I think that the job of poetry, its political job, is to refresh
I think that the job of poetry, its political job, is to refresh the idea of justice, which is going dead in us all the time.
In the world of poetry, there is an ancient and noble role that has often gone unrecognized—poetry’s political function. Robert Hass captures this role with clarity when he says, "I think that the job of poetry, its political job, is to refresh the idea of justice, which is going dead in us all the time." Hass’s words speak to a profound truth: poetry is not simply an art form for beauty, but a living force that challenges us to remember and act upon the fundamental principles of justice. At its best, poetry has the power to revive our connection to justice, stirring us to confront the injustices around us and reigniting the human spirit that is often dulled by complacency.
Consider the great ancient poets—Homer, Sophocles, and Aeschylus—who, through their work, embodied a profound sense of justice that transcended time and culture. The Iliad and the Odyssey are not mere tales of gods and men; they are narratives infused with questions of honor, revenge, and fate, all of which touch upon the idea of justice. Homer’s heroes, whether it be Achilles or Odysseus, are not just figures of strength but of moral complexity, grappling with their sense of justice in a world filled with chaos. Similarly, Sophocles, in his tragic plays like Antigone, presents characters who defy the king’s law in the name of a higher, more universal justice—the justice of the gods. These ancient works were not just entertainments; they were meant to refresh the minds of their audiences on the importance of justice, on its fragility, and on the constant need to reaffirm it in the face of moral and social challenges.
In modern times, poetry continues to play this vital role. Langston Hughes, one of the great poets of the Harlem Renaissance, crafted poems that were deeply rooted in the fight for justice. In his powerful poem I, Too, Hughes writes of a Black man’s rightful place in American society, speaking against the oppression and injustice faced by African Americans. His poetry did not simply record his personal experience but became a political tool, calling for a renewed understanding of justice—one that recognizes the humanity of all individuals, regardless of race or background. Hughes’s poems stirred readers to question societal inequities, to demand a more just world, and to take action in pursuit of equality.
Similarly, Walt Whitman, a poet beloved by the American people, saw his poetry as a way to challenge the social and political issues of his time. In his epic collection Leaves of Grass, Whitman does not merely celebrate America; he calls upon the nation to live up to its ideals of freedom and justice. His poems, such as Song of Myself, break down the barriers of race, class, and identity, invoking a vision of justice that is inclusive and all-encompassing. For Whitman, poetry was not just an artistic endeavor—it was a call to action, urging his readers to reflect on the true meaning of justice in their own lives and in the world around them.
Hass’s view aligns with these poets, suggesting that poetry must act as a living force, constantly revitalizing the concept of justice as it faces new challenges. Just as Homer’s epics did not merely entertain but reminded their listeners of the consequences of ignoring justice, so too must modern poetry act as a reminder to our contemporary world. In times when the idea of justice seems to be eroding—when inequality and corruption are rampant—poetry has the potential to reignite the moral flame that calls for a fair and just society. It is not a passive art but an active force that refuses to allow us to forget the importance of moral integrity.
The lesson that Hass imparts is one of responsibility. Poets, as creators of words and emotions, are tasked with not just capturing the beauty of the world but also with stirring the conscience of society. Poetry is not meant to merely reflect the world; it is meant to challenge it, to demand that we look deeper, to confront our own actions and values. When we allow justice to go "dead" in our hearts, we lose the very essence of our humanity. Through poetry, we are called to remember what justice truly means—not as an abstract concept but as a force that must be actively pursued and defended.
In your own life, take Hass’s words to heart. Consider the role that poetry, and art in general, can play in not only expressing but also awakening the moral sensibilities within you and others. Do not shy away from using your voice to remind people of the importance of justice, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire action. Whether you are a poet, an artist, or simply a person striving to live a more conscious life, the task is the same: to refresh the idea of justice in your own heart and in the hearts of those around you. In doing so, you will not only contribute to the betterment of the world, but you will also join the ancient tradition of poets who have used their art to ensure that justice remains a living, breathing force in human society.
Through the arts, through poetry, we are reminded that justice is not a static concept, but something that must be reaffirmed and fought for every day. Let your own actions reflect the justice you wish to see in the world, and let your creative work—whether it be through writing, art, or any other form—serve as a force that insists upon the relevance and vitality of justice in every moment. Just as the poets of the past fought for justice with their words, so too can you ensure that this noble cause never fades from the human heart.
CChiendz
This statement raises questions about the enduring relevance of poetry. Could the act of writing or reading poetry help prevent apathy, encouraging reflection on fairness and social equity? I also wonder how this intersects with cultural and political contexts—does poetry have greater responsibility in times of injustice? Could Hass’s view suggest that poetry’s value lies not only in its craft or beauty but in its capacity to keep moral awareness alive, even subtly, within society?
DMNguyen dinh manh
I’m struck by the idea that poetry acts as a moral stimulant. Does Hass suggest that daily life dulls our sense of justice, requiring artistic intervention to reawaken it? I also question whether this responsibility falls equally on poets and readers—must readers actively respond for poetry to succeed politically, or is the work done simply by exposure? How might this perspective change the way we evaluate the purpose and impact of contemporary poetry?
DTNgoc Diep Do Thi
This makes me reflect on the balance between art and activism. If poetry’s political job is to refresh justice, does that limit its scope to moral instruction, or can aesthetic beauty and social insight coexist? I also wonder whether Hass is speaking about an ideal, or if poetry can realistically fulfill this function consistently. Could a poem that moves readers emotionally, even without explicit political content, still contribute to a renewed sense of justice?
TKLang Trung Khe
I feel intrigued by the notion that justice ‘goes dead in us all the time.’ Does this suggest that human empathy and moral clarity need constant revival? I also question how poetry accomplishes this renewal—is it through narrative, imagery, emotional resonance, or linguistic craft? Could this imply that poetry has a persistent political responsibility, even when it seems personal or abstract, and how might that influence the way we read and value poetic work?
Llong
This statement makes me consider poetry as a moral and civic force rather than just an aesthetic one. Does Hass imply that poetry can actively shape our sense of justice and ethical awareness? I also wonder whether this role requires poets to engage directly with social issues, or if subtler, reflective approaches can achieve the same effect. How might poetry refresh our understanding of justice in ways that speeches, essays, or activism cannot?