Thursday, September 30, 2010
Chapter 10 Tone #4
I found the poem "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell to be a little weird. I think that this guy sounds like a little bit obsessive. His talking to a woman who does not want to give into his sexual passion, but he is saying all of this after she does so. It is like he said he will never give up. I think it is weird he is saying how "my vegetable love should grow" because from what I took, they aren't together! She denied him, so I do not see why he is trying to convince her to give in or trying to say he is going to still try. If a guy said this to me, I would be creeped out. Also, he says pretty much that they can make the best of their love with the short time of life they have. I am not for sure if this is what the poem means, but I thought that this was weird because, again, I do not think that they are together. This was how I took the poem, so I am sure it is wrong but it is just what I thought. I will see when we discuss this in class if my thoughts were close to the actual meaning.
Chapter 10 Tone #3
8.
After reading "The Apparation", I found that the tone of the poem was one of vengence. This is due to both the imagery and the diction. The diction used in this poem adds a dark, angry scene. His anger transfers to the desire to haunt and make his once love's life. Some of these words are "sick, "wretch", "painfully", and "ghost". All of these words have a negative connotation. From this, I think that the poem is meant to reveal the speakers anger. It is almost like he is venting. In addtion to the diction, the imagery of the poem reveals the theme of vengence. When the speaker says "shall my ghost come to thy bed"(line4), the speaker is showing how he is following and haunting her. Also, he says that she will be "bathed in a cold quicksilver sweat"(line12). This image shows how afraid and frightened she will be of him. The way he words this stanza makes me think that he will enjoy her feeling this way because he is saying it in a biting way, like he doesn't care he would do this. Also, when he talks about her new guy, he is talking bad like no guy will ever be as good as him. He wants her to realize that her new guy cannot help her and if she had stayed with the speaker it would have all been fine.
After reading "The Apparation", I found that the tone of the poem was one of vengence. This is due to both the imagery and the diction. The diction used in this poem adds a dark, angry scene. His anger transfers to the desire to haunt and make his once love's life. Some of these words are "sick, "wretch", "painfully", and "ghost". All of these words have a negative connotation. From this, I think that the poem is meant to reveal the speakers anger. It is almost like he is venting. In addtion to the diction, the imagery of the poem reveals the theme of vengence. When the speaker says "shall my ghost come to thy bed"(line4), the speaker is showing how he is following and haunting her. Also, he says that she will be "bathed in a cold quicksilver sweat"(line12). This image shows how afraid and frightened she will be of him. The way he words this stanza makes me think that he will enjoy her feeling this way because he is saying it in a biting way, like he doesn't care he would do this. Also, when he talks about her new guy, he is talking bad like no guy will ever be as good as him. He wants her to realize that her new guy cannot help her and if she had stayed with the speaker it would have all been fine.
Chapter 10 Tone #2
12.
There are a few symbols in the poem "Crossing the bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson. When reading, I figured out that this poem was talking about dying. The speaker says how they are accepting that they will die. One symbol in the poem is the word "home"(line 8). The home represents heaven with God because it is where we began and were created. We started with God, and he hopes to return with God. This would mean going in heaven. Also, Rather than being upset, they talk of how they hope to see thier "Pilot" (line 15). The Pilot stands for God. He hopes to see him once he dies. Since he talks about going home, it is pretty obvious that this is what he meant.
There are a few symbols in the poem "Crossing the bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson. When reading, I figured out that this poem was talking about dying. The speaker says how they are accepting that they will die. One symbol in the poem is the word "home"(line 8). The home represents heaven with God because it is where we began and were created. We started with God, and he hopes to return with God. This would mean going in heaven. Also, Rather than being upset, they talk of how they hope to see thier "Pilot" (line 15). The Pilot stands for God. He hopes to see him once he dies. Since he talks about going home, it is pretty obvious that this is what he meant.
Chapter 10 Tone #1
7.
The central theme of this poem is that his lover is as beautiful as any of those women who have been compared falsely. The first eight lines are a descriptions of appearance. The descriptions all are satirical. This is because the speaker is mocking all those who shower their love with these ridiculous comparasions. An example would be "If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun" (line 3). This comparison says that her skin is not white. He uses the word gray to describe her instead. I am sure she is not really that color, but he is not going to tell her she is snow white when it is not true. He is not being mean, just realistic. The entire point of this poem is to show how he loves her without using such false statements. He is being truthful and honest because he says he has "never saw a goddess go"(line 11). Furthermore, he says that she is not any less than the woman who hear that. Rather, the women who hear these false comparisons are being lied to. He is being honest with her. Although it may seem he is saying she is inadequate, the satirical false comparisons are used only to make fun of those other people. It is his way of saying how he is honest.
