Getting Out: Cleopatra Manthis

This poem is about a divorced couple. As suggested to day in our small group discussion, I think that the first stanza could be indirectly refer to the attempts of the couple trying to have a child. As the poem continues on, it seems like this inability pulls them apart. Then, as they are divorced by the lawyer, they are still unable to completely let go. To me, this expresses that they still love each other, but for some reason the marriage won't work. The fact that the character is still "startled by men who look like [him]..." means to me that she still misses him. I also feel that the yearly letter is a way for her former love to express all that he feels, even if he may be lying in saying "I'm happy now." Although the topic for these poems was supposed to be tone, I feel they have thus far all dealt in some way with love, lost, or unrequited.

My Mistress' Eyes: Shakespeare

This poem, as we went over in class today, initially comes off very insultingly. It appears that Shakespeare is saying that his love is ugly and lacks beauty. However, upon analyzing the poem, deeper meaning is found. We see that Shakespeare is satirizing all of the love poems men stereotypically write about women and their overwhelming beauty. Shakespeare says that although she is not that perfect, no one is as perfect as is stated in romance poems. Shakespeare goes further to say that he won't lie about his love, because even though she may not be perfect, she is unique and he loves her for that. So, even though this poem starts out as an insult, after analyzing, it is seen that, in fact, Shakespeare is declaring his love in a unique manner. Thus, this poem turns out to be romantic in its own way.

Crossing the Bar: Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The central theme of this poem is death. It is metaphorically compared to both night and to crossing a sand bar in a boat. The "Pilot" in the story is alluded to as God, and the sand bar is the point of crossing over into death, or deeper water in the metaphor. The character also speaks of how he wants there to be no sadness when he goes off on his travels. This gives the appearance that he is expecting to die, for whatever reason. I'm not sure if the boat has any specific meaning, as a means of transportation. Additionally, the author uses rhyme scheme in this poem. Perhaps this is supposed to give the appearance of being in a boat on waves (?). The author's descriptions and specific diction help to make this metaphor clear, through words with double meanings.

The Apparition: John Donne

This poem uses a metaphor between being a ghost and being scorned by a past love. The main character talks about how if his love were to ever scorn him, he would "die". The metaphor is carried out by the character speaking of how he would haunt his past love, even when she is with another. This haunting is a symbol for memories that won't leave her mind. In the end, the character speaks of how this is nothing but a threat. He ends the metaphor with the statement of haunting. Finally, it is clear that he would prefer to be scorned or for his love to say that she were not in love, than to lie and continue on till it was overly apparent. Additionally to the metaphor in this poem, Donne uses rhyme scheme to give the poem a flow.

Sorting Laundry - Elisaviette Ritchie

1) I really like the author's first name...maybe that's because my name is not normal....annnywhoooo
2) I really liked the sentiment behind this poem. The comparison between the things that the love of the narator's life being as numerous as the things in the laundry was cute. (I couldn't find a more professional sounding word. :( ) I especially liked when she described the "empty side of the bed" and how without the person, she could never have enough clothes to fill that side. To me, that symbolized that she could never have enough memories alone to fill the space that would be left in her heart. I think this poem used a lot of description as well as containing the metaphor between clothes and memories. I wonder if each piece of clothing has a specific meaning or if her examples are just general. I also thought that "sorting laundry" symbolized going over memories in one's mind. In this case, she looked at each with love and renewed feeling. Overall, I liked the most that this was more of a feel-good poem unlike some of the others.

Barbie Doll - Marge Piercy

I found this poem to be very affecting. It speaks volumes about the over-expectations of society today and of the harmful affects these expectations have. Everywhere we are surrounded by the media perception of the perfect woman. In the end, this perception is what does the girl in. Even though she is healthy and smart, no one appreciates her for those things. They only see what she lacks, or what doesn't meet the proper standards. In the end, she is considered to be "pretty" in the casket. To me, this symbolizes the belief that no one can be truly correct in society till they have undergone the knife and given up their true personality. Space for individuality is sacrificed for conformism. This poem explains how such "morals" are actually tearing down society and destroying the very fabric from which we are able to function the country. For, without those who are smart or talented in many ways, how can society truly function?

