What does this poem mean? (tone, mood, and rhyme scheme)
At the Un-National Monument Along the Canadian Border
William Stafford
This is the field where the battle did not happen,
where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
and the only heroic thing is the sky.
Birds fly here without any sound,
unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed — or were killed — on this ground
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name
I was asking if that could be included in the analysis.
Oh, for sure.
This website -- http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/specific-writing-assignments/poetry-explications -- is one of the best I've seen for giving students direction in reading and analyzing and writing about poems. You may not have to include a section on meter, but all the rest is excellent to include.
Thank you! i think this will help a lot!
You're welcome.
Let us know what you write. =)
Would the tone be serious?
Tone is simply the overriding EMOTION of the work. It could be serious, but there's at least one other that's more specific. What do you think?
SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
To understand the meaning of a poem, it is essential to analyze its tone, mood, and rhyme scheme.
Tone refers to the attitude or the emotions conveyed by the poet in the poem. In "At the Un-National Monument Along the Canadian Border" by William Stafford, the tone is reflective and contemplative. The poet engages in a sense of irony by describing the field as a place where the battle did not happen and the unknown soldier did not die. This ironic tone suggests a critical view of war and the glorification of military sacrifices through monuments.
The mood of the poem is somewhat melancholic and solemn. The absence of a monument and the mention of neglect imply that the field lacks recognition and remembrance. The mood becomes more reflective as the poet describes the birds flying silently and the people celebrating by forgetting the field's name. This creates a contrast between the peacefulness of the field and the indifference of people towards its significance.
As for the rhyme scheme, this poem does not strictly adhere to a specific pattern. However, it contains some elements of internal rhyme, such as "grass joined hands" and "people celebrate." These elements add musicality to the poem but do not follow a traditional rhyme scheme.
To get a clearer interpretation of the poem's meaning, it is vital to consider the historical context and the poet's own background and experiences. William Stafford was known for his anti-war beliefs and his emphasis on the natural landscape. In this poem, he criticizes the glorification of war and reflects on the forgotten fields that hold the potential for peace and harmony. The absence of a monument symbolizes the overlooked consequences of war, while the birds and the sky represent a more significant and enduring beauty.
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/
Make sure you understand all three terms. Then let us know what you think.