NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
SYMBOLISM AND ALLUSION What major symbols are used? How appropriate is each symbol in its respective poem? How do the poets use the symbols to focus on the problems they present in their poems? Allusions and symbols are critical components of an interesting and understandable poem. Poets rely heavily on them because of the need to economize their words. Poems dont waste words on detailed explanations in order to be understood.
They rely instead on the reader to use his own process for interpreting and connecting to the meaning, whether or not he understands the allusions or symbolism. The Penfield Study Guide poses this question: When does a word mean more than a word? When its an allusion. (p. 213) A more defined meaning is that allusions are unacknowledged references or quotations which the author assumes the reader will recognize, and relate to the context of his poem. Conversely, a symbol is defined as anything an object, person, place, idea or situation that stands for itself and also gathers to it a larger meaning. For example, a flag could be a symbol representing freedom or surrender, depending on the color and occasion. However, by using two simple words, Old Glory, the reader can instantly relate the allusion to the American flag and mentally recall all of the historical images associated with it.
What power for two words! This paper will use three poems, 80 -Proof (A. R. Ammons, 1975), A Final Thing (Li-Young Lee, 1990) and Resume (Dorothy Parker, 1936), to illustrate the creativeness and variety of allusions and symbols, and their usefulness in drawing the reader into the poem. Without them, these poems would not be nearly as interesting or effective, and definitely less meaningful and relevant. It is noteworthy that both Parker (born 1893) and Ammons (born 1926) are from eras that are culturally different from that of Lees (born 1957).
Yet the universal allusions used in each poem span both the cultural differences as well as their time period, and share a common thread in their view of life. Starting with the title, 80 -Proof (Ammons, p. 1021), the use of numerical symbols and reference to alcohol is obvious. The poets use of fifth for bookends beginning with A fifth of mes me (1) and ending with fifth by fifth (18), coupled with the reference to chaser (2) gives the reader a direct link to the title and completes the framework. The lines in between describe the physical body made of bones, nerves, veins and membranes, which sidetracks the reader into thinking that the poet is just describing the body in terms of pieces. However, the meaning is perhaps revealed toward the end with achieve a whole (19), which takes these pieces and makes the transformation from alcohol to a highly transcendental (20) individual. The overall effect is getting down to the true self and deciding whether to go 100 % spiritual (17) or retain the shallow stain (16).
Lines 10 and 11, strip out nerves &# 038; veins/ &# 038; permeable membranes, give allusion to the destructiveness of alcohol on the body and spirit. Optimistically there is hope for recovery; pessimistically there remains so little of the real self on which to rebuild. Its like trying to get to the point by peeling away, layer by layer, all the coverings on the true self (4), until all that remains is a greasy spot (13). When the poem arrives at the bottom; i. e. , the alcoholic hits rock bottom, there is a decision to be made whether to stay there or rebuild the body back to the whole. The numerical symbols provide the dots for the reader to connect when forming his mental image and his interpretation of the poems meaning.
The similarities between 80 -Proof (Ammons, p. 1021) and Resume (Parker, p. 1083) are not based on numerical symbols, but rather their abstract symbols of life. The title, Resume, seems to sum up the history of a life; seven lines perhaps signifying seven different important times or stages, spanning a lifetime. Symbols such as razors, drugs, guns, nooses, and gas smells, (1 - 7) are easily recognized as methods of suicide. The whole poem is depressing and offers little hope except that the means of death are not pleasant enough to be appealing. Both Parker and Ammons share the years from 1926 to 1936, a time in which America was encased with the prohibition movement, illegal booze, and the Great Depression. These years seem to set the tone for these poems in that the nation was on a slide from top to bottom, resulting in the end of life for many.
One can see the allusions to prosperity in 80 -Proof (p. 1021) with such words as steak &# 038; chops/ &# 038; chicken fat, / two-over-easy &# 038; cream-on-the-side (7 - 9). In contrast, Resume (p. 1083) offers a grim listing of the physical feel to death described by pain, damp, cramp, awful smelwhich are usually associated with poverty. There is very little hope evident in either poem. Parkers Resume (p. 1083) ends with a resigned You might as well live (8), while Ammons ends 80 -Proof (p. 1021) with a decision whether to retain/ the shallow stain/ or go 100 % spiritual (16 - 18). What an uplifting contrast provided by Lees A Final Thing (p. 1070).
His allusions are introduced in a much more subtle way, fooling the reader with a totally different first mental image than what is revealed toward the end. The wording and phrases used are elegant and emotional, especially when the reader realizes they are coming from the father. In the first three lines, Lee uses the symbol of the body in a white sheet listening (3) giving the image of a corpse, or perhaps a patient in a coma. The lines that follow give the allusion of memories or of something going on outside the conscious realm of this body as he interprets the noises and voices heard.
What is revealed is that this is a father listening to his wife tell a story to their son, completely dispelling the first image. The use of allusion followed by reality completes the bridge to understanding the poem and its meaning. It ends on such a positive note with and this is not/ my last morning on earth (42 - 43) giving the reader evidence that he is slowly being awakened by these sounds. The poem finishes with a sobering allusion to the fathers future years when someday, Ill close my eyes to recall (51). The cultural background of Lee is felt in his subtle approach and diffused symbols and allusions. The serenity and quietness in the fathers thoughts as he listens, and the mothers gentle, early morning words to her son provide a peaceful and calming effect on the reader.
What all poets have in common is a love of language its words, its meanings, its rhythms, its sounds, even its shapes (Literary Visions, p. 141). It is this language, in the form of allusions and symbols that gives meaning and interest to poems, and gives the reader an insight into the poets unique view. Poets use an intuitive process. They dont cognitively think about allusions, nor do they have to know the allusions. The poetry that succeeds best is one that touches the instinctive something we all share. That something celebrates the communion with what we are and what we believe (Dorn, Video Program # 116).
Free research essays on topics related to: poets, allusions, symbols, resume, allusion
Research essay sample on Proof Ammons P 80 Proof Ammons P 1021 Reader
