A poet could simply state, say, "I see a tree", but it is possible to conjure up much more specific images using techniques such as simile ("a tree like a spiky rocket"), metaphor ("a green cloud riding a pole") or synechdoche ("bare, black branches") - each of these suggests a different kind of tree. Techniques, such as these, that can be used to create powerful images are called figurative language, and can also include onomatopoeia, metonymy and personification.
One of the great pleasures of poetry is discovering a particularly powerful image; the Imagists of the early 20th century felt it was the most important aspect, so were devoted to finding strong images and presenting them in the clearest language possible. Of course, not every poem is an Imagist poem, but making images is something that nearly every poem in the Archive does.
An interesting contrast in imagery can be found by comparing Alison Croggon's 'The Elwood Organic Fruit and Vegetable Shop' with Allen Ginsberg's 'A Supermarket in California'; although both poets seem to like the shops they write about, Ginsberg's shop is full of hard, bright things, corralled into aisles, featuring neon, tins and freezers, while the organic shop is full of images of soft, natural things rubbing against one another in sunlight. Without it being said explicitly, the imagery makes it clear that the supermarket is big, boxy, and tidy, unlike the cosy Elwood's. This is partly done with the visual images that are drawn, and in part with Croggon's images that mix the senses (this is called synaesthesia), such as the strawberries with their "klaxons of sweetness" or the gardens with "well-groomed scents", having the way the imagery is made correspond with what the imagery shows.
Thomas bought the werner to become more educated, but instead of just telling his grandkids the definitions it gives he creates little stories to tell them. He's trying to protect his grandchildren from harsh realities, like how black people are seen as unintelligent and lowly. This is further accentuated by the possum, an animal known for putting up facades.
ReplyDeleteThe poem makes a statement about the place of African American's in society during Thomas' life period through the Warner Encyclopedia. The Encyclopedia becomes a symbol for Thomas trying to better himself and become educated. However, the encyclopedia, the very source through which Thomas is attempting to gain knowledge defines him and everyone who looks like him as lazy and worthless.
ReplyDeleteI am having an incredibly difficult time interpreting the poems on my own. Once I am told the meaning I can easily point out the elements that would have led to that conclusion, but I cannot get there myself. But even without understanding the full scope of the poem I can still appreciate the beauty of Rita Dove's words at face value if that counts for anything.
Thomas wanted to learn from the encyclopedias, he wanted to become smarter. And he was reading to his girls from the books, but he was substituting parts to protect them from harsh realities of the world, that's where the possum came in. He made little stories to protect the girls.
ReplyDeleteI understood that he bought the encyclopedias to become smarter. I also understood that he was telling his grandchildren a story but using the possum as an analogy about black people, making the story more creative rather than just reading straight from the encyclopedia.
ReplyDeleteAmelia, Clara, Julie.
ReplyDeleteWe understand that he bought encyclopedias and that he is telling the grandkids stories about animals while he not telling them the Werner definitions of Negro. He is trying to keep the racism away from them for as long as possible.
Sam'antae Said "What i see in Roast Possum is a young black boy who is curious more about the beauty of a dead horse rather than a stinking possum. He also evades his grand son questions and keeps him in the dark about other peoples beliefs when it comes to BLACK folks
ReplyDeleteCaleb/Darren
ReplyDeleteIn the poem, Thomas is telling stories to his grandson and his granddaughters. He created the elaborate tales for his grandson, who he values more. In here, the encyclopedia is mentioned as explaining that as African Americans, they'll be smart as children but dumb and lazy as adults. He's attempting to pass on only the good tales of his childhood, not the racial tension that he grew up with, despite all the struggles he went through during his life (enough work that "lazy" doesn't really fit).
Jack
ReplyDeleteHe bought the encyclopedias to increase his knowledge but at the same time they are putting down black people. Hes attempting to keep his grandchildren away from racism for as long as possible.
Thomas used the possum as a comparison about black people in the story he told his grandchildren. This book by Rita Dove overall is quite confusing but yet creative and helps me look at poems differently.
ReplyDeleteThomas creatively tells stories to his granddaughters based on the definitions in the Warner Encyclopedia. He buys it ultimately to become smarter. He tells these little equipped stories to his granddaughters to keep them oblivious to what life is really like. For example, the fact that blacks are considered ignorant and rather lazy.
ReplyDelete