The central theme of this poem is that his lover is as beautiful as any of those women who have been compared falsely. The first eight lines are a descriptions of appearance. The descriptions all are satirical. This is because the speaker is mocking all those who shower their love with these ridiculous comparasions. An example would be "If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun" (line 3). This comparison says that her skin is not white. He uses the word gray to describe her instead. I am sure she is not really that color, but he is not going to tell her she is snow white when it is not true. He is not being mean, just realistic. The entire point of this poem is to show how he loves her without using such false statements. He is being truthful and honest because he says he has "never saw a goddess go"(line 11). Furthermore, he says that she is not any less than the woman who hear that. Rather, the women who hear these false comparisons are being lied to. He is being honest with her. Although it may seem he is saying she is inadequate, the satirical false comparisons are used only to make fun of those other people. It is his way of saying how he is honest.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
POUI Blog #4
"APO 96225" was my favorite poem that I read this week. I easily understood this poem when I read it. I think that by reading The Things They Carried it made it easier to understand this. Instantly, I was reminded of this book when I read it. The poem shows how little they want to know. The father says "Please do not write such depressing letters." (line 16). The people cannot handle the truth of what is going on. This is sad that the soldier cannot even talk to his parents about what he is experiencing. The public is not able to understand, and they just have to support and act like they care. In reality, the parents could not handle what is truly going on because they cannot face the truth. The situational irony really supportst this poem because although the mom begs to know the truth, when she hears it she is upset and does not know why her son would say that to her. This proves how little the public would know as a result of the inablity to handle the truth of the war.
POUI Blog #3
6.
The central purpose of this poem is to be satirical towards the people in America. E.e. cummings uses this poem to make a stab at society and how they act. The focus he has is one patriotism. He jumbles many patriotic cliches and songs, which shows him mocking these which are usually songs of praise by people. In addition, he says that the soldiers do not know why they go to war. By saying this, cummings undercuts the soldiers. Most people thank soldiers for the service they do for us to be free, but cummings says that they do not care pretty much. At the end of the poem, he asks the question "then shall the voice of liberty be mute?" (line 14). This question is essentially saying to the people that no we should not be mute, we need tot do what I do and speak up. This is a mockery because he has truely butchered the patriotic songs and made a joke of everything anyone says concerning our country. How can anyone understand what he is saying anyways??? It is a mess what he says. It is just him rambling. His point of this poem is that people do not know why they tell people to say all of this patriotic stuff. He is pointing the finger at society.
The central purpose of this poem is to be satirical towards the people in America. E.e. cummings uses this poem to make a stab at society and how they act. The focus he has is one patriotism. He jumbles many patriotic cliches and songs, which shows him mocking these which are usually songs of praise by people. In addition, he says that the soldiers do not know why they go to war. By saying this, cummings undercuts the soldiers. Most people thank soldiers for the service they do for us to be free, but cummings says that they do not care pretty much. At the end of the poem, he asks the question "then shall the voice of liberty be mute?" (line 14). This question is essentially saying to the people that no we should not be mute, we need tot do what I do and speak up. This is a mockery because he has truely butchered the patriotic songs and made a joke of everything anyone says concerning our country. How can anyone understand what he is saying anyways??? It is a mess what he says. It is just him rambling. His point of this poem is that people do not know why they tell people to say all of this patriotic stuff. He is pointing the finger at society.
POUI Blog #2
7.
The central theme of the poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy is that society cannot accept natural beauty of women, who grow up thinking that they need to be perfect like Barbie. The girl in the poem held qualities mostly associated with men in society, which causes her to feel the pressure of society. As a result of feeling inadequate, she "went to and fro apologizing" (line 10). This is sad because she was not what women were 'supposed' to be. Although she had great skill in manual labor, society only pointed out her appearance as being flawed. By saying that she was "wore out like a fan belt" (line14-15), it is implied that she is not what everyone else looks like, but it is not a bad thing, just society wants everyone the same. The irony of this poem is seeing when people say she is most beautiful when she was dead. This is so sad to see that society is that concerned with the outside rather than what is inside. Overall, this poem shows how distorted the perception of people is today in society.
