Explain how the poem February is organized around an extended metaphor that defines winter as a time to eat fat and watch hockey.
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The poem "February" by Margaret Atwood is organized around an extended metaphor that presents winter as a time to eat fat and watch hockey. Let's break down the organization of the poem step by step:
1. The Title: The very first step is to analyze the title of the poem, "February." This informs us that the poem focuses on the month of February, which is typically associated with winter.
2. Introduction: The poem starts with an introduction that immediately establishes the central metaphor. Atwood writes, "Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey." This sets the tone for the extended metaphor by connecting the concept of winter with indulgence in food and the sport of hockey.
3. Description of Winter: After the introduction, the poem delves into a vivid description of winter. Atwood describes winter as a time of "blunt, thick ends of sticks," emphasizing the cold, biting nature of the season. The poet also mentions "snow" multiple times, further emphasizing the winter setting and the specific imagery associated with it.
4. Eating Fat: The next step in the organization of the poem focuses on the concept of eating fat. Atwood describes winter as "chewing on blubber" and "tea-colored bricks of ice," using imagery to suggest that winter is a time for indulgence and sustenance to survive the harsh weather. The metaphor of eating fat presents the idea of feasting on rich, comforting foods during the winter months.
5. Watching Hockey: The final step in the organization of the poem is the metaphorical connection to watching hockey. Atwood mentions "glazed eye, slack jaw" and "shouting woman," which evoke the image of someone absorbed in watching a hockey game. This metaphor suggests that winter is a time to find entertainment and distraction in watching sports, specifically hockey.
Overall, the poem "February" is organized around the extended metaphor that winter is a time for indulgence in food and the enjoyment of watching hockey. By using vivid imagery and descriptive language, Atwood establishes a strong connection between winter and these activities, creating a unique and memorable representation of the season.
The poem "February" by Margaret Atwood is organized around an extended metaphor that defines winter as a time to eat fat and watch hockey. To understand this metaphor, we need to analyze the various elements of the poem.
First, let's look at the organization of the poem. "February" is a free verse poem consisting of four stanzas, each containing six lines. Atwood presents vivid imagery and uses simple language to convey her message. The poem can be divided into two parts: the first two stanzas describe the harshness of winter, while the last two stanzas focus on finding solace and comfort during this time.
Now, let's explore the extended metaphor itself. The metaphor compares winter to a time to "eat fat and watch hockey". Eating fat represents indulgence and comfort, while watching hockey symbolizes a form of entertainment and escape.
Throughout the poem, Atwood illustrates the harsh and bitter qualities of winter. She mentions how February "pokes its bones", indicating the cold, skeletal nature of the season. The lines "Snowdrops burn through the ground" and "black furrows" add to the image of the desolate winter landscape. These descriptions evoke a sense of dreariness and isolation.
However, the extended metaphor suggests that despite the gloominess of winter, there are ways to find pleasure and enjoyment. In the third stanza, Atwood mentions the act of eating fat, which can be seen as embracing indulgence during the long, dark winter months. This can be interpreted as a metaphorical suggestion to find comfort and warmth during this time.
The final stanza introduces the idea of watching hockey, which symbolizes a form of escapism from the harshness of winter. Atwood refers to "fat, bud on the ash, cats pads" to illustrate that even in the coldest months, there are signs of life and hope. The act of watching hockey games provides a distraction from the bleakness of winter and offers a sense of community and excitement.
In summary, the poem "February" by Margaret Atwood is organized around the extended metaphor of winter as a time to eat fat and watch hockey. This comparison is used to portray both the harshness of the season and the potential for comfort and escape. Analyzing the poem's structure and language allows us to grasp the deeper meaning behind the metaphor and understand the message Atwood is conveying.