This poem is simple, direct, and too the point. It describes the farmer's life, and the importance of his wheel barrow. The author uses uncomplicated and normal words because he is describing an uncomplicated and normal part of life. There is no reason to use a surplus of unneeded, multi-syllable adjectives. This poem has gaps in-between the lines as a substitute for capitalization or punctuation. Again, punctuation is complicated and breaks the flow of thought harshly, while gaps are clear and accessible to all readers. THe poem itself is somewhat shaped like a wheelbarrow. This is another easy way to convey to any reader the importance of the wheelbarrow.
As Alex mentioned, this poem is simple. In english classes, especially those with the purpose of finding 'truth,' we read novels, poems, etc. with hidden meanings existing below the surface. Occasionally, we discover a meaning that's not really there. From my interpretation, this poem should be taken at face value only. Neither cryptic messages nor the secret to enlightenment are lurking behind this sixteen word poem. Yet, though simple and straightforward, this poem has a lot to it. Again as Alex mentioned, Williams uses a unique style both structurally and grammatically to create a memorable piece of writing. He artistically ignores rules of punctuation and capitalization, in exchange for having wheelbarrows physically structured from his words. Furthermore, in the few words he uses, he paints an distinct image of the wheelbarrow, wet from rain, sitting next to chickens.
The Red Wheelbarrow discusses an object that is important to one person, but may mean nothing to another, a wheelbarrow. The poem is to the point; there are no fancy words there to distract the reader from the main idea. Capitalization and punctuation are ignored because, as Mary Beth and Alex said, the two interrupt the natural flow of the poem. The poem also suggests that the most beautiful things in life are the simplest. Some people might not notice the beauty in a wet, red wheelbarrow next to some white chickens like a farmer does who puts much value on the object. The Red Wheelbarrow reminds me of the poem In a Station of the Metro; both mention one specific color to describe something and they are about little moments that seem so insignificant and simple.
It seems to be that sometimes what seems like such a simple and short poem is the most difficult to figure out. I take this poem to be an example of an "iceberg," type of poem. While there might be little on top there is such much more below the surface. The speaker of the poem seems to be a farmer; the line "so much depends upon," kind of gives away that fact. As mentioned in the above comments I think this poem is written to show the reader how the things that are the most beautiful are the ones that you don't notice at first. I feel like with this poem the author is encouraging the reader to look beyond what is obviously beautiful and look for the more subtle beauty in this world.
I think the strongest element of "The Red Wheelbarrow" is its visual imagery. Like everyone has said, it is simple in its word choice and structure. However, the words instill a vivid and clear image, as if painting a picture of a still life for the reader. Because "so much depends upon" the wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow becomes the focus of the image. The redness of the wheelbarrow and the shine from the rain water contrasts with the soft white of the chickens. The fact that the wheelbarrow is still wet from rain creates a sort of gloomy atmosphere to me, which makes the red of the wheelbarrow seem even sharper and brighter. I think that what Alex said about the shape of the poem being like a wheelbarrow is really interesting, and that it stresses the importance of the wheelbarrow even more.
I think it is interesting that we assume the poem is told by a farmer, even though a farmer is never mentioned. I think it is safe to assume it takes place on a farm (because of the chickens and the wheelbarrow), but it might be interesting to explore other alternatives to who might be the voice of the poem or who the poem is about.
I really like Ashlyn's point about simple things being beautiful. Though this poem may not have a profound meaning, there is a reason this poem has survived the test of time. Williams was definitely a minimalist, and he chose such a common scene to write about. But isn't that what poetry is all about? After I first read this poem, I continued to look for similar scenes on rainy days.
The lack of capitalization and punctuation (except for the period that ends the poem) made this accessible to readers of all ages when Williams first wrote it. I think it is funny that it now looks like the sentences people type today.
All in all, I really like the childlike qualities found in this poem. The simple color descriptions seem more powerful than if Williams had used more advanced words. We should remember that he chose these for a reason,not just because he couldn't think of something better. Readers need to not try to make this poem more than it is. Like children, they should just enjoy it, and remember to appreciate similar scenarios more often.
Williams definitely a short, to-the-point poem for a reason. Most of us assume that the main human character in this poem is a farmer, and for a farmer, a red wheelbarrow and white chickens are probably some of the various things a farmer sees everyday at work. It is a simple life, and Williams seems to have written this poem to appreciate this simplicity.