The central theme of the poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy is that society cannot accept natural beauty of women, who grow up thinking that they need to be perfect like Barbie. The girl in the poem held qualities mostly associated with men in society, which causes her to feel the pressure of society. As a result of feeling inadequate, she "went to and fro apologizing" (line 10). This is sad because she was not what women were 'supposed' to be. Although she had great skill in manual labor, society only pointed out her appearance as being flawed. By saying that she was "wore out like a fan belt" (line14-15), it is implied that she is not what everyone else looks like, but it is not a bad thing, just society wants everyone the same. The irony of this poem is seeing when people say she is most beautiful when she was dead. This is so sad to see that society is that concerned with the outside rather than what is inside. Overall, this poem shows how distorted the perception of people is today in society.
POUI Blog #1
#13
In the poem "Much Madness is Divinest Sense", Dickinson uses two phrases which cause a paradox when used together. The phrases go hand in hand to understand the meaning and reason for the use of them. The paradoxal phrases are "Much Madness is divinest sense"(line 1) and "Much Sense-the starkest Madness"(line 3). This paradox causes the reader to look closer at what they are reading. Therefore, they find what the true meaning of this poem is. Although it seems to be contradicting phrases used together seem wrong, they in fact are correct once realizing the point Dickinson is trying to get across. The phrases ultimately are addressing people who conform to society. By not conforming, a person may seem insane to society, but they see they are staying true to themselves. A person who conforms is mad because although society accepts them, they cannot accept themselves because they are being something they are not. This is the truth revealed through this paradox. Without the paradox, the poem would not have been as effective.
In the poem "Much Madness is Divinest Sense", Dickinson uses two phrases which cause a paradox when used together. The phrases go hand in hand to understand the meaning and reason for the use of them. The paradoxal phrases are "Much Madness is divinest sense"(line 1) and "Much Sense-the starkest Madness"(line 3). This paradox causes the reader to look closer at what they are reading. Therefore, they find what the true meaning of this poem is. Although it seems to be contradicting phrases used together seem wrong, they in fact are correct once realizing the point Dickinson is trying to get across. The phrases ultimately are addressing people who conform to society. By not conforming, a person may seem insane to society, but they see they are staying true to themselves. A person who conforms is mad because although society accepts them, they cannot accept themselves because they are being something they are not. This is the truth revealed through this paradox. Without the paradox, the poem would not have been as effective.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Figurative Language Poetry #5
When I read "Toads", I was really confused. I somewhat understood it, but the questions at the end posed my questions. One of the questions said that there was two toads being described. I easily recognized the first one because it is stated right there in italics. The first toad is work. I assumed that this toad had a somewhat negative implication of work. The diction that is used along with this toad are "squat", "sickening poison", and "soils". All of these words have a bad feel to them! From this, I think that Larkin is insinuating that letting work lead your life is not a good thing. After this, I kind of saw the other toad as letting work not take over your life. Rather, work is just the way to making the personal and desired way of life possible. It should not be a burden. Work is what will give them "fame the girl and the money" (line 30). This is my thoughts on what the two toads were. I am not sure if this is right though, which is why I was confused.
Figurative Language Poetry #4
8.
After reading "Pink Dog", I found that the tone of this poem is satirical and humorous. The poem's tone is achieved through the diction and imagery of the poem. The diction in this poem, such as "idiots", "ebbing", "drugged, drunk, or sober", and "naked and pink", support the humor and satire. All of these words are not formal, and some of the phrases are just absurd and funny. The poet is obviously not trying to make a point by saying everything wrong. Rather, he is saying how they will deal with the problem in a satirical way. The phrases throughout the poem that explain this are actually really funny. When he says that " the beggars who can afford them now wear life preservers", I for real laughed. I mean this is obviously not happening, but the poor are being treated that bad! I did not fully understand this poem, but the humerous diction and imagery of the actions taking place gave me a better understanding.
After reading "Pink Dog", I found that the tone of this poem is satirical and humorous. The poem's tone is achieved through the diction and imagery of the poem. The diction in this poem, such as "idiots", "ebbing", "drugged, drunk, or sober", and "naked and pink", support the humor and satire. All of these words are not formal, and some of the phrases are just absurd and funny. The poet is obviously not trying to make a point by saying everything wrong. Rather, he is saying how they will deal with the problem in a satirical way. The phrases throughout the poem that explain this are actually really funny. When he says that " the beggars who can afford them now wear life preservers", I for real laughed. I mean this is obviously not happening, but the poor are being treated that bad! I did not fully understand this poem, but the humerous diction and imagery of the actions taking place gave me a better understanding.
Figurative Language Poetry #3
13.
