Poetry interpretation - Essay Example

Essay, English Topic: Poetry interpretation Introduction This review/analysis relates to the lyric poem Family by Dr. William Wallis. True to the genre, this poem expresses personal and emotional feelings and is structured in the past tense. Even without the regular rhyming scheme, the poem reads well, as if it has rhyme and set to musical notes. Lyric poetry defies definition, for the simple reason that its domain is the feelings of an individual. The same topic, the same situation may produce varied responses.

No clear cut definition can be articulated as to what makes a good lyric. In brief, the lyric that works, lasts long, and finds the permanent place in the heart of the reader is a good lyric. When the heart is full and when the lips refuse to speak, a lyric sprouts from the depth of the poet’s inner world. Its foundation is heart, not mind. The poet of lyrics is not interested in scientific research, but search of the inner world. In Family, the poet brilliantly portrays many dimensions of love of an elderly individual and how love is the cementing force in the family that leaves deep positive impact on all concerned.

Basic elements of poetry in the poem Family Subject: The subject of the poem is an elderly, affectionate lady, Aunt Lennie. The poet is the protagonist of the poem and he recalls his youthful days “It was so good to be young in her garden” (One Moment More,43). The main concept of the poem is the emotional remembrance of a senior family member.Theme: The theme of the poem is love and the disciplined approach to life as evident in the lines “To feel the constant pattern of her love in those early flights/the winged spirit caught within her bones.

”(One Moment More, 42) Bone is the barometer of the strength of an individual and by comparing her spirit to the bones; the poet throws the hint that her willpower is strong. Motif: The recurring idea that continues throughout the poem is the love and affection of the senior member of the family, Aunt Lennie.Perspective: The poet, the younger member of the family, is telling the story. He is the important protagonist in the poem and we hear his voice. Simile: a comparison that uses the word “like”.

Ex: “It was perhaps too much like loving kindness” (42).Metaphor - a comparison that does not use the word "like" or "as". Ex: “I feel the dry light of her delicate touch” (42). The essential difference between a poem and the lyric In article An introduction to Lyric Poetry William Wallis writes “Poetry frees language to create unforgettable visual images and emotion-charged ideas” (129). Appealing and arresting language lends strength and beauty to the lyric poetry.

Lyrics are basically meant to be sung whereas the poem is for reading. Music is an integral part of lyric. “With all that said, lyrics and poems share a lot in terms of composition and form. One of the most important elements of poetry and lyricism is the poetic device”. (BandAMP)A lyric has much to do with the flights of imagination and a lyrist is the monarch of all that he surveys. Economy of language in poetry William Wallis writes “Poetry does more with less, it dedicates its rhythm and sound patterns to creating striking visual images, then to surrounding these images with a powerful mood or emotional charge”(130).

Many perspectives are articulated as for the choice of the words in a lyric by the poet. In fact, no one can question the poet why he has chosen a particular word. Not reason, not even grammar, but the feelings govern his lyrical progress in the poem. Even a grammatically wrong poem can be the best lyric. Normally a lyric should not contain elements that undermine the work and issues that are superfluous. From the beginning to the end, it should be compact. The poem Family fulfils all these conditions.

Conclusion Love and affection engulf the contents of the poem Family. It depicts that the ideal component that binds the members of the family together is love. An affection-filled family is compared to a garden of flowers, which is an apt comparison that creates tender feelings in the heart of the reader. Works CitedWallis, William. “An Introduction to Lyric Poetry.” Selected Essays.

Sherman Oaks: Stone and Scott, 2002. Wallis, William. One Moment More. Los Angeles: Lone Wolf Edition, 2008. BandAMP: Lesson 18: Intro to Lyrics and Poetry; Aug 4, 2010 Accessed on February 2, 2014‎