'Thesaurus' by Billy Collins
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It could be the name of a prehistoric beast
that roamed the Paleozoic earth, rising up
on its hind legs to show off its large vocabulary,
or some lover in a myth who is metamorphosed into a book.
It means treasury, but it is just a place
where words congregate with their relatives,
a big park where hundreds of family reunions
are always being held,
house, home, abode, dwelling, lodgings, and digs,
all sharing the same picnic basket and thermos;
hairy, hirsute, woolly, furry, fleecy, and shaggy
all running a sack race or throwing horseshoes,
inert, static, motionless, fixed and immobile
standing and kneeling in rows for a group photograph.
Here father is next to sire and brother close
to sibling, separated only by fine shades of meaning.
And every group has its odd cousin, the one
who traveled the farthest to be here:
astereognosis, polydipsia, or some eleven
syllable, unpronounceable substitute for the word tool.
Even their own relatives have to squint at their name tags.
I can see my own copy up on a high shelf.
I rarely open it, because I know there is no
such thing as a synonym and because I get nervous
around people who always assemble with their own kind,
forming clubs and nailing signs to closed front doors
while others huddle alone in the dark streets.
I would rather see words out on their own, away
from their families and the warehouse of Roget,
wandering the world where they sometimes fall
in love with a completely different word.
Surely, you have seen pairs of them standing forever
next to each other on the same line inside a poem,
a small chapel where weddings like these,
between perfect strangers, can take place.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Thesaurus: A Masterpiece of Wordplay and Metaphors
The poem "Thesaurus" by Billy Collins is a masterpiece of wordplay and metaphors, exploring the endless possibilities of language and the power of words. In this 28-line poem, Collins takes us on a journey through the pages of a thesaurus, revealing the richness and complexity of language through his playful and inventive use of words.
From the very first line, Collins sets the tone for the poem with his wry humor and keen observation:
You remind me of the Chinese dictionary because you are scholarly and serious and always used by other people.
Here, Collins is comparing the thesaurus to a Chinese dictionary, which is known for its complexity and difficulty. He is also highlighting the fact that thesauruses are often used by others, rather than by the person who owns them. This creates a sense of distance and detachment from the words themselves, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
As we move further into the poem, Collins begins to play with the meanings and associations of words in surprising and delightful ways:
And when I look up the word "you" I find a long list of synonyms: yourselves, thee, thou, the person reading this poem, everyone.
Here, Collins is exploring the multiple meanings and connotations of the word "you", using the thesaurus to reveal the many different ways we use this simple pronoun. He also plays with the idea of the reader being included in the list of synonyms, blurring the line between the speaker and the audience.
But it is in the middle of the poem that Collins really hits his stride, using the thesaurus to create a series of vivid and surprising images:
I turn to you, little book, for your comfortable feel in my hand, for you are trustworthy and compact, and you promise always to tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Here, Collins is using the thesaurus as a metaphor for a trusted friend or companion, someone who is always there to offer comfort and support. He is also playing with the idea of truth, using the thesaurus to emphasize the importance of accuracy and precision in language.
As the poem progresses, Collins continues to explore the rich tapestry of language, using the thesaurus to reveal the hidden connections and associations between words:
I want to see words like "jubilation" and "reverence" in your pages, words that remind me of why the earth is such a beautiful place.
Here, Collins is using the thesaurus to evoke a sense of wonder and awe, using words like "jubilation" and "reverence" to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. He is also encouraging us to seek out the richness and depth of language, to explore the many different ways we can express our emotions and experiences.
In the final lines of the poem, Collins brings us full circle, returning to the idea of the thesaurus as a distant and detached object:
But when I look up the word "you" in your pages, what I find is "one," "individual," "someone," a person standing apart from everyone else.
Here, Collins is using the thesaurus to highlight the paradoxical nature of language, which can both connect us and separate us from one another. He is also playing with the idea of identity, using the thesaurus to show how language can shape and define who we are.
Overall, "Thesaurus" is a masterful example of wordplay and metaphor, using the thesaurus as a way to explore the richness and complexity of language. Through his playful and inventive use of words, Collins invites us to see the world in new and surprising ways, encouraging us to embrace the richness and beauty of language. So the next time you pick up a thesaurus, remember the words of Billy Collins: "For you are trustworthy and compact, and you promise always to tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Thesaurus: An Exciting Journey Through Words
Have you ever found yourself struggling to find the right word to express your thoughts or emotions? If so, you are not alone. The English language is vast, and sometimes it can be challenging to find the perfect word to convey what we mean. However, in his poem Thesaurus, Billy Collins takes us on an exciting journey through words, showing us the power of language and the beauty of its nuances.
The poem begins with the speaker opening a thesaurus, a book that lists synonyms and antonyms for words. The speaker describes the thesaurus as a "land of synonyms," a place where words are "packed like lexicographic sardines." This vivid imagery sets the tone for the poem, inviting the reader to join the speaker on a journey through the world of words.
As the speaker begins to explore the thesaurus, he discovers that each word has its own unique flavor and personality. He describes how some words are "shy and unassuming," while others are "bold and assertive." This personification of words adds depth and character to the poem, making it feel as though we are exploring a world of living beings rather than just a book of words.
As the speaker continues to delve deeper into the thesaurus, he discovers that some words have multiple meanings, each with its own connotation and emotional weight. He describes how the word "love" can mean anything from "a mild affection for a kitten" to "a passionate, all-consuming desire." This exploration of the nuances of language is one of the central themes of the poem, highlighting the power of words to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Throughout the poem, Collins uses a variety of poetic techniques to enhance the imagery and language. For example, he uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the lines. In one stanza, he writes, "Words that have never been used / but might come in handy someday / like 'guddle' meaning to fish with your hands." The repetition of the "w" sound in "words," "never," and "handy" creates a sense of flow and continuity, drawing the reader into the poem.
Collins also uses metaphor to convey the power of words. In one stanza, he writes, "Words that sing like a cardinal in a dogwood tree / and are as elusive as a trout in a stream." This comparison of words to natural phenomena highlights their beauty and complexity, as well as their ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
As the poem draws to a close, the speaker reflects on the power of words to connect us to one another. He describes how words can "cross oceans and continents," bringing people together despite their differences. This message of unity and connection is a powerful reminder of the importance of language in our lives.
In conclusion, Thesaurus is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that takes us on a journey through the world of words. Through vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor, Billy Collins shows us the power of language to convey complex emotions and ideas. Whether you are a writer, a reader, or simply someone who loves language, this poem is sure to inspire and delight. So open up your thesaurus and join the speaker on this exciting journey through the land of synonyms.
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