The Convergence of the Twain

Thomas Hardy's "The Convergence of the Twain" tells the story of the great ship Titanic, which sunk on its first voyage. Although many viewed this as one of the greatest tragedies, (helped of course by a box-office hit), Hardy seemed to think they got what was coming to them. For the poem about the tragic event is less tragic or lamenting in nature, and more condemning. The speaker uses this poem to warn of the dangers of human vanity. He points out the irony in the grandiose nature of the ship, that did it little good at the bottom of the ocean. He states "Jewels in joy designed, To ravish the sensuous mind Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind" (Hardy). He often points out how the ships beauty has now turned to ruin, further rubbing in the tragic fate of what he must deem a waste of pompous wealth. He further goes on to, rather insensitively, describe the beauty of the ship and its mating with an iceberg. His use of sexual language again demonstrates his view of the ship, and all the wealth it stood for.

I taste a liquor never brewed

"I taste a liquor never brewed" adds another seemingly meaningless, unpunctuated poem to Emily Dickinson's collection. Despite being just as grammatically incorrect as always, this poem is slightly easier to analyze. It is clear by the first sentence that the speaker is using a metaphor. As the poem continues, one can see it is an extended metaphor, as the "liquor" the speaker is drunk on is nature. It is through her diction that one can truly see the love or intoxication this speaker has for nature. Statements such as "Reeling, through endless summer days, from inns of molten blue" not only serve the metaphor of being drunk, but also express her deep appreciation of the surroundings. She deepens the metaphor when she states that she will drink until the bees are kicked out of the flowers as well. This constant comparison of nature to liquor suggests she not only loves nature, but feels overwhelmed and intoxicated by being in its very presence. Dickinson also uses another literary technique besides metaphors, alliteration. She often refers to biblical beings, such as saints and seraphs, which further express her love of nature, as this suggests she finds nature great enough to be around biblical beings.

Acquainted with the Night

Robert Frost's "Acquainted with the Night" seems to tell the tale of a speaker who is isolated from society. Many would argue that the speaker is almost a sympathetic character, as their loneliness and isolation invoke feelings of pity in the reader. However, I do not find in myself and sympathy for this character, but rather frustration. It does not seem to me that he is pushed away or shunned by society, as would be the case for many to feel pity for him. Instead, it feels as if the separation is more a choice of his own, rather than an exile. For example, when passing by another person, the speaker admits  "I have passed by the watchman on his boat, And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain." (Frost). In this situation, it is not the other person that alienate the speaker, but rather the speaker who refuses to make communication. Later in the poem, the speaker hears a voice call out, almost as if for help because it was interrupted. However, instead of running towards the sound of human companions, as a person seeking society would do, the speaker merely ignores the sound. He chooses instead to lament on how no one ever calls out to him. This complaining does not make for a sympathetic character, merely an annoying one.

Sorting Laundry

Elisavietta Ritche's "Sorting Laundry" describes the private details of a couple's relationship. It is through the speaker's use of symbolism that the reader absorbs information about the couple. Each article of cloth the speaker folds in some way symbolizes the relationship, in both small and meaningful ways. For example, she uses the pillowcases to symbolize the length and durability of the relationship. Like the pillowcases, which have stayed strong at the seams despite many washings, this relationship must have lasted through many tribulations throughout time. Another example is the pockets, which the speaker describes as containing "surprises: forgotten matches, lost skrews clinking in the drain..." (Ritche). This describes the variety in the relationship. Although their surprises towards each other may have declined as they became more familiar, they still astound one another is small but significant ways. It is not until the speaker reaches the shirt from a former lover that the reader detects any sign of strife in the relationship. This shirt symbolizes a possible end to the relationship, due to an outside party, and strikes fear into the speaker.