Irony of Martin Espada's Poem 'Bully'

The main purpose of Martin Espada’s ‘Bully’ poem exists in its ironical treatment of historical legacy through power transitions and cultural identity alterations. Espada constructs a depiction of an American school which formerly honored Theodore Roosevelt through his heroic status.

The school which previously honored Theodore Roosevelt transforms into a community where descendants of those Roosevelt subjugated now dominate because of student population shifts.

It reveals deep irony because today’s students whose identity reflects cultural representation keep silent in front of Roosevelt’s silent representation of power.

Through the context of this scenario Martin Espada uses literary irony powerfully in his poem ‘Bully’.

The irony functions in the poem to demonstrate how individuals involved in retellings of history receive different perspectives from alternate storytellers. Irony of Martin Espada’s Poem ‘Bully’

The perspective of those who lost their cultures shows noble conquest as oppressive. Through his work Espada skillfully comments on America’s school-celebration of colonial heroes at the same time that he celebrates Latino heritage’s growth and persistence in those academic spaces.

Through reversing normal power dynamics Espada illustrates cultural change that creates new perspectives about what should be valued and who should be commemorated. Irony of Martin Espada’s Poem ‘Bully’