# To Ridgely Torrence—Playwright explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The poem celebrates Ridgely Torrence as a visionary playwright and champion who opens new vistas and breaks down barriers, allowing a new generation to move forward exultantly, momentarily forgetting past scars.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hope and Vision for the Future

The poem heralds a new cycle and the breaking of barriers, emphasizing a hopeful future.

### Suffering and Resilience

The 'prismic children' are 'forgetful of deep, hidden scars,' suggesting resilience in the face of past suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker addresses Ridgely Torrence with admiration and praise.

### Hope

The poem embodies hope for a new cycle and liberation from past constraints.

## Key lines

> All hail! fair vistas break upon the view, The gates swing wide and free with clanging sound, Rejoice! a mighty champion is found

Celebrate the arrival of a great champion who opens up new opportunities and freedoms.

_The poet praises Torrence as a liberating figure._

> Lifting their misty glances to the day, The prismic children pass the erstwhile bars, Exultant, swiftly, boundingly they stray, Awhile forgetful of deep, hidden scars

The diverse younger generation looks up to the light, joyfully moving beyond old restrictions, temporarily forgetting their painful past.

_Describes the transformative impact of Torrence's work on the youth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/to-ridgely-torrence-playwright
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters