(no subject)

[wellownedbkup]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/poemscult/acheberev2.shtml

am trying to analyze this poem in less than 2 pgs in the next hour and a half. so far i have more questions about its theme than anything else, really. why? because it's talking about any of the following:

• the dichotomy of man, or, rather, the instinctual contradictions in all creation
• love's dissonant relationship with evil
• or, rather, evil's part in our inherent animal nature
• family bonds overriding seemingly wicked acts

i'm almost leaning toward the latter, but then i think i'm going to have to bring in the bible (Luke 5:11-13, wherein it talks about a father, although wicked, will still give good gifts to his son. and how God, since he's not wicked, gives even better gifts.)... which would work. but i'm scared to open that keg of worms, really.

anyway. if anyone's got insight? i'm open for suggestions.

Comments

Themes

[triskeles.livejournal.com]

Very interesting poem. Depressing as hell though! *lol* The theme, for me, is one of evil masked in humanity. That there is a danger in finding beauty in something that is so destructive and foul by nature. What could have been a poem about hope and salvation in the form of love is instead turned towards the distructive and evil nature of vultures... pairing and comparing it with the destructive and evil nature of Nazi's. The poet seems to warn against humanizing any of these creatures, even has the poet does so themself.

While the acts of the birds are "seemingly" wicked, there is no question as to the intention of the author bringing forth the idea of the comandant stopping by a sweets shop on the way home from slaughtering humans in a concentration camp. The poem seems to almost lament the fact that something so hideous is allowed some pleasure in this life, after feeding on the death and decay of others.

I find the imagery in describing the vultures to be particularly striking as well. "The bashed in head" gives us an idea of violence and evil even before the concentration camp is introduced.

I am not sure that that particular scripture fits the poem, unless you can find solid proof that there is hope in any form found in the poem, it would be best left out. Your strongest arguments are ones in which you can point towards proof. The poet detaches away from the love and affection and instead talks about the inherent irony of the fact that they can perform such evil deeds and yet remain unaffected by their deeds.

Re: Themes

[wellowned.livejournal.com]

everything what you said? i said! :D win!

seriously, it has got to be one of the most depressing and macabre poems i've read. there's that linking back time and again to death and violence (i noted that bit about the bashed in head as well).

it was strange to try to analyze. i don't really have a basis for where the author is coming from (he was born in nigeria in the 30s, and that's all i know) and the cultural tones that would help or hinder this work. i mean, the last time i analyzed poetry, i was analyzing whitman and pound and eliot. we were given a lot more background and could get a better picture because of it. i dunno. i feel like i half-assed it. but at least we gathered much the same thing about the imagery and the justification while not really wanting to explain away the evil.

Great minds think alike! :)

[triskeles.livejournal.com]

I love poetry, My undergraduate degrees were both in English (A.A emphasis in literature and my B.A emphasis in creative writing) I picked up quite a bit of poetry analysis along the way. Thos wacky poets! It is especially interesting that the 1900's saw a turning away from traditional poetry structures and traditions towards free form, free-flowing of ideas. I like to compare the "new" styles that came forward as the "abstract" movement for poetry.

Sounds like you have a great, and thought provoking class! I do love my chosen grad program of Library Sciences, but I really do miss the intense discussions and beautiful reading of literature and poetry.

Good luck in class!

Love the icon!