In the poem "February", the speaker is very grumpy, depressed, and in a bad mood. Also, I find her very cynical. She refers to love and procreation as the root of all of the problems. The month of February is supposed to be a time of joy of love and joy. Afterall, Valentines day occurs during this month. Most spend time with and cherish the one they love. This is a time to celebrate the love they have. The irony of this comes from when she says that February is the "month of despair" (line 25). Since this phrase is used, Atwood effectively supports the overall tone and message of the poem. If she had said how great love is and that February is great, then she would totally contradict everything she said. The irony she creates adds to her point. This entire poem seems ironic since love is not usually viewed as terrible by the normal, average person.
In the poem "February", the speaker is very grumpy, depressed, and in a bad mood. Also, I find her very cynical. She refers to love and procreation as the root of all of the problems. The month of February is supposed to be a time of joy of love and joy. Afterall, Valentines day occurs during this month. Most spend time with and cherish the one they love. This is a time to celebrate the love they have. The irony of this comes from when she says that February is the "month of despair" (line 25). Since this phrase is used, Atwood effectively supports the overall tone and message of the poem. If she had said how great love is and that February is great, then she would totally contradict everything she said. The irony she creates adds to her point. This entire poem seems ironic since love is not usually viewed as terrible by the normal, average person.
Figurative Language Poetry #2
6.
The purpose of the poem "Dream Deffered" is to never give up on one's dreams. The best thing to do is if a person has a dream, then they should pursue this without hesitation. Giving up on dreams leaves for the forever thoughts of "what if". Also, there can be many possible consequences that can happen if dreams are put off. The poem expands on this particular component of the theme. Through the similies and metaphor, the poet effectively conveys these consequences. Since Langston Hughes was a poet during the Harlem Renaissance, it is safe to assume this dream he refers to is that of Civil Rights and racial freedoms. The similie "Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"(Line1-2) says that putting off a dream can cause the overall lose and inablity to achieve the goal. The dream could dry up, or lose fruitfulness. The Harlem Renaissance was the perfect time to go for their dream of equality. By missing the perfect opportunity, one could ultimately lose the entire chance since it could never be a major concern or big issue to people again. They were in the light and everyone was behind as a full force. They had not been brought down, so the best time to go for their dream was at that moment. Another example of how this theme was effectively explained and supported in the poem was through the similie "Does it stink like rotten meat?" (line 6). This similie serves to say that if you do not do it now (work to achieve the dream), then it will haunt you forever. The smell of meat lingers even after being thrown out. They may try to push it in the back of their mind, but everyone would know of the lost opportunity and regert for not taking it when they could. There are more examples, but these are two I found really strong.
The purpose of the poem "Dream Deffered" is to never give up on one's dreams. The best thing to do is if a person has a dream, then they should pursue this without hesitation. Giving up on dreams leaves for the forever thoughts of "what if". Also, there can be many possible consequences that can happen if dreams are put off. The poem expands on this particular component of the theme. Through the similies and metaphor, the poet effectively conveys these consequences. Since Langston Hughes was a poet during the Harlem Renaissance, it is safe to assume this dream he refers to is that of Civil Rights and racial freedoms. The similie "Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"(Line1-2) says that putting off a dream can cause the overall lose and inablity to achieve the goal. The dream could dry up, or lose fruitfulness. The Harlem Renaissance was the perfect time to go for their dream of equality. By missing the perfect opportunity, one could ultimately lose the entire chance since it could never be a major concern or big issue to people again. They were in the light and everyone was behind as a full force. They had not been brought down, so the best time to go for their dream was at that moment. Another example of how this theme was effectively explained and supported in the poem was through the similie "Does it stink like rotten meat?" (line 6). This similie serves to say that if you do not do it now (work to achieve the dream), then it will haunt you forever. The smell of meat lingers even after being thrown out. They may try to push it in the back of their mind, but everyone would know of the lost opportunity and regert for not taking it when they could. There are more examples, but these are two I found really strong.
Figurative Language Poetry #1
11.
The figurative language in this poem contributes to the overall theme and form of this poem. The use of personification is most used and influencing of these. The star is giving characteristics of a human person. Keats gives the description of the star as more of a human rather than a star. These characteristics are how the speaker relates to the star. He says he likes that the star is"awake forever in a sweet unrest"(line 12). The speaker wants to be awake and by his love forever. Also, he likes that the star is "steadfast" and "unchangeable" (line9). He wants to live forever with a permanent, unchanging setting with his lover. Furthermore, the speaker longs and desires the characteristics of the star because if he had these, then he would always have his love. He would never leave it or be without the picture and closeness with his love. By personifying the star, the poem's overall message is clearly and strongly conveyed. The speaker wants to be with the one he loves forever and would give up all the views of the world just to see his lover. Lastly, the speaker says he does not want to be lonely like the star. If he was lonely, it would mean he is not with his love. He would rather die than be without his love. The use of this personification allows for the reader to fully understand the feelings of the speaker portrayed by the poet.
