Author: g.billig

Although I believe that this poem hinting to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Amichai also uses the poem to express additional symbolism. An initial reading of the poem suggests that the setting of the poem is the Old City of Jerusalem which is one of the key points of the conflict, the reality is that the poem takes place to the west of the old city. This can be derived from the fact that Mount Zion is West of the Old City and the temple mount and the Sultan’s Pool is to the west of Mount Zion. I believe that Amichai chose this setting to suggest that the points of modern conflict are not worth the fight and blood loss. Rather, allowing residents to live peacefully throughout the contested land should be the ultimate goal.

Additionally, Amichai references “Had Gadya” which is a song sung by Jews during the Passover seder (Ritual Feast on the first two nights of the holiday). Had Gadya starts by stating that a father bought his son a goat, the goat is then eaten by a cat, which is eaten by a dog, which is beaten with a stick, which is burned with fire, which is extinguished with water, which an ox drinks, which a butcher kills, who is then killed by the angel of death, who is removed by God. Amichai uses this reference to suggest that those in conflict should avoid becoming part of the “machine” that the song alludes to. Instead, they should worry about keeping their own kin safe by taking proper precautionary measures and working towards peace.

While “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes portrays a voice that expects no gifts and has no expectations, “Motto” portrays a voice that expects a quid pro quo relationship with effort. In “Mother to Son”, the “Mother” says “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair … But I’se been a-climbing on”. The Mother is explaining to her son that he should not be deterred by challenges he faces but rather fight to overcome them no matter the difficulty. On the other hand, “Motto” states, “Dig And Be Dug In Return” which suggests that actions should be done with the expectations of being reimbursed. The voice in “Motto” lacks the motivation of “Mother” who expects nothing but rather puts her head down and fights through her issues.

Although I understand why some people might find this significant and perhaps point to segregation as the root of author’s choice of dialect, I believe that both dialects are used in order to improve the flow of the story. If the entire story was written in the southern and more informal dialect, it would likely be difficult to read and lack a clear structure. On the other hand, the dialect does plant a specific image of the characters throughout the story. The quotes used allow the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the important factors at play in the story. In conclusion, I do not believe the dialect was chosen for any other reason other than to improve the flow of the story and to present a specific image to the reader.

In Roman Fever by Edith Wharton, the author utilizes the background and social class of the main characters in order to further instill her point. Although Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley appear to come be of high class, they still carry secrets and baggage that prevent them from living their best lives. Their presumed wealth and status serves as a facade for their somewhat troubled lives.

Rome is used as a symbol of class and high culture in order to demonstrate their wealth. Yet, throughout the story the main characters become vulnerable to the point that their wealth is unimportant.

In The Gilded Six-Bits by Zora Neale Hurston, wealth and money are viewed as the most important aspect of the characters’ ciple lives. When Joe catches his cheating on him he ends up with money, which he treasures, from Slemmons. While his wife convinces herself that he will abandon her, she prepares for the worst but is ultimately asked to go about her regular routine by making breakfast. Towards the end of story, Joe uses the money from Slemmons to buy candy for his wife and new child which represents his focus on money and lack of concern about his wife’s misdeed. In a community that lacks wealth, Joe views money the supremely important aspect of life.

In Shelley’s work, “An Ode to The West Wind”, he uses wind to represent ever occurring changes in the world. The last line of the poem demonstrates that wind represents renewal just like Spring is a time of renewal after Winter. In a time where cultural revolutions were taking place the idea of a “new wind” bringing renewal was never more prevalent. Romanticism was seeking to curb the changes made due to enlightenment by focusing on nature’s benefit to mankind. That being said, there is no better metaphor than wind which causes the coming and going of seasons while also representing change.