How does the form of At Noon in the Gym with Dad help tell the story
The form of "At Noon in the Gym with Dad" is an irregular sonnet, which helps to enhance the narrative of the story. The poem consists of 14 lines, like a typical sonnet, but it does not follow the traditional rhyme scheme and meter. This deviation from the expected structure reflects the unusual relationship between the speaker and their father, as well as the unconventional nature of their interaction in the poem.
The irregular sonnet form allows for a more free and organic flow of thoughts and emotions, which mirrors the spontaneous and unscripted nature of the father and child's encounter in the gym. It also allows the poet to experiment with different poetic techniques, such as enjambment and fragmented syntax, to convey the complexity and depth of the speaker's feelings towards their father.
Additionally, the form of the poem represents a departure from the traditional father-child relationship. Instead of a strict and disciplined atmosphere, often associated with the sonnet form, the irregular structure reflects a more casual and improvised interaction between the speaker and their father, emphasizing the playful and intimate nature of their time together.
Overall, the form of the irregular sonnet in "At Noon in the Gym with Dad" helps to tell the story by capturing the unique dynamics of the father-child relationship and creating a sense of spontaneity and authenticity in the poem.