Please help me figure this out!
What is he trying to say/What is this poem's meaning?
Why did he write it?
How does the denotation, connotation and/or level of diction found in the majority of the italicized words play against the level of diction found in most of the rest of the poem?
March for a One Man Band
by David Wagoner
He’s *a boom a blat* in the uniform
Of an army *tweedledy* band *a toot*
Complete with medals *a honk* cornet
Against *a thump* one side of his lips
And the other stuck with *a sloop a tweet*
A whistle *a crash* on top of *a crash*
A helmet *a crash* a cymbal a drum
At his *bumbledy* knee and a *rimshot* flag
*A click* he stands at attention *a wheeze *
And plays the Irrational Anthem *bang*
An asterisk indicates an italicized word.
Thanks!
I have answered this already -- when you posted two different times before.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1334259900
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1334277925
Google the title and author's name to find more information.
The italicized words are SOUNDS. The poem is meant to be HEARD, not just read silently.
Dear Witchita - Writeacher is right. This poem is meant to be heard because it is Onomatopoeia (pronounced on-oh-ma-toe-pea-uh).
Onomatapoeia, in the most basic form, is the use of words that imitate sound to form a poem.
The sound words are meant to enhance your visual picture of this man and help you hear and see exactly what the author was thinking when he wrote the poem. Without the sounds, it reads:
"He's in the uniform
Of an army band
complete with medals, coronet
agaisnt one side of his lips
and the other stuck with
a whistle on top of
a helmet. a cymbal, a drum
at his knee and a flag
he stands at attention
and plays the irrational anthem"
Can't you just see this guy now? All nice in his Marines dress-uniform - the one with the navy-blue jacket and white hat.He's got a coronet - that's a small bugle type trumpet - at one side of his mouth. there's a whistle stuck in the other side. He's wearing a drum around his neck that hangs down by his knee because the strap is so long and the drum is heavy. There's a cymbal there too. He's got a flag attached to a pack on his back. His hand is at his forehead in salute becasue that's what it means to stand at attention. The melody he's trying to play is the Irrational Anthem, which isn't really a song, just the author's humorous way of sayign the guy can't carry a tune when he's playing the star spangled banner.
all those sounds that Wagoner through in there, those are just to help show you that this guy may look good in uniform, but he needs a little more practice with his music lesson
The poem "March for a One Man Band" by David Wagoner appears to convey a playful and whimsical tone. The meaning of the poem can be interpreted in a few ways. On one level, it seems to describe a lone musician who is dressed in a military-style uniform and plays various instruments simultaneously, resembling a one-man band. This portrayal of a singular individual creating a cacophony of sounds can be seen as an expression of creativity and individuality.
As for why the poet wrote this poem, it is challenging to determine the exact reason without further context. However, it is worth noting that writers often use poetry as a form of self-expression, to convey emotions, ideas, or to reflect on various aspects of life. In this case, the poet may have written the poem to explore the concept of individualism, the unconventional ways one can offer their unique talents or perspectives, or simply to create a lighthearted and amusing piece.
When discussing the denotation, connotation, and level of diction found in the majority of the italicized words in contrast to the rest of the poem, it is important to consider the stylistic choices the poet made. The italicized words, such as "boom," "blat," "tweedledy," "toot," "honk," "sloop," "tweet," "crash," "click," and "wheeze," contribute to the playful and musical atmosphere of the poem. These words have a whimsical, onomatopoeic quality that suggests the sounds made by the instruments being played. They convey a casual and less formal level of diction.
In contrast, the non-italicized words in the poem, such as nouns and basic descriptors like "uniform," "cornet," "medals," "flag," "helmet," and "drum," have a more ordinary or serious tone. The juxtaposition of these two types of language creates an interesting contrast. The italicized words represent the sounds and actions of the one-man band, while the non-italicized words describe the band's uniform and instruments. This contrast in diction adds depth to the poem, emphasizing the unique and whimsical nature of the one-man band.
Overall, the poem explores themes of individuality, creativity, and the power of unconventional expressions of art. The playfulness of the language used contributes to the overall tone and adds to the imaginative portrayal of the one-man band.
To analyze this poem, we can start by examining the meaning and purpose behind it. "March for a One Man Band" by David Wagoner seems to portray a rather comical and whimsical image of a musician who acts as a one-man band. The poem describes this character as wearing a uniform and playing various instruments all by himself.
As for the reason why the poet might have written this poem, it could be to explore themes of individuality, creativity, or entertainment. The poem's light-hearted tone and playful language suggest that the poet may be celebrating the uniqueness and ingenuity of someone who is able to create music on their own.
Now, let's discuss the denotation, connotation, and level of diction found in the poem's italicized words, and how they contrast with the rest of the poem. In the example you provided, the italicized words such as "boom," "blat," "tweedledy," "toot," "honk," "sloop," and others seem to have onomatopoeic or whimsical qualities. These words evoke sounds and noises associated with musical instruments or actions. They add a sense of liveliness, playfulness, and visual imagery to the poem.
On the other hand, the non-italicized words in the poem seem to have a more straightforward, descriptive quality. The contrast between the italicized words and the rest of the poem's language creates a juxtaposition of different levels of diction. The italicized words with their sound symbolism or playful language contribute to the poem's light and whimsical tone, while the non-italicized words provide more literal descriptions and details. This contrast enhances the overall effect of the poem by adding layers of meaning and evoking a sense of the character's vibrant musical performance.
To fully interpret and appreciate a poem, it's important to consider various elements like themes, imagery, word choice, and tone. Remember that poetry can be subjective, and different readers may have slightly different interpretations. Feel free to explore your own insights and reactions to the poem as well.