We are the Music Makers : As an Ode
Question : Discuss “We are the Music Makers” as an ode.
Answer: The word “Ode” comes from the Greek “acidein”, meaning to sing or chant, and belongs to the long and varied tradition of lyric poetry.
Originally, an ode is a serious, long poem that uses elevated language and elaborate structure. In an ode, a person expresses a strong feeling of love or respect for someone or something. The theme of an ode is never treated as trivial.
According to this definition, the poem “We are the Music Makers “is an ode but not a traditional one.
It very seriously deals with the subject matter that it takes up. O’ Shaughnessy praises the creative people of the world – the artists, poets, musicians etc.
Here the subject is ” we” – which is represented by the speaker as the collective voice of all the artists.
The poem displays exalted feelings and respect towards creative artists. The poem not only admires but also celebrate the power of art to bring about a revolution.
Though the artists remain outside the physical action. They do not lead revolutions or battles and largely remain outside the action. This is because the creative people always look for beauty and harmony. Therefore, such people can be found in secluded places close to nature such as beaches or river banks.
“Wandering by lone sea- breakers
And sitting by desolate streams”
The artists in the poem wander alone by the sea, they meditate sitting by desolate streams, they remain outside the world of action, but at the same time they are capable of stirring a nation. They play a key role in social movements by addressing burning issues through their poems, songs, writing etc.
Through their expressive talents artists can challenge cultural stigmas and inspire emotions more than the traditional political methods.
“Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.”
As an example of an ode, the poem pays homage to artists who can create immortal creations. They can not only “fashion an empire’s glory”but “can trample an empire down”.
This is the kind of power their art exhibits. The poem thus glorifies the status of the artists.