This has to do with the question I asked yesterday--
From the poem 'Beware: Do Not Read This Poem':
"tonite, thriller was abt an ol woman
so vain she surrounded herself w/
many mirrors"
How does the spelling of these words help us see things differently in the poem? I don't understand...
Thanks
-MC
What kind of person would write this way? How old might this person be? Who might be watching this program? What kind of program is it?
I don't quite understand what you're saying Guru...
-MC
THRILLER WAS A TV PROGRAM and mostly old ppl use words liek that . Slang I guess
In the poem "Beware: Do Not Read This Poem," the poet takes a unique approach to spelling certain words. This deliberate alteration of spelling can help us perceive things differently in the poem. Let's analyze the lines you mentioned to understand how this technique works:
"tonite, thriller was abt an ol woman
so vain she surrounded herself w/
many mirrors"
The poet chooses to spell "tonight" as "tonite," uses "abt" instead of "about," and uses "ol" rather than "old." These altered spellings serve a purpose in the poem.
First, the change in spelling prompts us to pay closer attention to the language. This alteration disrupts our expectations, making us question why the poet decided to deviate from traditional spelling conventions. It draws attention to these words and invites us to consider their significance within the context of the poem.
Additionally, the altered spellings can convey a sense of informality or immediacy, as they resemble spoken language or informal writing. This technique can create a more intimate connection between the poet and the reader, evoking a conversational tone. It may also emphasize the poem's contemporary relevance or reflect the poet's specific dialect or idiom.
Furthermore, the altered spellings can contribute to the poem's overall themes or form. In this case, the unconventional spelling might suggest a playful or rebellious tone, aligning with the poem's warning against reading it. It can also help establish a particular rhythm or meter within the poem.
To fully grasp the effect of the altered spellings in a poem, it's essential to consider them within the broader context of the poet's intentions, the poem's themes, and the overall style and structure. By examining these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the poet's deliberate choices affect our interpretation of the poem.