This is the first semester I've studied American Poetry. And my first presentation in class is about this poem. I have to admit that the antiwar theme of the poem seems very hard for me. I don't know how to start when analyzing it. Please help!
This is the first semester I've studied American Poetry. And my first presentation in class is about this poem. I have to admit that the antiwar theme of the poem seems very hard for me. I don't know how to start when analyzing it. Please help!
I've copied the poem to the "Poem of the Week" thread; some people may comment there who would not reply to a "help me with my homework" thread.
To start, you read the poem.
Do you think it is an anti-war poem?
What lines, verses, statements make you think so?
Are there striking images of war and its effects?
Is war contrasted with anything else, to make it seem worse?
Are there messages in the poem that might still apply today?
Voices mysterious far and near,
Sound of the wind and sound of the sea,
Are calling and whispering in my ear,
Whifflingpin! Why stayest thou here?
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