"The Dance" is one big celebration of the arts—for real. We've got a poem inspired by a painting of a bunch of people dancing, and that's at least three different branches of art all rolled up into one. What's interesting, however, is that even though this is a famous poem by a famous poet inspired by a famous painting by a famous painter, more than anything else this is a celebration of the raw artistic expression and culture of everyday, ordinary folks.
Questions About Art and Culture
- What different branches of the arts are represented in the poem?
- In what ways does the poem highlight folk culture?
- Does the poem seem to favor folk art over fine art, or does it seem to treat them with equal value? Which parts of the poem support your answer?
Chew on This
Party hardy, dudes. By brilliantly evoking the rough and rowdy atmosphere of the peasant festival, the poem is celebrating the vibrant liveliness of these kinds of events.
This poem shows that the power of art lies in its ability to transport us to other worlds—like sixteenth-century Flanders.