can anyone come up with an idea for a short narrative for the poem "In the tube" by Richard Aldington.
it has to fill a gap in the poem, in other words it has to say what it hasn't in the poem. the focus is on 'marginalization'
i have to write an epistolary narrative on it
Here is the poem:
The electric car jerks;
I stumble on the slats of the floor,
Fall into a leather seat
And look up.
A row of advertisements,
A row of windows,
Set in brown woodwork pitted with brass nails,
A row of hard faces,
Immobile,
In the swaying train,
Rush across the flickering background of fluted dingy tunnel;
A row of eyes,
Eyes of greed, of pitiful blankness, of plethoric complacency,
Immobile,
Gaze, stare at one point,
At my eyes.
Antagonism,
Disgust,
Immediate antipathy,
[p.24] Cut my brain, as a dry sharp reed
Cuts a finger.
I surprise the same thought
In the brass-like eyes:
'What right have you to live?'
What is the difference in social status between "you" and the other riders on the train. Why are you on the train that day instead of in your car? The story of the reason for their antipathy would be good.
To come up with an idea for a short narrative focused on marginalization in the poem "In the Tube" by Richard Aldington, first, let's analyze the poem and identify the gaps in the narrative.
The poem begins with the speaker describing their experience in an electric car, stumbling and falling into a seat. They observe a row of advertisements, windows, and hard faces in the train. The faces have eyes full of different emotions like greed, blankness, and complacency. These eyes gaze at the speaker, and a sense of antagonism, disgust, and antipathy is felt. The poem ends with both the speaker and the eyes questioning the speaker's right to live.
One possible narrative idea for the gap in the poem could be an epistolary story. Here's how you can create it:
1. Establish the Setting: Begin the narrative by describing the bustling city and the crowded subway system. Set the tone by highlighting the dim lighting, the noises of the train, and the sense of claustrophobia.
2. Introduce the Protagonist: Give your protagonist a name and describe their appearance, thoughts, and emotions. Let's say the protagonist's name is Sarah, a young, marginalized woman who always feels out of place in the bustling city.
3. Sarah's Daily Struggles: Show how Sarah faces various challenges and encounters moments of marginalization in her daily life. You can highlight instances where people belittle or ignore her, making her feel insignificant and questioning her own worth.
4. Sarah's Journey in the Electric Car: Describe in detail how Sarah stumbles and falls into a seat in the electric car, just as in the poem. Capture her surprise and discomfort when she notices the row of hard faces and their gazes fixed upon her with hostility.
5. Sarah's Inner Thoughts: Use the epistolary format to express Sarah's inner thoughts through a letter or diary entry. Let her explain her feelings of marginalization, describing how she perceives the antagonism, disgust, and antipathy in the eyes staring at her.
6. The Unspoken Words: This is where you fill in the gap in the poem. In this narrative, Sarah decides to confront one of the hard faces that embodies the marginalized feelings she experiences. Allow her to initiate a conversation, expressing her frustration and asking why she is met with such hostility.
7. Empathy and Understanding: Transition the narrative from confrontation to empathy. Explore the possibility of finding common ground, fostering understanding, and challenging societal prejudices. This could be a transformative moment for both Sarah and the person she speaks with.
8. Reflection and Resilience: End the narrative by having Sarah reflect upon her experience, realizing her inner strength and resilience. Let her find empowerment and determination to keep fighting against marginalization.
By following these steps, you can create an epistolary narrative that fills the gap in the poem, exploring the theme of marginalization while providing a deeper understanding of the protagonist's experience.