The Murder of William Remington By Howard Nemerov - Giggle Poems

Original Poem：

It is true, that even in the best-run state
Such things will happen; it is true,
What’s done is done. The law, whereby we hate
Our hatred, sees no fire in the flue
But by the smoke, and not for thought alone
It punishes, but for the thing that’s done.
And yet there is the horror of the fact,
Though we knew not the man. To die in jail,
To be beaten to death, to know the act
Of personal fury before the eyes can fail
And the man die against the cold last wall
Of the lonely world—and neither is that all:
There is the terror too of each man’s thought,
That knows not, but must quietly suspect
His neighbor, friend, or self of being taught
To take an attitude merely correct;
Being frightened of his own cold image in
The glass of government, and his own sin,
Frightened lest senate house and prison wall
Be quarried of one stone, lest righteous and high
Look faintly smiling down and seem to call
A crime the welcome chance of liberty,
And any man an outlaw who aggrieves
The patriotism of a pair of thieves.

Explanation and Interpretation of the Poem

This poem explores the complex relationship between law, justice, and human nature within even the most well-governed societies. It acknowledges a harsh reality: no matter how well a state is run, injustices and cruelty can still occur. The poem reflects on the idea that laws do not punish based on mere thoughts or intentions but on actions committed — "not for thought alone / It punishes, but for the thing that’s done."

The poem also highlights the horrific consequences of injustice, such as dying in jail or being beaten to death, emphasizing the personal suffering and the cold isolation of such a fate. Beyond physical punishment, the poem delves into the psychological terror experienced by individuals who live in fear of suspicion, mistrust, and the oppressive power of government. This fear extends to doubting friends, neighbors, and even oneself, as people are forced to adopt "an attitude merely correct" to survive.

The poem warns against the danger of conflating justice with oppression, where institutions like the senate and prison become indistinguishable, and where those in power may smile faintly while calling crimes opportunities for liberty. It critiques the corruption of patriotism, where those who challenge corrupt authority are branded outlaws, and the true criminals are those who misuse patriotism for their own gain.

Background and Author Introduction

This poem is a reflection on political and social injustice, themes common in literature that critiques authoritarianism, corruption, and the abuse of power. The author, whose identity is not specified here, likely wrote this piece in response to witnessing or learning about the harsh realities faced by individuals under oppressive regimes or flawed judicial systems.

The poem’s tone suggests a deep concern for human rights, dignity, and the moral responsibilities of government. It fits within a tradition of poetry that serves as social commentary, urging readers to question authority and remain vigilant against injustice.

Reflection and Personal Response

Reading this poem evokes a strong emotional response. It reminds us that justice is not merely about laws but about fairness and humanity. The vivid imagery of dying in jail and the cold loneliness of the world’s last wall forces us to confront the real human cost of injustice. The poem’s exploration of fear—fear of suspicion, fear of one’s own reflection in the government’s mirror—resonates deeply in times when civil liberties are threatened.

It challenges us to think about how we view patriotism and authority, encouraging us to distinguish between true defenders of justice and those who exploit power for personal gain. This poem is a call to empathy, awareness, and courage in the face of systemic wrongs.

Lessons and Educational Value for Children and Students

From this poem, children and students can learn several important lessons:

• Understanding justice and injustice: The poem provides a foundation for discussing what justice means beyond laws—fairness, compassion, and human rights.
• Critical thinking about authority: It encourages questioning authority and recognizing that not all laws or leaders are just.
• Empathy and awareness: Students can develop empathy by imagining the suffering of those unjustly punished.
• The importance of personal integrity: The poem highlights the danger of conforming blindly and the value of standing up for what is right.

In practical life and learning, these lessons can help students:

• Develop ethical reasoning skills.
• Understand the role of government and laws in society.
• Recognize the importance of human rights.
• Apply critical thinking when evaluating information and authority figures.

Key Vocabulary and Concepts

• Justice: Fair treatment according to the law or moral principles.
• Injustice: Unfair treatment or violation of rights.
• Patriotism: Love for one’s country, which can be positive or manipulated.
• Authority: The power or right to give orders and enforce rules.
• Conformity: Adopting behaviors or beliefs to fit in or avoid conflict.
• Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What does the poem say about the relationship between laws and actions?
2. How does the poem describe the consequences of injustice?
3. Why does the poem suggest people might fear their own "cold image in the glass of government"?
4. What warning does the poem give about patriotism?
5. How does the poem portray the difference between true justice and oppression?

Answers

1. The poem says that laws punish based on actions committed, not just thoughts or intentions.
2. The poem describes consequences such as dying in jail, being beaten to death, and facing cold loneliness.
3. People fear their own reflection in the government’s mirror because it represents suspicion, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform to unjust rules.
4. The poem warns that patriotism can be corrupted by those in power, who may label crimes as opportunities for liberty and brand dissenters as outlaws.
5. True justice is fair and humane, while oppression disguises itself as justice but involves cruelty and misuse of power.

This poem offers a powerful exploration of justice, fear, and power that remains relevant for readers of all ages, encouraging critical reflection and empathy in understanding society and governance.