A.E. Housman’s poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” is about a record-breaking athlete regarded as a legend. The poem’s tone abruptly changes, causing the reader to realize that the athlete has died. The poem is notable for its themes of the bitterness of death at the pinnacle of greatness. Housman depicts the idea of glory and how it might fade using diction and imagery. The sonnet was appealing because it reminds me of Powell, a 20-year-old Welsh boxer knocked out in the third round of his fight with Londoner Housego. Powell was brought to the Royal Infirmary of Liverpool, where he succumbed to a brain hemorrhage. There were several things I did not comprehend, though. For instance, I did not understand if the athlete’s death was literal or if it meant someone confidant to the speaker.
The poem “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes is a thorough representation of the speaker’s attitude, hobbies, and background. The poem relates the narrative of a professor who asks the narrator to write a page about himself, a seemingly simple but profound assignment. In essence, the poet’s goal in creating this was to awaken the minds and hearts of everyone who harbors biases against people of color. I liked the piece because it depicts the genuine self and identity of the speaker. There were several things I did not comprehend, though. For instance, I did not understand when the speaker said, “Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me.” I also was not sure of the poem’s intention regarding whether it was supposed to address American racism or just institutional prejudices.
In Gary Soto’s poetry “Moving Away,” the speaker and his brother opt to depart from the horrible circumstances they endured over the years since it was too painful for them to stay and fight. People often reminisce, particularly the difficult times, to recall why they left the position they were in. They do this to ensure that the horrific events of the past do not repeat, as well as to be grateful for the current circumstances they have found themselves in and recognize how far they have progressed since those difficult times. Essentially, this piece reminds me of the recent events in the Ukraine-Russian war. There were several things I did not comprehend, though. For example, I did not understand whether the narrator was moving away from racism by mentioning a white stepfather or if it was just a general problem. I also wonder where they are heading and whether they will find refuge.
In the poem “Acquainted with the Night,” Robert Frost expresses to the audience the storyteller’s battle with sadness and gloom as he strolls around a metropolis by using a first-person account and reiteration. The poet’s unique style allows the audience to gain a thorough understanding of his works. Frost uses the storyteller’s point of view to reflect the storyteller’s struggle with despair and wretchedness. Essentially, this poem makes me think of an “unhealthy” individual who looks back on his life with a cold, detachedness. Even though he lives in a metropolis surrounded by many others, the speaker’s contemplation of his life reveals dejection. There were a few things I did not understand, though. The narrator did not provide any background information about the struggles. I also wonder whether the speaker’s isolation from people was causing unhappiness.
William Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” is a work of literature steeped in the history of difficult times. Yeats utilized poetry to foresee the upheaval and instability that engulfed them/regions, endangering peace. At first glance, the Yeast implies the second coming of Christ due to references to the “rocking cradle” (20) and “Bethlehem” (22). I liked the piece because it is encouraging and exciting to read. Generally, “The Second Coming” examines global issues such as obtaining freedom and emphasizes that liberation comes only after a long battle and a period of darkness. There was one thing I did not understand, though. I was not sure of the real meaning of the second coming, whether it was religious or revolution.
Work Cited
Gardner, Janet E., et al. Literature: A Portable Anthology. 5th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2020.