Because this is such a simple poem, the lack of punctuation and capitalization may represent how these are true thoughts straight from the mind of the farmer. When we are formulating thoughts in our heads, we usually don't think about periods and commas. It makes sense to look at a simple scene with a simple mindset.
I saw the thick line gaps as a separation of these thoughts. When I was reading the poem, each pair of lines created its own image in my head, as if four photos were created from this poem.
As Lauren stated, there is a reason that The Red Wheelbarrow has survived the test of time. I think that its simplicity is what makes it truly memorable and great. Just like the Williams poem about plums that Lauren read during our poetry party and similar to In a Station of the Metro that Ashlyn mentioned, it is often the shortest and seemingly simplest poems that most firmly stick in our minds. Just as the striking and simple description of the red wheelbarrow stands out against the other imagery that Williams evokes in the mind of the reader, works like The Red Wheelbarrow are powerful because they are easy to remember and understand.
As for the aboutness of the poem, I agree with Ashlyn--that the focus of the work is the idea that what one person depends on for everything isn't necessarily vital to another.
I find it very interesting that, like Jana said, we all almost immediately assume the wheelbarrow is on a farm. I find that fact alone remarkable in the fact that the poem reveals so much in such a simple and brief manner. After reading through the 8 lines only once I was able to picture in my mind the scene. The poem almost seems to come across as a reflection; an afterthought. On a rainy day, when the wheelbarrow can do no work, one gazes upon it and fully comes to understand just how important the red wheelbarrow is. Like Hannah and Lauren stated, the wheelbarrow is portrayed as something that is rugged and has "survived the testament of time." I think that the simply, short, and to-the-point manner in which the poem is written is crucial to giving the reader and accurate picture because there is, like others said, such an intense focus on the language and a basic painting of the scene.
Going off of what Ashlyn said, other than setting the scene for the reader, Williams essentially leaves the details up to you. There is not necessarily a greater meaning to the poem because that would impose on what the reader takes away from the poem itself. There is a definite sense of closure to the poem, but at the same time I think Williams wrote it in a manner that would leave the reader to interpret the rest of the story. It is almost like a book without an ending, except the ending is left for the reader to decide.
I agree with the previous comments. This is definitely a simple poem but when I first read it I tried to look beneath the obvious: red wheelbarrow, rain, white chickens, and a farm setting. The colors red, blue (rain), and white stuck out to me and reminded me of a patriotic theme. Better yet, the "American dream". A farmer struggling to make a living... Perhaps I am looking into it too deeply.
I have a feeling that Williams kept the poem short and direct because he wanted the reader to take away from it what they felt, instead of something obvious.
Contrary to what most of the posts said about The Red Wheelbarrow portrayed on a farm I did not think of a farm once will reading this poem. Although chickens are associated with farms, I do not associate wheelbarrows with farms, but rather with a small backyard. The chickens are not mentioned until the last line of the poem making their presence somewhat of an afterthought to the scene. Whenever I read something by William Carlos Williams I like to think about the poem in the perspective of a child, a adult and a senior. Along with all previous posts there is something almost magical in the simplicity of Williams poem. The poem can be interpreted in many ways and allow people to recollect different memories- a trait unique to Carlos's writing that makes his poems accessible. When reading the poem I noticed Carlos didn't mention the present weather and only that it had rained before. I like what Lee said about the wheelbarrow being glazed with rain and therefore unusable at the moment. "So much depends upon" it but after a rainstorm it is entirely useless. The metaphor of what the wheelbarrow represents in life can be seen on many levels.
I'm kind of with Mary Beth on this one-this poem is what it is. I sometimes get frustrated with the over-analysis that often plagues those who examine literature. I believe that many works are, as Mary Beth said, to be taken for face value and nothing more. At its deepest, we could possibly say that the structure of the poem reflects the simplicity of the wheelbarrow and the other equally plain objects mentioned in the poem. We could interpret "The Red Wheelbarrow" as a message about the little things in life. the wheelbarrow is an ordinary object upon which so much is dependent. The message, if any, to be taken from this poem is that even the most plain and inferior objects are essential.
Although I like what Lila is saying and I agree that this poem is simple, direct, and very easy to read, I think that there must be something else Williams is wanting to convey to his readers. With the short sentences, he is able to produce a greater emotional power, for example he begins the poem with “so much depends,” immediately grabbing the readers’ attention. We all start to question: so much depends on what? Is it really the red wheelbarrow that matters? Or is it more?
