21), as a means of illustrating the most important value he believes modern societyhas lost. The stability of the architecture Ransom is observing matches that of thestability of the old social order that existed in the old Southern tradition. He goes furtherto explain that only parts of the house can be seen from his vantage point, but thosepoints that are still hidden from view can be imagined due to the consistency of thestructure as a whole. Such a description also holds true for antebellum Southern society, in which all people, from the slaves to the plantation owners, had a specific and ascribedrole in society. Because of the manner in which this society was organized, each personknew exactly what expectations and responsibilities were required of them, andregardless of the station they occupied, could find a certain comfort in the definiteknowledge of their place in life. Ransom is suspicious of the irregularity of modern life,and craves the stability that a rigid social order can give. Despite the stability of the house itself, Ransom notes that Decay was the tone ofold brick and shingle (ln 23), indicating that while still structurally sound, the house isin danger of becoming completely run down, unless something can be done immediatelyto revive it. Likewise, the traditions and stability Ransom wishes to preserve are slowlycreeping into obscurity, and may well be lost forever. He goes on in the next stanza, afteragain paying homage to the rich Southern heritage, to explain that one had best hurry toenter if one can (ln 28). These lessons and values of the past must be taught to theyounger generations soon, or be lost. Someone must step up and become a custodian ofthis history, and take on the responsibility of its resuscitation, so that the new era canbegin.Ransom himself wants to be that guardian, and after mustering up all of hiscourage, he steps up to take this heavy duty. He walks boldly to the front door of thisp...