The figurative language in this poem contributes to the overall theme and form of this poem. The use of personification is most used and influencing of these. The star is giving characteristics of a human person. Keats gives the description of the star as more of a human rather than a star. These characteristics are how the speaker relates to the star. He says he likes that the star is"awake forever in a sweet unrest"(line 12). The speaker wants to be awake and by his love forever. Also, he likes that the star is "steadfast" and "unchangeable" (line9). He wants to live forever with a permanent, unchanging setting with his lover. Furthermore, the speaker longs and desires the characteristics of the star because if he had these, then he would always have his love. He would never leave it or be without the picture and closeness with his love. By personifying the star, the poem's overall message is clearly and strongly conveyed. The speaker wants to be with the one he loves forever and would give up all the views of the world just to see his lover. Lastly, the speaker says he does not want to be lonely like the star. If he was lonely, it would mean he is not with his love. He would rather die than be without his love. The use of this personification allows for the reader to fully understand the feelings of the speaker portrayed by the poet.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Perrine Poetry Blog
After reading "The Nature of Proof in the Interpretation of Poetry" by Perrine, I was initially confused by a few phrases/opinions he shared. When he said "The essential difference between a metaphor and a literary symbol is that a metaphor means something else than
what it is, a literary symbol means something more than what it is.", I was probably the most confused. It took me a while to even begin to understand what Perrine was saying. I still do not fully understand the meaning of this, but I have a guess. I think that a metaphor tells the reader in a more literal or straightforward way what is being compared. Although there are no comparison phrases, what is being compared is literally right next to it. It is merely common sense to realize that these two things are obviously not the same, but the writer connects the two things by explaining. In a literary symbol, something is standing for something else. The thing it stands for has a much deeper meaning and is not as straightforward. The reader must interpret. Instead of seeing the comparison right next to it, the symbol is something that the reader must recognize or find on their own. The writer is not just pointing it out. This is what I think Perrine meant by this concept he stated.
Even though I was a little bit confused, I think that most of what Perrine said can be applied to my own study of poetry in this class. When I read poetry, I honestly have no idea what I am reading. I do not see the deeper meanings. I get confused and pretty much give up on trying to understand what is being said. Usually, I do this because I tell myself that I do not have the ability to understand. I used to think that only certain people could comprehend the poems. Also, I was always embarassed that what I said or interpreted was completely wrong and stupid. Perrine said "There are no correct or incorrect readings: there are only readings which differ more or less widely from a statistical norm". After reading this, I realize that in poetry there are no answers that are totally wrong. It is really an opinion. Also, people are allowed to interpret differently. I am so used to saying it is right or wrong, but now I know that what I think is not wrong. It may be different than what most people think, but it is not wrong. Poetry is open to different interpretations and wants them. From now on, I will make sure to say what I think and will not be afraid to share my thoughts in class.
what it is, a literary symbol means something more than what it is.", I was probably the most confused. It took me a while to even begin to understand what Perrine was saying. I still do not fully understand the meaning of this, but I have a guess. I think that a metaphor tells the reader in a more literal or straightforward way what is being compared. Although there are no comparison phrases, what is being compared is literally right next to it. It is merely common sense to realize that these two things are obviously not the same, but the writer connects the two things by explaining. In a literary symbol, something is standing for something else. The thing it stands for has a much deeper meaning and is not as straightforward. The reader must interpret. Instead of seeing the comparison right next to it, the symbol is something that the reader must recognize or find on their own. The writer is not just pointing it out. This is what I think Perrine meant by this concept he stated.
Even though I was a little bit confused, I think that most of what Perrine said can be applied to my own study of poetry in this class. When I read poetry, I honestly have no idea what I am reading. I do not see the deeper meanings. I get confused and pretty much give up on trying to understand what is being said. Usually, I do this because I tell myself that I do not have the ability to understand. I used to think that only certain people could comprehend the poems. Also, I was always embarassed that what I said or interpreted was completely wrong and stupid. Perrine said "There are no correct or incorrect readings: there are only readings which differ more or less widely from a statistical norm". After reading this, I realize that in poetry there are no answers that are totally wrong. It is really an opinion. Also, people are allowed to interpret differently. I am so used to saying it is right or wrong, but now I know that what I think is not wrong. It may be different than what most people think, but it is not wrong. Poetry is open to different interpretations and wants them. From now on, I will make sure to say what I think and will not be afraid to share my thoughts in class.
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