Sunday, October 21, 2012

Modern Poem vs. Reread Poem


After re-reading Red Wheel Barrow and being introduced to The Great Figure, I noticed that there were quite a few similarities between the two. Both of these poems have lines that consist of only one word, which suggests that that one word is more important. Both of these poems also focus on illustrating a setting, which both happen to include rain, and have one dominant figure in the setting. In the Red Wheel Barrow poem it is said that the wheelbarrow is depended upon, but it also seems like the wheelbarrow is somewhat neglected because it is left out in the rain. In The Great Figure poem it is said that the fire truck is “tense” and “unheeded,” meaning that people disregard it. The writer also says in this poem that the fire truck is moving through a “dark city” which, mixed with the rain, makes me think that the setting is cold and unforgiving in a way. I think that both of these poems are getting at the idea that people take for granted the most common things in life that we depend on, such as fire trucks and wheelbarrows. While the bright colors of the two main figures suggest that they should stand out, they are both mixed into a dreary setting and are seemingly forgotten by those around them.

1 comment:

  1. *....both happen to include rain, and have one dominant figure in the setting.

    Interesting to notice; perhaps read this in light of icarus?

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