Poetry · Chapter
Pierrot explained
The poem contrasts the conventional, hardworking Simple John with the free-spirited, romantic Pierrot, who prioritizes beauty, love, and adventure over domestic stability and moral rectitude.
What happens
The poem contrasts the conventional, hardworking Simple John with the free-spirited, romantic Pierrot, who prioritizes beauty, love, and adventure over domestic stability and moral rectitude.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loss
Pierrot's abandonment of Pierrette and his pursuit of many loves highlight the tension between romantic idealism and the loss of committed love.
Urban Life and Alienation
Simple John's domestic life and work contrast with Pierrot's wandering, suggesting alienation from conventional society.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy.”
Simple John works tirelessly to purchase a home.
Highlights John's industrious, materialistic values.
“For Pierrot loved the long white road, And Pierrot loved the moon, And Pierrot loved a star-filled sky, And the breath of a rose in June.”
Pierrot is enamored with nature, travel, and beauty.
Establishes Pierrot's romantic and free-spirited nature.
“I have one wife, Said Simple John, And, faith, I love her yet. I have one wife, Said Simple John, But Pierrot left Pierrette.”
John is faithful to his wife, while Pierrot abandoned his.
Contrasts John's fidelity with Pierrot's infidelity.
“For Pierrot saw a world of girls, And Pierrot loved each one, And Pierrot thought all maidens fair As flowers in the sun.”
Pierrot finds all women beautiful and loves them all.
Emphasizes Pierrot's indiscriminate romanticism.
“Oh, I am good, Said Simple John, The Lord will take me in. Yes, I am good, Said Simple John, But Pierrot’s steeped in sin.”
John believes his virtue will earn him heaven, while Pierrot is sinful.
Moral contrast between John's piety and Pierrot's transgression.
“For Pierrot played on a slim guitar, And Pierrot loved the moon, And Pierrot ran down the long white road With the burgher’s wife one June.”
Pierrot plays music, loves the moon, and elopes with a married woman.
Culminates Pierrot's rebellious, passionate character.