coal to "black diamonds" highlights this contrast even more. Diamonds are formed by the extreme heat and pressure of the earth and are typically linked with beauty and elegance. In a similar vein, Lorde implies that she is also going through a significant metamorphosis under extreme pressure, with the possibility of emerging even more powerful and luminous.

Using fire imagery, the poem goes on to examine this process of transformation. In her statement, "I am the heat in the room," Lorde emphasizes her resilience and the courage she finds in confronting hardship. The ability of disease to purge impurities and leave behind a more resilient and genuine self is another way that fire symbolizes the transformational potential of health.

Themes of Accepting Difference and Identity:

The poem explores identification and acceptance of oneself as well. Lorde connects her own identity to the greater forces of nature and society in her writings, "I am the dark of the night sky," and "I am the coal that keeps the furnaces hot." By accepting her "darkness," Lorde opposes the inclination of society toward lightness and honors the strength and beauty of uniqueness.

By stating, "I am the coal that is not ashamed of itself," she further highlights this acceptance of her individuality and rejects any guilt or negativity connected to her sickness or her distinct identity. Anyone who has ever experienced marginalization or exclusion can relate to this message of self-acceptance, which serves as a potent reminder of each person's innate value and strength.

Themes of Dealing with Illness and Adversity:

Lorde uses strong imagery and metaphors to convey the difficulties and suffering that come with disease throughout the entire poem. Writing, "I am the cough that comes from the lungs," and "I am the ache in the bones," she provides a genuine and unvarnished account of the bodily anguish she experiences.

The poetry nevertheless retains its spirit of resiliency and resolve in spite of the suffering. Lorde's declaration, "I will burn long and bright," embodies her steadfast determination and her resistance to being consumed by the shadows. Anyone going through difficult times can relate to this message of defiance and hope, which serves as a potent reminder of the human spirit's capacity to triumph over hardship.

In summary:

The song "Coal" demonstrates Audre Lorde's fortitude and resiliency in the face of disease and hardship. She turns coal, an apparently insignificant substance, into a potent symbol of self-acceptance, metamorphosis, and the enduring human spirit through the use of strong images and metaphors. Anyone suffering difficulties might find inspiration in the poem, which serves as a reminder that growth, resilience, and inner strength are always possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.