Revolutionary Suicide Poem
Revolutionary Suicide: A Call to Action
In Huey P. Newton’s poem, “Revolutionary Suicide,” he illustrates the theme of the importance of self-sacrifice in order to create a better future for the greater good (specifically for African Americans). His expresses this theme through his use of diction, form, rhetoric, and syntax.
“Revolutionary Suicide” brings to light the actions one must take in order to create change. Huey P. Newton was one of the founders of the Black Panther party. Many of the subjects of his poetry involve “selflessness and sacrifice for the sake of black liberation” (Lamar 195). We see this idea presented in Newton’s poem through his use of diction. For example, Newton chooses to use simple and plain words in order to get
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For instance, Newton uses a free verse style. Free verse allows him to create a style uniquely his own in order to relay his message. One unique aspect of his poem is repetition. Every other line he repeats the phrase “By having, by rejecting, by surrendering” (lines 1, 3, 5, 7). His consistent use of these statements places an emphasis on what actions African Americans must take. Furthermore, Newton’s use of repetition makes these actions sound almost scientific (he is essentially if you do this action then you will get this outcome). Another unique choice Newton makes in his poem is his choice of punctuation. Every other line has a period, exception for the last two lines. The pattern goes as followed: “By rejecting the love of one I received the love of all. By surrendering my life to the revolution, I found eternal life. Revolutionary Suicide” (lines 6-10). Creating a pattern such as this one draws attention to the last lines of the poem. It suggests that Revolutionary Suicide is not just an act necessary for equality. Revolutionary Suicide is an act that is vital for reaching eternal life. A life where one can live free of burden and cruelties life offers. Newton also makes it a point to capitalize the last phrase. This emphasizes the significance of what Newton is doing. Essentially, he is suggesting that you are not just making sacrifices, you are dying for a cause. Newton use of form and rhetoric help the audience to understand the value of his
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