Much Madness is divinest Sense - Emily Dickinson

The key figurative language used in this poem appears to be paradoxes. The overall paradox is that Madness is Sanity and Sanity is Madness. Dickinson makes the statement in this poem that by agreeing and conforming all of the time, one is insane. However, sanity can be found in disagreeing. Additionally, a warning is made in this poem. When Dickinson states that those who object are put in manacles, there is an alternate meaning. These people who object to the government or other higher power will often times be declared as insane and put away into jail or an asylum to prevent them from influencing others thoughts. The paradoxes in this poem help to exemplify Dickinson's underlying theme and idea. I believe that this idea still exists strongly today, as things are "swept under the rug" by the government at times to prevent disagreement.

APO 96255 - Larry Rottman

I believe the central theme of this poem, like in TSAR, is that those who are not directly involved in a war can not understand it. In the same hand, they may want to sympathize and claim understanding, but they are incapable of this. In this poem, as the mother begs for information, to support her son, he finally breaks and tells her. The result? She can not take the reality of it. It's "too depressing." I feel like we often react in this way when we hear reports of what our soldiers have done in war. War is something demanded of nearly every country, and often times, we don't agree with our own soldiers' methods. The son in this story is only reaching out for some assistance, some understanding. However, it appears that he also knows how people will react. Thus, in the end, he reverts back to the most basic story he can tell. I think it is a sad poem, and it widely expresses beliefs across the world on war.

A Valediction : Forbidding Mourning - John Donne

Valediction is saying farewell. I think this poem is mainly about the loss of someone in one's life. I made this decision based on such things as the lines "So let us melt, and make no noise, no tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move" and "And whisper to their souls to go." Aside from these 2, there were several more lines referencing death. This separation is looked at in this poem as something that is not eternal. Thus, as in the title, one must not mourn death, but as the poem seems to express, embrace it. The word soul is used repetitively throughout this poem too. Overall, I have liked "Bright Star" and this poem the best of this section. These are less abstract ideas that are easier read and more clearly expressed. Because of this, I feel I have a more detailed understanding of what the author is trying to put across to me, the reader. I really liked the message in this poem, which is timeless, as this poem was written in the 1600's.

Toads: Philip Larkin

So, I do not really and truly understand this poem. Thus, I am going to try to explain what I do understand, which isn't much.

1.  There are 2 toads. One of them is a symbol for work and the other may be the man's feelings, but I'm not sure. 
2. There is a reference to the Tempest. In the poem the quote is: "But I know, all too well, that's the stuff that dreams are made on" In the Tempest, the lines are: "Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our life is rounded with sleep. Sir, I am vexed." I believe this allusion expresses the narrator's irritation and also his hopes and "dreams."
3. I think the narrator is trying to express how work is taking of his life and how it "squats" in his mind and never leaves.

Overall, I feel like theis poem has a lot of parts and I hope that tomorrow I can get it clarified some. For now, all I can think about during writing this is posting pictures of toads and work and maybe some toads working :) I think it is more distracting working on these blogs late at night.

Oh, I just had an idea! Perhaps the toad is not in fact work, as he refers to the use of wit in life and how he feels he cannot use it. Perhaps the toad is the expectations that authority figures have already set upon him, and his inability to stray from those guidelines. So, now....pictures!

Pink Dog: Elizabeth Bishop

I believe the central theme of this poem was to express the plight of the homeless and destitute throughout the world.  I think the pink dog refers to those who are left without much money or essential needs. When one thinks of a dog, more often than not it has some sort of hair. In the same way, a human has clothes. The pink dog is sickly and malnourished, it sits and begs for food. So too do the poor. I believe towards the end, the authors strays from the metaphor and her statements are more literal and to the point about the situation these people face. The dog may be equated to the poor, but after the first 3 stanzas, the author makes blunt statements. However, I do not understand how the end relates to the rest of the poem when it talks about Carnival and Ash Wednesday, I think Carnival is the same as Marti Gras... I'm not sure.


