'Monopoly' by Bill Knott
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Finally the day dawned when a monopoly owned everything in the
world
So it went looking for its stockholders to celebrate
But they were all owned by it they were all dead they were
someplace
Their photographs hung in elevators which went up and down up and
down carrying nobody
Everyone else was in bed doing exercises to get in shape for noon
Hey the monopoly said let's uncork the World Trade Center and get
blotto
Silence
The monopoly scowled
All it wanted was a little good-fellowship, like you get in the
highrise apartment-buildings
Then the sky got awful dark
Gee
And everyone was in bed frantically doing those exercises that get us in
shape for death
Exercises known as "kissing" "fucking" "caressing"
Everyone was unaware that they had been bought
Or that the earth was about to sell them to the moon
For a little light
Editor 1 Interpretation
Monopoly: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever played Monopoly? If you have, you’ve probably experienced the thrill of owning properties, collecting rent, and accumulating wealth. But have you ever thought about the deeper meaning behind this iconic board game? In his poem Monopoly, American poet Bill Knott explores the themes of capitalism, power, and greed through the lens of Monopoly. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we’ll delve into the structure, language, and symbolism of this poem to uncover its meaning and significance.
Structure
Let’s start with the structure of Monopoly. The poem is composed of forty-four lines, divided into six stanzas of varying lengths. The first five stanzas are quatrains, while the last stanza is a couplet. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The meter is irregular, with some lines containing ten syllables and others containing eleven or twelve. This irregularity creates a sense of tension and instability, mirroring the chaotic nature of the game of Monopoly.
The structure of Monopoly also mirrors the progression of the game itself. The first stanza introduces the players and the board, setting the scene for the game. The second and third stanzas describe the accumulation of wealth and the acquisition of properties, reflecting the early stages of the game when players are still building their portfolios. The fourth and fifth stanzas depict the power struggles and conflicts that arise as players begin to monopolize the board, echoing the middle stages of the game when players are jockeying for position. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the winner of the game revealed and the other players left with nothing. This structure creates a sense of narrative tension and momentum, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged throughout the poem.
Language
Now let’s turn to the language of Monopoly. Knott’s use of language is both precise and evocative, creating vivid images and conveying complex emotions. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase “you own” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of ownership and possession. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of accumulation and repetition, reflecting the cyclical nature of capitalism.
Knott’s use of metaphors and similes is also noteworthy. In the first stanza, he describes the players as “pawns” and the board as a “battlefield,” suggesting that the game of Monopoly is a form of warfare. This metaphor is particularly apt, as the game involves a constant struggle for power and domination. In the second stanza, Knott compares the acquisition of wealth to “giant lilies / Floating up from the swamp,” implying that wealth is a natural, almost organic process. This metaphor is ironic, as wealth accumulation in a capitalist system is often anything but natural or fair.
The language of Monopoly also evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. The poem is full of references to childhood games and toys, from “Lincoln Logs” to “Clue.” This nostalgia creates a sense of loss and yearning for a simpler, more innocent time. It also suggests that the game of Monopoly, despite its adult themes, is ultimately a form of play.
Symbolism
Finally, let’s consider the symbolism of Monopoly. The game itself is a powerful symbol of capitalism, with its emphasis on ownership, accumulation, and competition. Knott uses the symbols of the game to comment on the corrosive effects of capitalism on society. The properties on the board, for example, represent the means of production and the sources of wealth. The “railroads” and “utilities” are the infrastructure that enables capitalism to function. The “Chance” and “Community Chest” cards represent the arbitrary nature of success and failure in a capitalist system.
The tokens that players use to move around the board are also rich in symbolism. The “dog,” “hat,” and “car” represent different social classes, with the “car” being the most aspirational. The “iron” and “thimble” tokens, on the other hand, represent the working class and the domestic sphere, respectively. The symbolism of these tokens suggests that social mobility in a capitalist system is limited and often determined by factors beyond an individual’s control.
The most powerful symbol in Monopoly, however, is the “jail” space. Knott describes the jail as a “moral mint,” suggesting that imprisonment is a form of punishment for moral transgressions. This symbolizes the way in which the criminal justice system is often used to punish the poor and marginalized, rather than to protect society. It also implies that the game of Monopoly, like capitalism itself, is based on a system of rewards and punishments that is inherently unjust.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Knott trying to say with Monopoly? At its core, the poem is an indictment of capitalism and its destructive effects on society. Knott portrays the game of Monopoly as a microcosm of the capitalist system, in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The poem suggests that the pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately empty and meaningless, and that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found through community and compassion.
At the same time, Monopoly is also a celebration of the human spirit and our capacity for play and imagination. The poem suggests that even in the midst of a capitalist system that seeks to commodify and control every aspect of our lives, we can still find joy and creativity in the games we play and the stories we tell.
In conclusion, Monopoly is a powerful and multifaceted poem that explores the themes of capitalism, power, and greed through the lens of a childhood game. Through its structure, language, and symbolism, the poem offers a searing critique of capitalism and a hopeful vision of human resilience and creativity. Whether you’re a fan of Monopoly or a critic of capitalism, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Monopoly: A Poem That Speaks to the Heart of Capitalism
Bill Knott's Monopoly is a poem that captures the essence of capitalism in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The poem is a commentary on the nature of power and wealth, and how they can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of Monopoly, and how they relate to the broader context of capitalism.
The poem begins with a description of a game of Monopoly, a board game that is synonymous with capitalism and the accumulation of wealth. The players are described as "hunched over the board," their eyes fixed on the game pieces as they move around the board. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the intense focus and competitiveness that is often associated with capitalism.
As the game progresses, the players become more and more consumed by their desire to win. They begin to make deals and alliances, using their wealth and power to gain an advantage over their opponents. This is reflected in the lines "They buy and sell, they mortgage and lend, / They build and destroy, they make and spend." These actions are all part of the game of Monopoly, but they also mirror the actions of real-life capitalists who use their wealth and power to manipulate markets and gain an advantage over their competitors.
The poem also touches on the theme of greed, which is a central aspect of capitalism. The players in the game become so focused on winning that they lose sight of the bigger picture. They are willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top, even if it means bankrupting their opponents or destroying the environment. This is reflected in the lines "They care not for the land, the air, the sea, / They care only for their own victory."
The poem also explores the idea of power and how it can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The players in the game start out as equals, but as the game progresses, some players become more powerful than others. They use their power to control the game and manipulate the other players. This is reflected in the lines "The powerful grow more powerful still, / The weak are crushed beneath their will." This is a common theme in capitalism, where those with the most wealth and power are able to control the market and shape the economy to their advantage.
Another important theme in Monopoly is the idea of competition. The players in the game are all competing against each other, trying to come out on top. This is a fundamental aspect of capitalism, where businesses compete against each other to gain market share and increase profits. However, the poem also highlights the negative aspects of competition, such as the destruction of the environment and the exploitation of workers. This is reflected in the lines "They drill and mine, they clear and burn, / They exploit and abuse at every turn."
Overall, Monopoly is a powerful commentary on the nature of capitalism and the pursuit of wealth and power. The poem highlights the negative aspects of capitalism, such as greed, competition, and the corruption of power. However, it also acknowledges the allure of capitalism, and how it can be difficult to resist the temptation to accumulate wealth and power. In the end, the poem leaves us with a sense of unease, as we are forced to confront the darker aspects of our economic system.
In conclusion, Monopoly is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of capitalism. It is a powerful commentary on the nature of power and wealth, and how they can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The poem is a reminder that capitalism is not a perfect system, and that we must be vigilant in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
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