In my mind (and this can be completely wrong) I think Williams is saying to his readers that we, as human beings, need to start focusing on the little things. We direct our attention towards the drama and hardship in life, when sometimes things should just depend on the day. Williams is painting a picture, a pure utopia of a wet red wheelbarrow, sitting next to some chickens. It's peaceful, it's simple, it's what we need to transform our lives too. I think Williams wants us to become to wheelbarrow, and if that's too sketchy, then at least have the point of view that he holds--standing, looking out at a quiet scene of a red wheelbarrow.
This poet is taking a simple object and stating the importance of it. There doesn't need to be a complex or intelligent reason for a poem like this, it only needs a reader to resonate with. If one does decide to tear apart the poem, he or she might see a modest family who literally uses that red wheel barrow to help make a living. Maybe the poet meant to use the colors of red, white and blue to be patriotic. Honestly, I think the author was just sitting on his back porch on a pleasantly rainy day looking at his favorite red wheelbarrow.
This poem does seem to be simple and direct. However, due to past years studying poetry, I struggled to find a deeper meaning, or some inner struggle the poet is trying to express. Still, I had no luck in discovering this hidden struggle. After viewing others comments, I completely agree that this poem is simply a description of what is being seen. Similar to as if I were to write:
so much depends upon the stainless steel lamp its dim light shines beside the stack of white papers
Similar to The Red Wheelbarrow, this is simply a description of what I see in a poetic form. The lamp does not symbolize any thing, nor does the stack of papers. It is simply what I notice.
Wow! This 16 word poem has provoked thousands of pages of thought and analysis from scholars all over the world. To try to come up with the poem's meaning I found myself googling "chicken symbolism" and "william carlos william's childhood" The information I gleaned from these searches, while logical and well-researched, didn't help me appreciate or understand this poem. Amidst all of the speculation and hypotheses, and "expert interpretations" of The Red Wheelbarrow, lie only glimpses into its true meaning: meaning, which is quite a bit more simple than its readers think it is. Here is an excerpt I found from a poetry website analyzing Williams work. You don't even need to take the time to read it, as it will throw you for a loop. (((((a parodically imitative "wheel / barrow" couplet, rolling along, which leads into a second stanzaic movement, minimally precise, "a red wheel" (one syllable shorter than its corresponding tray of a line above). Barrow itself, nub of the poem, evolves from Old English bearwe, cognate with bear. This third line is composed of two spondees enjambed toward an inverted foot, a trochaic "barrow," which serves as the wheeling reverse pivot, indeed, of the second line (as with Pound’s "Petals"). And still it’s one continuous motion ("an unimpeded thrust," Williams wrote a friend in 1921, "right through a poem from the beginning to the end"). The poem trundles a wheel barrow along freshly, as barnyard metaphor of America (working man’s humor), to a trochaic "glazed," surreally highlighted by its own acoustics. Then, leaning iambically further, the line "with rain" tumbles toward a trochee, "water," into the third microcosmic couplet. All this to be completed in four syllables, trailing yet a third preposition, "beside," now normatively iambic, as a near rhyme within the line, "the white," drops with delicate trochaic twist to "chickens.")))) Commentaries like these sully my love of poetry; it is like Dead Poet's Society when the boys are told to measure a poem length by width. Over-analyzing something kills its meaning. Williams was probably just articulating what he saw out his window. To me, Williams is just painting a still life, but his paint is made of words.
This poem shows that, at times, the things that go the most unnoticed to some can stand out the most for others. Williams shows the need for balance in the world by pointing out these different things that people might notice. Through this he shows how people's perspectives differ and how one is needed in order to be able to see the others. The first two lines, "so much depends upon," followed by the rest of the poem shows that even at the times when we think we have to do something perfectly because it is "most" important, in the big picture it is, in most instances, not as crucial as it seems.
Hi guys! Sorry I'm not there this morning. Killer sore throat... Dang, you guys are good. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and compelling responses. That small poem just got much, much larger. (I laughed out loud at what Gracie found--a good reason not to bother looking at outside sources unless called to do so.) Have a good class, and I'll see y'all tomorrow.