This has nothing to do with anything... i was just listening to it whilst writing this blog.

I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed: Emily Dickinson

This poem has rather...interesting diction. All of the words are well chosen, as they refer to drinking, brewing liquor, cups, etc. Overall, I find the theme of the poem to be vague, but I believe it is a metaphor. Nevertheless, I will try to explain some of the terms Dickinson uses in this poem.


Vats upon the Rhine: During my group discussion Tuesday, my friend (yay Abby!) said that she thought their were vineyards along the Rhine river. This make me believe that it is referencing a large quantity of alcohol from some origin on the Rhine.

 Debauchee: This is one whom is morally unrestrained. In the case of this poem, it would be someone who could not resist drinking.

 Drams: This word has two definitions. 1) to ply with drink 2) a unit of measure of a liquid. Both of these definitions can apply to alcoholic beverages.
 
 Tippler: a person who tipples/ drams intoxicating liquor. The two words can be used synonymously.

Thus, I believe that all of the words Dickinson chose for this poem had very specific "jobs" in the poem.

Bright Star: John Keats

"Twinkle, twinkle little star...."

The figurative language in this poem is abundant. First, the entire poem is a metaphor between a star and and a man's longing for life to remain unchanged. One simile used in this poem is "Like nature's patient Eremite..." where the star is compared to a hermit. The metaphor itself revolves around two central themes. 1) The star is "steadfast" and "unchangeable" 2) The narrator's longing to forever be in love. As the star appears to be unmoving in the night sky, and ever existent, the man hopes to forever be living in love. "Sweet unrest" refers to the fact that his experiences are so good at the time that he prefers not to rest, possibly a symbol for death. If he were to be forced to move, he can see that life might bring loneliness and despair. The use of the extended metaphor along with other figurative language in this poem gives the poem flow and reason.

Thomas Hardy: The Convergence of the Twain

When I first read this poem, I did not notice the tiny writing under the title which states: "Lines on the loss of the 'Titanic.'" So, as I was reading this poem, I was trying to figure out what it was about and it reminded me of the Titanic because of its use of the words "ship" and "Iceberg." Now I feel a tad stupid because I didn't read the writing before, but it also gives me confidence in the author because I was able to figure this out in the end. I love how each verse builds upon the last. Some of the verses are describing the ship, but if read out of context seem to be describing something entirely different. In Verse III I liked the contrast between the words "mirrors," "glass," and "opulent" and the image of  "The sea-worms crawling - grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent."
Knowing the story of the Titanic before helps to gain a better understanding of the symbolism in this poem as well.Overall, I really enjoyed this poem and it also reminded me of the research project currently going on around the Titanic. Here is a link to some of the newest footage of the ship wreck:

http://www.cinenema.com/titanic-expedition-shows-off-crisp-new-images

And here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

"a widow's lament in springtime"

I thought this video was interesting, you are supposed to read the poem aloud while playing the video. It gives you a feeling of how the widow may have felt.




 I found this poem to be sad, but also intriguing. I liked how the author uses repetition of flowers. To me, the white flowers symbolized the widow's husband, as if the flowers were his spirit. White is often a color associated with rebirth or spirits, and in this way, maybe when she says she would like to fall into the flowers, she is stating she would like to fall into her husband's arms once more. She is so depressed from his loss and in knowing that this can not be so, she feels she would rather die than go on without him. I also like the contrast between th4e beginning of the poem and the "cold fire" and the middle which talks about springtime, which is the end of cold. This may also be a symbol of the time which the woman is undergoing and how she has reached a point at which she needs to move on.

If you type the title of this poem into google.com , there are many other ideas of what these flowers stand for. Some of these ideas made more sense than others, but they were all interesting.

Gerard Manely Hopkins: Spring

 

This poem is a Petrarchan Sonnet. This means that is has first an octet verse, and in this case, two verses that make up a sestet. The rhyme scheme of the first eight lines is:
a b b a a b b a

and the next six:
c d c d c d.

