Pierrot
Pierrot - meaning Summary
Duty Versus Romantic Freedom
The poem contrasts two figures: Simple John, who values steady work, monogamy, and conventional righteousness, and Pierrot, who pursues freedom, beauty, and sensual experiences. Through repeating refrains, it stages a moral and lifestyle choice: security and social approval versus wandering desire and artistic longing. The poem ends by highlighting social judgment—Pierrot is "steeped in sin"—even as his actions embody passion and poetic imagination rather than hypocrisy.
Read Complete AnalysesI work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John, But Pierrot wondered why. For Pierrrot loved the long white road, And Pierrot loved the moon, And Pierrot loved a star-filled sky, And the breath of a rose in June. I have one wife, Said Simple John, And,faith,I love her yet. I have one wife, Said Simple John, But Pierrot left Pierrette. For Pierrot saw a world of girls, And Pierrot loved each one, And Pierrot thought all maidens fair As flowers in the sun. Oh, I am good, Said Simple John, The Lord will take me in. Yes, I am good, Said Simple John, But Pierrot's steeped in sin. For Pierrot played on a slim guitar, And Pierrot loved the moon, And Pierrot ran down the long white road With the burgher's wife one June.
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