This poem is simple, direct, and too the point. It describes the farmer's life, and the importance of his wheel barrow. The author uses uncomplicated and normal words because he is describing an uncomplicated and normal part of life. There is no reason to use a surplus of unneeded, multi-syllable adjectives.
ReplyDeleteThis poem has gaps in-between the lines as a substitute for capitalization or punctuation. Again, punctuation is complicated and breaks the flow of thought harshly, while gaps are clear and accessible to all readers. THe poem itself is somewhat shaped like a wheelbarrow. This is another easy way to convey to any reader the importance of the wheelbarrow.
As Alex mentioned, this poem is simple.
ReplyDeleteIn english classes, especially those with the purpose of finding 'truth,' we read novels, poems, etc. with hidden meanings existing below the surface. Occasionally, we discover a meaning that's not really there.
From my interpretation, this poem should be taken at face value only. Neither cryptic messages nor the secret to enlightenment are lurking behind this sixteen word poem.
Yet, though simple and straightforward, this poem has a lot to it. Again as Alex mentioned, Williams uses a unique style both structurally and grammatically to create a memorable piece of writing. He artistically ignores rules of punctuation and capitalization, in exchange for having wheelbarrows physically structured from his words. Furthermore, in the few words he uses, he paints an distinct image of the wheelbarrow, wet from rain, sitting next to chickens.
The Red Wheelbarrow discusses an object that is important to one person, but may mean nothing to another, a wheelbarrow. The poem is to the point; there are no fancy words there to distract the reader from the main idea. Capitalization and punctuation are ignored because, as Mary Beth and Alex said, the two interrupt the natural flow of the poem. The poem also suggests that the most beautiful things in life are the simplest. Some people might not notice the beauty in a wet, red wheelbarrow next to some white chickens like a farmer does who puts much value on the object. The Red Wheelbarrow reminds me of the poem In a Station of the Metro; both mention one specific color to describe something and they are about little moments that seem so insignificant and simple.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be that sometimes what seems like such a simple and short poem is the most difficult to figure out. I take this poem to be an example of an "iceberg," type of poem. While there might be little on top there is such much more below the surface. The speaker of the poem seems to be a farmer; the line "so much depends upon," kind of gives away that fact. As mentioned in the above comments I think this poem is written to show the reader how the things that are the most beautiful are the ones that you don't notice at first. I feel like with this poem the author is encouraging the reader to look beyond what is obviously beautiful and look for the more subtle beauty in this world.
ReplyDeleteI think the strongest element of "The Red Wheelbarrow" is its visual imagery. Like everyone has said, it is simple in its word choice and structure. However, the words instill a vivid and clear image, as if painting a picture of a still life for the reader. Because "so much depends upon" the wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow becomes the focus of the image. The redness of the wheelbarrow and the shine from the rain water contrasts with the soft white of the chickens. The fact that the wheelbarrow is still wet from rain creates a sort of gloomy atmosphere to me, which makes the red of the wheelbarrow seem even sharper and brighter. I think that what Alex said about the shape of the poem being like a wheelbarrow is really interesting, and that it stresses the importance of the wheelbarrow even more.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that we assume the poem is told by a farmer, even though a farmer is never mentioned. I think it is safe to assume it takes place on a farm (because of the chickens and the wheelbarrow), but it might be interesting to explore other alternatives to who might be the voice of the poem or who the poem is about.
I really like Ashlyn's point about simple things being beautiful. Though this poem may not have a profound meaning, there is a reason this poem has survived the test of time. Williams was definitely a minimalist, and he chose such a common scene to write about. But isn't that what poetry is all about? After I first read this poem, I continued to look for similar scenes on rainy days.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of capitalization and punctuation (except for the period that ends the poem) made this accessible to readers of all ages when Williams first wrote it. I think it is funny that it now looks like the sentences people type today.
All in all, I really like the childlike qualities found in this poem. The simple color descriptions seem more powerful than if Williams had used more advanced words. We should remember that he chose these for a reason,not just because he couldn't think of something better. Readers need to not try to make this poem more than it is. Like children, they should just enjoy it, and remember to appreciate similar scenarios more often.
Williams definitely a short, to-the-point poem for a reason. Most of us assume that the main human character in this poem is a farmer, and for a farmer, a red wheelbarrow and white chickens are probably some of the various things a farmer sees everyday at work. It is a simple life, and Williams seems to have written this poem to appreciate this simplicity.
