Poems that Speak of Men's Minds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Poems that Speak of Mens Minds - Essay ExampleBased on the titles alone, the two poems obviously intercourse about stumblebum games. However, Updike is more specific in referring to basketball as he identifies the central geek in his poem as a former basketball player. In contrast, Williams talks about the stead of an earreach at a ball game. Thus, although the two poems deal with the same subject matter, each has its let focus and each provides a different view of the human psyche. Comparing the two poems, Updikes is easier to project because of its style and language. Conversely, Williamss use of metaphors hazards the poem more difficult to comprehend yet more contest to analyze. Updike is noted for the use of narration in his poems. Just like in his other poems, Updike uses a record element to express his view about ball games. The poem appears in free verse, making it easier to subscribe to and appear more realistic. The narrative element of the poem features the main character named Flick who used to be a basketball player in high school. Like any story, the characterization is developed, giving the audience enough idea about Flick. The lines, He was good in fact, the best. In 46/He bucketed three hundred ninety points (14-15) prove the success of Flick as a basketball player. ... The persona claims that he has seen Flick set the records. This style makes the author appear as if he had known Flick since they were young, wherefore establishing the credibility of the writer in writing about the character and further persuading the audience to sh atomic number 18 the thoughts and feelings he has regarding the subject. Some lines of the poem talk about the achievements of Flick. These lines render a positive image of the character. However, the said lines are only used to emphasize the point of the author that there is no future in contend basketball or that a persons popularity and skills in the field of sports will not make him win in life. To impart this message, Updike narrates how Flick ends up in blue-collared jobs working as a petrol station boy, repairman, and diner despite his overwhelming basketball records. Updike does not actually elaborate on his private views regarding the fate of Flick. Nevertheless, he uses irony and understatement to imply the bad luck that Flick ends up with. To illustrate his view, Updike uses understatement, therefrom He never learned a trade, he just sells gas, checks oil, and changes flats (Updike 19-20). These lines do not exactly break down the audience to sympathize with Flick. Rather, they present a sad ending that the author may have sight in people like Flick, those who were once popular in school but ended up unsuccessful because they do not have other skills or expertise aside from playing ball games. Updike elaborates his view by using imagery such as Flick stands tall among the idiot pumps(Updike 13) without a head at all (Updike 18). This is an indirect comparison betwe en Flick and