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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE SPEAKERS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"The Speakers" is a poem by Weldon Kees, first published in 1954 in his collection "The Lost Son and Other Poems." The poem reflects on the nature of human communication and the limitations of language.

Explanation:

The poem is written in three stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of the nature of human communication. The first stanza considers the limitations of language, suggesting that words are inadequate for expressing the full range of human experience. The speaker suggests that "what we say is never quite enough" and that language can only ever "point to what we feel."

The second stanza examines the difficulty of conveying emotion through language. The speaker notes that "we do not often say what we feel," and that even when we do, others may not understand. The stanza ends with the assertion that "the gap between us grows."

In the final stanza, the speaker considers the idea that communication can never truly bridge the gap between individuals. He suggests that the "speakers" - those who communicate - are "as children shouting at a thunderstorm." Despite their efforts, they are unable to make themselves heard over the "roar" of the world around them.

Poetic Elements:

  • Form: The poem consists of three stanzas, each with five lines. It is written in free verse.
  • Imagery: The poem contains several images that reinforce the idea of the limitations of language, such as the "gap" between individuals and the idea of shouting into a "thunderstorm."
  • Metaphor: The idea of the "speakers" as children shouting at a thunderstorm is a metaphor for the inability of language to bridge the gap between individuals.

Conclusion:

"The Speakers" is a contemplative poem that examines the limitations of language and human communication. Through its use of imagery and metaphor, the poem suggests that while we may strive to connect with others through language, we are ultimately limited by the inadequacy of words to fully express our thoughts and emotions.

Poem Snippet:

"What we say is never quite enough,

And so we talk and talk,

Knowing our words can only point

To what we feel, and never show

The thing itself, the real."


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