"XIV" By: Derek Walcott
While remembering the details of his experience, along with the vivid descriptions and feelings, the narrator of this poem begins in a darker light. The popular views of scenic Caribbean villages are distorted and twisted as he compares his journey to that of a dying elder. Connections are made very early on in the poem, mostly visual to help illustrate the setting of the story. The rugged road is compared to that of tattered snakeskin (the elderly woman’s frale skin), and the air has a smell of mold (further depicting the age of the woman). Scenes such as this are strange, considered morbid, and difficult to understand because it seems so close to death. The narrator continues on his journey to a threatening sunset, one that symbolizes the end of a life. The author further connects this concept with the flora of the tropical forest, Mimosa leaves shutting like that of eyelids, and dark moss covers the homes. This rush of visual imagery only helps to illustrate the notion of collapse further. While the trail of this journey seems to end, the Author creates a very distinctive shift in the poem. The narrator goes on to describe the lady's house, “lucent like paper lanterns,” implying feelings of warmth and wisdom radiating from the old house (the elderly woman). There are no longer images of death and darkness, the story now transforms to light and knowledge. There are few actual descriptions of the lady. Her head “was magnificent,” full of information and experience. And her voice is compared to a “gully,” deep with uncovered stories and past history. She has the ability to recollect memories, long lost to society, and is able to share culture with others. “Her voice fills my shelves,” symbolizing books. Her knowledge and experiences are vast and complete. Many elements can be observed in this poem, however the use of symbolism and shift play the greatest role. A dark and fatal journey into the forest is transformed into an adventure of wisdom and youth. Throughout the poem, the narrator compares an array of visual concepts to the unseen appearance and life of the elderly lady. This work is unique in that it explores the morbidity of death and the closing of a long life, but also refreshes with feelings of warmth and new life as experiences are passed on. Ultimately the story illustrates how stories and memories don't have to die, wisdom and knowledge can and should be passed from one generation to another
1 Comment
Candice Clay
3/8/2017 07:32:59 am
I think you should consider using a different font. It was very hard to read, because the letters mesh together. However, it was a good analysis of the poem! The fact that you recognized the key shift is very important. I always find it hard to recognize, so good job!
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