In this poem, Walt Whitman begins with an observation of a spider, and the way it diligently spins a web. "Marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding/ it launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself/ Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them" (82). Here, Whitman uses the device of personification. He gives the spider the human-like desire to explore one's surroundings to satisfy curiosity. However, realistically, it is the reasons for the spider to spin a web is simply driven by instinct and the need of survival.
This device then sets the poem up to use the spider as a symbol. "And you, O my soul where you stand/ Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space/ Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them....Till the gossamer thread you fling to catch somewhere, O my soul" (83). This example illustrates the connection Whitman makes between his soul, and the spider. Like the spider, his soul is submerged in a vast, endless space. It persistently attempts to grasp onto something, some type of understanding of the world around him, and its meaning. The "gossamer thread" of the soul, is like the silk of the spider. The soul yearns to explore these concepts, to latch onto something, just as the spider yearns to latch its web onto some part of its surrounding simply for survival.
Overall, the meaning of the poem is something that appeals to me. The comparison of the spider and the soul, and the web and the desires for discovery are definitely an interesting concept that I had interpreted well. The wording of the poem was not too challenging, yet it was challenging enough to capture my attention.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
45."The Hound" - pg. 62 - 63
In this poem, Robert Francis begins with introducing life as a "hound." This is a use of figurative language - particularly a metaphor due to the statement that life is a hound. Francis uses this type of figurative language to describe life as unpredictable. "I cannot tell/The hound's intent/till he has sprung/At my bare hand/With teeth or tongue" (63). Here, Francis describes his uncertainty as to what the hound's intentions are. Is it going to snap? Or will it show affection? He does not know until the hound has began to take action. This is a direct representation of his uncertainties of his future. He cannot predict what exactly will happen, he can only assume. The only way he will know something for sure, is when the time comes for it to happen. "Meanwhile I stand/And wait the event" (63). He must wait for the "hound" to bite, or to lick his hand. Therefore, he must wait for the future to unfold.
Another device used to create the overall tone of the poem is the simplistic structure of the poem. The abrupt, short lines create an unfinished, uncertain feeling. They are not complete thoughts, and contain a small amount of syllables.This tone contributes to the overall meaning of the poem, which is the concept of life's unpredictability, and the uncertain elements of the future. "Life the Hound/Equivocal/Comes at bound" (62). Here exemplifies the brief, short style of the poem. The metaphor, which is the foundation of the poem, is expressed in a three word line, and then described with one word. It is abrupt and straightforward - not creating much of an explanation through tremendous detail. Therefore, it gives of a sense of being in as state of the present, unable to predict the direction of the following lines.
Overall, I appreciate the entire poem. I particularly found the metaphor to be intriguing, and the way Francis relates life to the actions of a hound. I enjoy the simplicity of the poem, which gives it an edge, a rawness. For me, that is the best structure to allow me to grasp the concept of the work. I can also relate to the idea of life's unpredictability, because there is absolutely no way of knowing the exact future for certain. One must wait for the event they are anticipating to occur in order to know the future.
Another device used to create the overall tone of the poem is the simplistic structure of the poem. The abrupt, short lines create an unfinished, uncertain feeling. They are not complete thoughts, and contain a small amount of syllables.This tone contributes to the overall meaning of the poem, which is the concept of life's unpredictability, and the uncertain elements of the future. "Life the Hound/Equivocal/Comes at bound" (62). Here exemplifies the brief, short style of the poem. The metaphor, which is the foundation of the poem, is expressed in a three word line, and then described with one word. It is abrupt and straightforward - not creating much of an explanation through tremendous detail. Therefore, it gives of a sense of being in as state of the present, unable to predict the direction of the following lines.
Overall, I appreciate the entire poem. I particularly found the metaphor to be intriguing, and the way Francis relates life to the actions of a hound. I enjoy the simplicity of the poem, which gives it an edge, a rawness. For me, that is the best structure to allow me to grasp the concept of the work. I can also relate to the idea of life's unpredictability, because there is absolutely no way of knowing the exact future for certain. One must wait for the event they are anticipating to occur in order to know the future.
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