Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | ||||||||
"Taking Down the Tree" is a poem by Jane Kenyon, an American poet born in 1947 and who passed away in 1995. Kenyon is known for her insightful and contemplative poetry that often explores themes of nature, mortality, and everyday life. Explanation: In "Taking Down the Tree," the speaker reflects on the end of the Christmas season and the return to normal life. The poem begins with a reference to the play Hamlet, in which the characters cry out for light amidst murder and tragedy. The speaker then reflects on the loss of irony in modern society, before turning to thoughts of Lent and sentimentality. The poem ends with a mundane interruption from the speaker's barking dog, suggesting that even in the face of grand ideas and reflections, life goes on. Poetic Elements:
Conclusion: "Taking Down the Tree" is a thought-provoking poem that reflects on the end of the Christmas season and the return to everyday life. The poem explores larger ideas about the loss of irony and the value of sentimentality, while also acknowledging the mundane interruptions and distractions of daily life. Poem Snippet: "Irony is dead. O.K., not dead, but rusting badly." "What's wrong with mawkish drivel? I'm sentimental, if you know what I mean." "That's it: I'm going to go out and drink with a friend." "And before I can get my coat on, the dog upstairs starts barking at nothing." Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY AUNT ELLA MAE by MICHAEL S. HARPER THE GOLDEN SHOVEL by TERRANCE HAYES LIZARDS AND SNAKES by ANTHONY HECHT THE BOOK OF A THOUSAND EYES: I LOVE by LYN HEJINIAN CHILD ON THE MARSH by ANDREW HUDGINS MY MOTHER'S HANDS by ANDREW HUDGINS PLAYING DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS THE GLASS HAMMER by ANDREW HUDGINS INSECT LIFE OF FLORIDA by LYNDA HULL |
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