Poem Analysis - Once There Came A Man

Initial Impression and Tone

Stephen Crane's "Once There Came A Man" presents a stark and thought-provoking narrative. The poem begins with a straightforward, almost childlike simplicity, but quickly shifts to a tone of chaos and conflict. The initial calm gives way to a world-wide quarrel that endures for ages, highlighting the poem's exploration of human nature and the consequences of rigid ideologies. The final lines return to a somber and reflective mood, suggesting a critique of human folly.

Themes of Conflict and Human Nature

The poem delves into the theme of conflict, both internal and external. The man's demand to "range all men of the world in rows" symbolizes an attempt to impose order and uniformity. This demand sparks a "terrific clamour" and a "loud quarrel," illustrating how attempts at forced conformity often lead to resistance and strife. The bloodshed mentioned underscores the violence that can arise from such conflicts, suggesting that the desire for order can be as destructive as the chaos it seeks to replace.

The Theme of Mortality and Futility

The theme of mortality is evident in the man's eventual death, which is described as weeping. This detail humanizes the man, making his failure and the futility of his quest more poignant. The poem suggests that the pursuit of absolute order is not only futile but also ultimately self-destructive. The final lines, where those still engaged in the scuffle "knew not the great simplicity," imply that the conflict could have been avoided if the participants had recognized the futility of their actions.

Symbolism of Rows and Clamour

The symbol of rows is central to the poem. Rows represent order, uniformity, and control. The man's desire to range all men in rows suggests a longing for a simplified, structured world. However, the "terrific clamour" and "loud quarrel" that follow indicate the natural resistance to such imposed order. The clamour symbolizes the chaos and discord that arise when individuals are forced into conformity. The enduring nature of the quarrel, spanning "ages," underscores the deep-seated human resistance to being controlled or categorized.

Final Insight

The poem's final lines offer a somber reflection on the human condition. The "great simplicity" that the quarreling parties fail to recognize is the idea that attempts at absolute order are inherently flawed. The poem suggests that true harmony comes not from imposing order but from accepting the natural diversity and complexity of human nature. Crane's poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rigid ideologies and the importance of embracing the inherent chaos of life.