"Tone of Voice" by Charles Harper Webb

“Digging” by Seamus Heaney was the first poem published of his collection. Seamus translates his talent in such way that enriches our society with his life language. He endeavors his way representing his descends. The writer had the promise to his father and grandfather whose lives were spent digging the soil. Heany acknowledges that he is not a farmer and will not follow their ancestors’ occupation. However, in every word expressed in this poem is represented by farming living condition. What was a spade for his ancestors is now represented by pen. A great and open comparison is exposed to our society teaching us that we do not have to follow what our ancestors did, and we could always make a difference in our world by following the teachings of the past generation.

"Digging" by Seamus Heany

“Digging” by Seamus Heaney was the first poem published of his collection. Seamus translates his talent in such way that enriches our society with his life language. He endeavors his way representing his descends. The writer had the promise to his father and grandfather whose lives were spent digging the soil. Heany acknowledges that he is not a farmer and will not follow their ancestors’ occupation. However, in every word expressed in this poem is represented by farming living condition. What was a spade for his ancestors is now represented by pen. A great and open comparison is exposed to our society teaching us that we do not have to follow what our ancestors did, and we could always make a difference in our world by following the teachings of the past generation.

"A & P" by John Updike

“A & P” by John Updike teaches our society in various manners. First, Sammy’s behavior (protagonist) of story and Stokesie (supervisor of market) who is married with two babies establish a contrast. This is established between these two characters that are in his twenties throughout the story. There is great emphasis in the responsibilities of each individual. Sammy who is single and living with his parents (no responsibilities), on the other hand, Stokesie, who is responsible of maintaining a home and great work responsibility. The issue of inappropriate dressing of girls is only a way to expose Sammy’s and Stokesie’s behavior in any community. Sammy wants to show that he is in control defending the girls, in contrast with the manager who follows guidelines and policies of the supermarket. Sammy looks for freedom by quitting his job. Even though he was even advised by Stokesie not to leave the job, Sammy preceded with his already decided action. After all, the girls were not grateful to him, and to the best of my knowledge, I believe, he realized his anger and behavior was all in vain.

"L (a" by E.E. Cummings

“L (a” poem by E.E. Cummings is a unique style with a deep message. What is the message about all words being separated? The writer has a double message by all words being freed. What words are identified when these are rearranged? Loneliness and a leaf falls are the two messages. A leaf is united (attached) with the tree (has life). Once it falls, dies. This teaches our society that are connections need to be rebuild. Not only connections with friends, but with our parents, and rest of family. Analyzing this poem deeply, I think he wants to set our priorities and tie our bonds with our Mother Nature (family).

Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy's Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Yamile Lopez
Enc 1102

Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy’s Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota


Looking everywhere provided by a sense of freshness and enjoyment of nature, James wright expresses his feeling of freedom. He may be old at the time he wrote this poem. Analysing this literature line by line, my opinion is that he is relaxing in a hammock (having a great time, enjoying nature with pure, clean air), and he is relating nature with all his life. He gives us different symbols such as: butterfly and chicken floating representing freedom. I consider that he also has feelings of emptiness, and this is represented by the empty house. The cause of that could be that he never had any children. Another reason may be that he was busy with his professional environment. The last line represents his deepest feelings of wasted time. It seems that he never had time to enjoy nature.

Comparing this poem with our lives nowadays, I feel that society gets involved in projects and activities that do not represent its priorities. If people were to die tomorrow, would they change their priorities? In my opinion, it is essential to represent who we are, and why we do what we do. In conclusion, this poem goes further in time and touches our hearts telling us to prioritize our goals, expectations, and objectives in life.