This pattern makes up the poems formation. This gives the poem a rhythm as it is read aloud. In this poem, the rhythm is a reminder of the speed and joyfulness that is found in Spring.  Along with the fact that this is a sonnet, this poem also contains alliteration pertaining to the letter "l," as well as repetition of words beginning with "l" throughout.
Some such words are: "long and lovely and lush", "lightnings," "leaves," "lambs," etc. The use of these words helped to keep the flow of the poem as well. Overall, the poem's rhyme scheme and descriptive wording helped to add to the effect and tone of Spring and innocence by providing examples of nature. Additionally, I think the rhyming also portrayed the speed with which things change in the Spring.

Robert Hayden: Those Winter Sundays

I think the tone in this poem is one of regret and remorse. As the son talks about all that his father did for him, though he never thanked him, he expresses some sadness through the words: "What did I know, what did I know of love's austere and lonely offices." In the beginning of the poem, one can see the labor that the father underwent through descriptions of his "cracked hands" and starting a fire in "the blueblack cold." The first verse is made up of one elongated sentence and then one extremely short sentence. This shorter sentences says: "No one ever thanked him." Since it is shorter, it has the ability to stop the previous sentence in its tracks, so to speak, and deliver more emotion and emphasis. When in the second verse it speaks of  "cold splintering, breaking" it helps one to envision the extreme cold which they faced, both literally, and possibly figuratively through some problem in the house. This provides a tone of coldness and pain as well. Overall, the cold and then change to warm is emphasized, providing the tone of wistfulness. It is as if the narrator wishes to go back and change the way things were. It is this wish that drives the poem.

Emily Dickinson: I felt a Funeral, in my Brain

Firstly, I feel obliged to say that I have always been an avid reader of Dickinson's poetry. Often times it is read as depressing, but I think there is often a side of light to all of her poetry.


I believe that the central theme of this poem is not completely the loss of one's mind. In my own opinion, it is about the loss of the ability to reason or to deal with a situation. I found this in such details as, "Boots of Lead" and "...then a Plank in Reason broke." Often times, heavy burdens are associated with lead, in this case, her thoughts are dragging and the narrator is burdened down by this. I believe the "Plank in Reason" breaking symbolizes that the narrator can not make a decision, she has lost all ability to reason because of the weight of the situation she is in. The funeral in general is symbolic of the loss of something in her life, possibly the "Mourners" who come and go, but never stay for long. This may cause a sense of hopelessness, which is felt throughout the poem. It is not necessary that the narrator have lost their mind to feel the emotions stated here. It is possible that they are only undergoing a difficult decision and in the process, feel they have lost some part of their lives.

Poetry... I love to write it, but this guy's opinion....

So, as I sat down to read this essay by Perrine, I was at first interested. Then I read his opinion over such poetry as Emily Dickinson. I understand the point he was making and how some words could not be used as directly to apply to a garden as to the sunset. Vale, I get this, but honestly, I am furious with it at the same time. I believe that there are more levels to poetry that need to be considered than just the direct interpretation. Maybe I am so upset because I myself thought of this as a garden. I believe the most important part of interperating poetry isn't which interperatation is most correct, but which holds the emotion the poet was trying to express. Someone shouldn't be criticized just because their idea of what a poem is about isn't what the poet meant.

For example, maybe Dickinson was in fact writing about a sunset. However, knowing that much of her poetry is about nature, I do not think she would be so upset at the garden interperatation. Her poetry brought joy and expressed a love of nature. Either way you look at it, garden or sunset, these key emotions are the same. That is what truly matters. One of the few parts of this paper that didn't bother me so much were the ideas about symbols and metaphors. I feel like they are often used synonymously , although they oughtn't be used this way. Overall, I rather disliked this essay and think that the author is clearly biased toward his opinion as he is writing. One could just as easily try to justify one's own opinion in such a way. It all is really a matter of persuasive writing. However, he did bring up some interesting topics and I suppose I could give him that.