Introduction
People are often wary and disdainful of anything that differs from their idea of the norm. This relationship also applies to people in difficult life circumstances. Poems by Bob Dylan and Dylan Thomas talk about the suffering of two people living on the streets. At the same time, the texts’ general mood and the authors’ positions differ. Therefore, this paper compares two poems to identify the unique features of each.
Main Characters
Situation
The characters in both poems face poverty and misery, which forces them to lead a reclusive lifestyle. Both Hobo and Hunchback are isolated from a society that does not care about their well-being. Describing the character’s lifestyle, Bob Dylan says, “A blanket of newspaper covered his head, The step was his pillow, the street was his bed” (Dylan, 1963, lines 9-10). It demonstrates the harsh living conditions that Hobo is forced to live in. The character is portrayed as a wanderer on the fringes of society, facing the harsh realities of poverty and neglect.
On the other hand, Hunchback from Dylan Thomas’s poem suffers more hardships due to his physical handicap. Just like Hobo, this character faces loneliness and is a “solitary mister” for whom the park is a refuge (Thomas, n.d., line 2). Apparently, his appearance turns people off, so he probably can’t find a job or livelihood. Therefore, he is forced to wander, “eating bread from a newspaper, drinking water from the chained cup” (Thomas, n.d., lines 7-8). He hides from people between the trees in the park, which for him is not only a physical but also an emotional shelter.
Philosophy
Despite the similar circumstances faced by the characters in both poems, they perceive the current situations differently. A Hobo seems to have accepted his marginal existence and accepted his fate. The author states that “his face showed the hard road he’d come,” demonstrating that the character has been trying to survive on the streets for a long time (Dylan, 1963, line 11). He seems to have completely lost faith in people and his happy future and is humbly waiting for the end of his torment.
At the same time, the Hunchback has a more positive outlook on the world and finds solace in his imaginary world. He enjoys the trees and water that surround him and enjoys the singing of the birds. Even though he has to spend the night in the park, he is happy that “nobody chained him up” (Thomas, n.d., line 12). The character notices the smallest details that show that there is much beauty in the world, and unlike Hobo, who obediently awaits death, the Hunchback enjoys every moment of life. The Hunchback seems to find freedom in his solitude, using it as an opportunity for introspection and creative expression.
Treatment of the Character
People around us have different attitudes towards the main characters of the poems. Dylan (1963) notes that people do not notice Hobo, who has been lying on the sidewalk for several nights. The character seems to exist on the fringes of society, and people disregard his struggles. Moreover, to society, he is only “only a hobo,” which emphasizes the dehumanization and social labels that society hands out (Dylan, 1963, line 5). Those around him pass by, unwilling to listen to his story or help as if his existence is no big deal.
The Hunchback’s physical differences, on the contrary, make him more noticeable to society. Even though the character strives to find solitude among the trees in the park, people find it themselves. The usual interactions with him are children who laugh “when he shook his paper,” and they walk around “hunchbacked in mockery” (Thomas, 1963, lines 20-21). The character is displayed like an animal in a zoo, where everyone looks at him with interest and caution. Moreover, in most cases, there is no malicious intent in the actions of children mocking the Hunchback. They are driven by curiosity, which is why the character does not perceive their actions as offensive.
Poets’ Attitude
The poets’ attitude towards characters and their situations is characterized by the author’s involvement and appeal to the audience. Bob Dylan (1963) demonstrates the plight of the marginalized and the role of a largely uncaring society. The author encourages people to think about the fate of people facing life’s difficulties and their attitude towards them. Rhetorical questions in the poem generate reflection and are also a call to action. It reminds readers of the importance of compassion and understanding as, ironically, anyone can find themselves in similar circumstances. Moreover, the poem calls for respect for people in difficult circumstances and the responsibility of society to help such individuals.
Dylan Thomas remains an outside observer throughout the poem, describing the Hunchback life. Until the end of the text, the author does not assess what is happening. Even though readers understand that the character’s lifestyle and physical differences are a big challenge for him, paying attention to details such as birds singing and swans swimming in the park creates a more positive picture than the situation requires (Thomas, n.d.). The author says these boys are “innocent as strawberries,” emphasizing the absence of their evil intentions (Thomas, n.d., line 40). Bullying and ridicule are portrayed as something harmless and part of human nature.
Conclusion
Both poems describe the struggles of people who do not fit into social norms and boundaries. They are isolated from society and forced to wander the streets for water and food. However, the characters have different attitudes towards the current situations and their fate. Moreover, Hobo and the Hunchback’s relationship with others, as well as the position of the authors, play an essential role in both texts. The poems make one think about people’s experiences in difficult life circumstances and society’s attitude towards them.
References
Dylan, B. (1963). Only a Hobo. Bob Dylan. Web.
Thomas, D. (n.d.). The Hunchback in the Park. Poeticous. Web.