ReplyDeleteBecause this is such a simple poem, the lack of punctuation and capitalization may represent how these are true thoughts straight from the mind of the farmer. When we are formulating thoughts in our heads, we usually don't think about periods and commas. It makes sense to look at a simple scene with a simple mindset.
I saw the thick line gaps as a separation of these thoughts. When I was reading the poem, each pair of lines created its own image in my head, as if four photos were created from this poem.
As Lauren stated, there is a reason that The Red Wheelbarrow has survived the test of time. I think that its simplicity is what makes it truly memorable and great. Just like the Williams poem about plums that Lauren read during our poetry party and similar to In a Station of the Metro that Ashlyn mentioned, it is often the shortest and seemingly simplest poems that most firmly stick in our minds. Just as the striking and simple description of the red wheelbarrow stands out against the other imagery that Williams evokes in the mind of the reader, works like The Red Wheelbarrow are powerful because they are easy to remember and understand.
ReplyDeleteAs for the aboutness of the poem, I agree with Ashlyn--that the focus of the work is the idea that what one person depends on for everything isn't necessarily vital to another.
I find it very interesting that, like Jana said, we all almost immediately assume the wheelbarrow is on a farm. I find that fact alone remarkable in the fact that the poem reveals so much in such a simple and brief manner. After reading through the 8 lines only once I was able to picture in my mind the scene. The poem almost seems to come across as a reflection; an afterthought. On a rainy day, when the wheelbarrow can do no work, one gazes upon it and fully comes to understand just how important the red wheelbarrow is. Like Hannah and Lauren stated, the wheelbarrow is portrayed as something that is rugged and has "survived the testament of time." I think that the simply, short, and to-the-point manner in which the poem is written is crucial to giving the reader and accurate picture because there is, like others said, such an intense focus on the language and a basic painting of the scene.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of what Ashlyn said, other than setting the scene for the reader, Williams essentially leaves the details up to you. There is not necessarily a greater meaning to the poem because that would impose on what the reader takes away from the poem itself. There is a definite sense of closure to the poem, but at the same time I think Williams wrote it in a manner that would leave the reader to interpret the rest of the story. It is almost like a book without an ending, except the ending is left for the reader to decide.
I agree with the previous comments. This is definitely a simple poem but when I first read it I tried to look beneath the obvious: red wheelbarrow, rain, white chickens, and a farm setting. The colors red, blue (rain), and white stuck out to me and reminded me of a patriotic theme. Better yet, the "American dream". A farmer struggling to make a living... Perhaps I am looking into it too deeply.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that Williams kept the poem short and direct because he wanted the reader to take away from it what they felt, instead of something obvious.
Contrary to what most of the posts said about The Red Wheelbarrow portrayed on a farm I did not think of a farm once will reading this poem. Although chickens are associated with farms, I do not associate wheelbarrows with farms, but rather with a small backyard. The chickens are not mentioned until the last line of the poem making their presence somewhat of an afterthought to the scene.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I read something by William Carlos Williams I like to think about the poem in the perspective of a child, a adult and a senior. Along with all previous posts there is something almost magical in the simplicity of Williams poem. The poem can be interpreted in many ways and allow people to recollect different memories- a trait unique to Carlos's writing that makes his poems accessible.
When reading the poem I noticed Carlos didn't mention the present weather and only that it had rained before. I like what Lee said about the wheelbarrow being glazed with rain and therefore unusable at the moment. "So much depends upon" it but after a rainstorm it is entirely useless. The metaphor of what the wheelbarrow represents in life can be seen on many levels.
I'm kind of with Mary Beth on this one-this poem is what it is. I sometimes get frustrated with the over-analysis that often plagues those who examine literature. I believe that many works are, as Mary Beth said, to be taken for face value and nothing more.
ReplyDeleteAt its deepest, we could possibly say that the structure of the poem reflects the simplicity of the wheelbarrow and the other equally plain objects mentioned in the poem. We could interpret "The Red Wheelbarrow" as a message about the little things in life. the wheelbarrow is an ordinary object upon which so much is dependent. The message, if any, to be taken from this poem is that even the most plain and inferior objects are essential.
Although I like what Lila is saying and I agree that this poem is simple, direct, and very easy to read, I think that there must be something else Williams is wanting to convey to his readers. With the short sentences, he is able to produce a greater emotional power, for example he begins the poem with “so much depends,” immediately grabbing the readers’ attention. We all start to question: so much depends on what? Is it really the red wheelbarrow that matters? Or is it more?
