Friday, November 30, 2018

May I have a detailed analysis of John Goodbye's poem entitled ''The Uncles'' in terms of language/structure/ themes/imageries/tone?

Language:
The poem reads more like prose than poetry and is a eulogy to the speaker's uncles. It is clear that the poet has done this deliberately. He uses mechanical engineering jargon throughout the poem which signifies the specific particularity of the uncles' trade. They are mechanical engineers who do the hard work of creating engines and other mechanical parts according to clients' specifications. The language indicates how very specific the requirements are. Their measurements have to be correct to the finest detail and the uncles therefore have to be mathematicians to understand exactly what is required and ensure that the requirements are met:

...crossing sevens like émigré intellectuals,measuring in thous and thirty-secondths (scrawledon torn fag-packets); feinting with slide rules,...

The language emphasizes knowledge and mastery of their trade. The poet uses terms such as 'Swarfega kings' and 'émigré intellectuals' to denote the uncles' expertise. Their knowledge is foreign to those not involved in the trade and, therefore, when they use the jargon associated with it, they sound like intellectuals from a different world. In addition, the language exposes the habits they have: they smoke and take tea breaks as if they are something special and, therefore, the tea has to be specially prepared. They work hard and are dedicated. They keep their workspace neat but are always at risk: one uncle lost part of a finger in an accident and, as a result, cannot play the banjo anymore. They are exposed to steel shavings and cuts and have lost some of their hearing because of the continuous noise in the workshop.
It is significant that 'Uncles' is capitalized and repeated throughout the poem, which emphasizes the eulogistic tone. The speaker looks up to these men and obviously has great admiration for their skill and dedication. 
Structure:
The poem has no real structure and is written more in prose format. There is no actual rhyme or rhythm although some alliteration is used. The entire poem depicts the structured disorganisation one finds in an engineering workshop. An outsider would be confused by the array of tools, parts, equipment and other objects seemingly just lying around, but the uncles are organized and know exactly why each object occupies a specific space. The poem is fast-paced and copies the continuous activity found in the workshop. The constant activity is indicated by the use of enjambment and commas which indicate short breaks in between work activities. Full stops are cleverly used to demarcate and emphasize a specific activity.
Theme:
The poem's purpose and theme is clearly to indicate the speaker's respect and appreciation for his uncles. He finds their expertise and dedication to their work commendable and, through this poem, wishes to show that what may seem ordinary and mundane is actually very special.
Imagery:
The poet uses alliteration, as in line 3 where the 's' is repeated: 

Swarfega kings, enseamed with swarf and scobs, skin

The repetition here depicts the constant sound made by electrical cutting tools and equipment in the workshop and is also onomatopoeic. A number of metaphors are also used, such as 'Swarfega kings,' which suggests that the uncles are masters of how to use a cleaning agent, obviously to clean off the grime and grease from their hands and forearms. The metaphor 'Emigre intellectuals' suggests that they are experts from a foreign nation. In 'their chamfered years,' the metaphor implies that their years have been cut away and compares this to their action of cutting away metal. The contrast in the phrase 'mess of order' suggests controlled disorder—that what might seem confusing is actually purposefully set out.
Tone:
The tone is clearly eulogistic throughout. The speaker has the greatest admiration for his uncles, indicated by the use of the capital 'u.' His respect for them and what they do is emphasized when he ends the poem with a last reference to them: 'My Uncles.'

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why is the fact that the Americans are helping the Russians important?

In the late author Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October, the assistance rendered to the Russians by the United States is impor...