Explanatory Responses
Explanatory Responses
Explanatory Responses
Born in 1923 at Atlanta and raised from humble beginnings, James Lafayette Dickey grew up to become one of the most influential and revered poets not just in America but other parts as well. By the time of his saddening death in 1997, he had written several uniquely-styled poems, authored a couple of great books and received a good number of accolades for his immense contributions to the world of literature (Enotes n.d.)
The astounding nature of his literary works is the major reason why, even as of today; his writings remain a crucial element to literature lovers and scholars. As a matter of fact, it is based on the relevance of his works that this write-up focuses on doing an explanatory review on four of his famed poems. In essence, this review expansively highlights the meaning, significance, relevance at the time of writing as well as now and finally; the positive and negative criticisms that have been put forward by various scholars with regards to these poems.
i) Review of the Heaven of Animals
In this poem, Dickey's typical writing style of symbolism is used here to present his vivid and creative thoughts. Essentially, heaven symbolically represents the beauty and timelessness of the world that we live in while Animals denotes the "animalistic-behavior" of human beings in their quest to getting the happiness that life offers. So whereas some people may choose to behave humanly and respectful of moral aspects of life like peace; others only care about their selfish needs and have no problem with going as far as shading blood to get their wants (Lott).
Significantly, Dickey uses elements of nature like wood, grass, flowers and trees to explicate the importance of the symbiotic relationship between man and his habitat. On another level, the connection between these elements and the persona in the poem shows the significance of the inseparable relationship between nature and culture.
As a noteworthy observation gotten from scholars who have given their opinion on this poem; Dickey is seen as trying to show the constant strife between hunters and the hunted where the strong in the society represent the hunters while the weak ones being the hunted. Progressing towards the end of the poem clearly exemplifies this notion when Dickey talks of how the hunters have perfected their art of hunting "more deadly than they can believe" while the preys have no option but to keep on walking under the subduing influence of their predators.
In spite of the resourceful rhetoric used in this poem; some critics say that this poem only delineates the problem but does very little to give a way forward. As a result, it does not help stop the vicious cycle where the weak walk under the tree, fall, are torn then they rise and walk again to repeat the same trend while the strong unapologetically have their way. Nonetheless, the validity of this concern is yet to be ascertained since only few critics have vocalized this issue.
ii) Review of For The Last Wolverine
Just like a majority of his previous writings, For the Last Wolverine is a nature-based poem which mainly focuses on the concept of extinction. Right from the onset, Dickey dramatically introduces us into the persona of the poemthe wolverinewith fitting words used to show its ferocity. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, Dickey changes the tone of poem from serious- gripping content to sentimental words. At this point, the wolverine is depicted as being helpless since it is in the verge of facing extinction due to the destructive works of builders, poachers and fur-trappers (Lott).
The major significance of this poem is that it gives the reader a clear insight into the predicament of those who are in the verge of facing extinction. The theme of extinction is furthered in the poem up to the concluding parts where, through the use of fitting diction, Dickey shifts focus into talking about poetry in general. In these last parts of this poem, Dickey praises the good characteristics of the wolverine as he hopes that the extinction of good poets in the industry will be solved by strong-willed poets who will be able to stand their ground 9just like the wolverine) and fight for what belongs to them rightfully. This is very important, according to critics, since the poem provides a direction which can be followed to help salvaging the extinction of wolverine (as well as people who ascribe to similar thought.
iii) Review of The Rain Guitar
Other than serving its literary value, which will be outlined hereafter, most researchers amass that James Dickey's inspiration on writing this poem arose from his love for the guitar instrument. In addition to that, it is vital to note that this poem incorporates the genres of music and poetry and blends them well to form the congruous masterpiece that it is today. This is especially based on how Dickey sentimentally writes about his love for the guitar while concurrently ensuring that the poem stays true to its subject (Lott n.d.).
In terms of its interpretation, this poem tends to offer continuity to the theme of culture, languages and the role these two facets play in ensuring the relationship between them is augmented. As the poem progresses, we learn of how the main persona in the poem receives acceptance in the society even as he fosters a good relationship between him and the fisherman. Fundamentally, this poem transcends from the physical to the mystical (supernatural) level of comfort and peace which is often brought about by good music. This is majorly brought about by the soothing words used in this song-cum-poem which further reinforces importance of music.
iv) Review Of Buckdancer's Choice
Unarguably, the Buckdancer's Choice takes a different scholarly approach to other previously done writings by Dickey. In spite of being short, this poem communicates effectively by taking us back to the narrator's childhood where his mote her would whistle a song. Looking back to those words, he now realizes that the words denoted her will in life as she faced death.
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