ReplyDeleteIn my mind (and this can be completely wrong) I think Williams is saying to his readers that we, as human beings, need to start focusing on the little things. We direct our attention towards the drama and hardship in life, when sometimes things should just depend on the day. Williams is painting a picture, a pure utopia of a wet red wheelbarrow, sitting next to some chickens. It's peaceful, it's simple, it's what we need to transform our lives too. I think Williams wants us to become to wheelbarrow, and if that's too sketchy, then at least have the point of view that he holds--standing, looking out at a quiet scene of a red wheelbarrow.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis poet is taking a simple object and stating the importance of it. There doesn't need to be a complex or intelligent reason for a poem like this, it only needs a reader to resonate with. If one does decide to tear apart the poem, he or she might see a modest family who literally uses that red wheel barrow to help make a living. Maybe the poet meant to use the colors of red, white and blue to be patriotic. Honestly, I think the author was just sitting on his back porch on a pleasantly rainy day looking at his favorite red wheelbarrow.
ReplyDeleteThis poem does seem to be simple and direct. However, due to past years studying poetry, I struggled to find a deeper meaning, or some inner struggle the poet is trying to express. Still, I had no luck in discovering this hidden struggle. After viewing others comments, I completely agree that this poem is simply a description of what is being seen. Similar to as if I were to write:
ReplyDeleteso much depends
upon
the stainless steel
lamp
its dim light
shines
beside the stack of white
papers
Similar to The Red Wheelbarrow, this is simply a description of what I see in a poetic form. The lamp does not symbolize any thing, nor does the stack of papers. It is simply what I notice.
Wow! This 16 word poem has provoked thousands of pages of thought and analysis from scholars all over the world. To try to come up with the poem's meaning I found myself googling "chicken symbolism" and "william carlos william's childhood" The information I gleaned from these searches, while logical and well-researched, didn't help me appreciate or understand this poem. Amidst all of the speculation and hypotheses, and "expert interpretations" of The Red Wheelbarrow, lie only glimpses into its true meaning: meaning, which is quite a bit more simple than its readers think it is. Here is an excerpt I found from a poetry website analyzing Williams work. You don't even need to take the time to read it, as it will throw you for a loop. (((((a parodically imitative "wheel / barrow" couplet, rolling along, which leads into a second stanzaic movement, minimally precise, "a red wheel" (one syllable shorter than its corresponding tray of a line above). Barrow itself, nub of the poem, evolves from Old English bearwe, cognate with bear. This third line is composed of two spondees enjambed toward an inverted foot, a trochaic "barrow," which serves as the wheeling reverse pivot, indeed, of the second line (as with Pound’s "Petals"). And still it’s one continuous motion ("an unimpeded thrust," Williams wrote a friend in 1921, "right through a poem from the beginning to the end"). The poem trundles a wheel barrow along freshly, as barnyard metaphor of America (working man’s humor), to a trochaic "glazed," surreally highlighted by its own acoustics. Then, leaning iambically further, the line "with rain" tumbles toward a trochee, "water," into the third microcosmic couplet. All this to be completed in four syllables, trailing yet a third preposition, "beside," now normatively iambic, as a near rhyme within the line, "the white," drops with delicate trochaic twist to "chickens.")))) Commentaries like these sully my love of poetry; it is like Dead Poet's Society when the boys are told to measure a poem length by width. Over-analyzing something kills its meaning. Williams was probably just articulating what he saw out his window. To me, Williams is just painting a still life, but his paint is made of words.
ReplyDeleteThis poem shows that, at times, the things that go the most unnoticed to some can stand out the most for others. Williams shows the need for balance in the world by pointing out these different things that people might notice. Through this he shows how people's perspectives differ and how one is needed in order to be able to see the others. The first two lines, "so much depends upon," followed by the rest of the poem shows that even at the times when we think we have to do something perfectly because it is "most" important, in the big picture it is, in most instances, not as crucial as it seems.
ReplyDeleteHi guys! Sorry I'm not there this morning. Killer sore throat... Dang, you guys are good. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and compelling responses. That small poem just got much, much larger. (I laughed out loud at what Gracie found--a good reason not to bother looking at outside sources unless called to do so.) Have a good class, and I'll see y'all tomorrow.
ReplyDelete