THE SPEAKER IN THE POEM

Reading Literature What does the process of reading involve? What does “understanding” a piece of literature mean?

Analysis and Interpretation When we read, we intuitively analyze, comparing the new with the known. Analysis is the way to understanding. Interpretation is understanding communicated to others. Analysis and interpretation depend on one’s knowledge, cultural background, method, etc. There is an unlimited number of interpretations (possible meanings), the only limit is the text itself.

Text and Work “Text” is the succession of printed signs in the book. It is fixed and not a subject to change. Text turns into a “work” when we read it and bring it to life with our understanding. For practical purposes, the words “work” and “text” can be interchangeable.

A literary work = author’s utterance Characteristics: Unity: a work of literature is framed by the beginning and the end. Integrity: every element is important, nothing can be taken out. Dialogism: characters talk to each other and the author’s utterance is addressed to the reader. Reading = “conversing” with the author.

Voice in Poetry Omniscient author (ex., in epic poetry). “Narrator”: Speaker (any voice); Persona (a mask); The lyrical “I” (the poet’s alter ego; an image formed within one’s poetry). None of the above equals the poet/author.

Various Types of Poems Lyrical monologue (representation of an emotion); Dramatic monologue (a soliloquy depicting a complex situation that might involve other characters); Argument (a point proved logically). Et cetera…

William Butler Yeats ( ) Irish poet, dramatist, and writer. Key figure in the Irish Literary Revival (the "Celtic Twilight"). Nobel Prize winner. Based his works on Irish folklore, mythology, and national history.

“An Irish Airman Foresees His Death” Read with an Irish accent. An “angry” interpretation; interesting discussion. Animation. Song. Short film with comments.

John Milton (1608 – 1674) English poet and man of letters. Author of political, philosophical, and religious poetry and prose in Latin and English. Served in Oliver Cromwell’s government. Lost his eyesight while on public service.

“When I Consider How my Light is Spent”When I Consider How my Light is Spent 1 When I consider how my light is spent 2 Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, 3 And that one talent which is death to hideone talent 4 Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent 5 To serve therewith my Maker, and present 6 My true account, lest he returning chide, 7 "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?" 8 I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent 9 That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need 10 Either man's work or his own gifts: who best 11 Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state 12 Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed 13 And post o'er land and ocean without rest: 14 They also serve who only stand and wait."

Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886) A major American poet. Unrecognized and almost unpublished during her lifetime. Lived an extremely lonely life. Enjoyed gardening and literature, communicating to people mostly through correspondence.

Questions for Discussion 1. Does the poem clearly fall into a certain category (type, genre)? 2. What kind of a speaker do we encounter? 3. Does the speaker have a set identity (personality type, occupation, gender, etc.) or is he/she anonymous? 4. Whom does the speaker address? 5. Do you, personally, connect to the speaker? Why?