'Football' by Louis Jenkins

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I take the snap from the center, fake to the right, fade back...
I've got protection. I've got a receiver open downfield...
What the hell is this? This isn't a football, it's a shoe, a man's
brown leather oxford. A cousin to a football maybe, the same
skin, but not the same, a thing made for the earth, not the air.
I realize that this is a world where anything is possible and I
understand, also, that one often has to make do with what one
has. I have eaten pancakes, for instance, with that clear corn
syrup on them because there was no maple syrup and they
weren't very good. Well, anyway, this is different. (My man
downfield is waving his arms.) One has certain responsibilities,
one has to make choices. This isn't right and I'm not going
to throw it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Football: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you a fan of football? Have you ever watched a game and felt your heart race with anticipation as the ball moves closer and closer to the goal line? If you have, then you'll understand exactly what Louis Jenkins is trying to convey in his poem, "Football." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the various themes and literary devices that Jenkins uses to capture the essence of this beloved sport.

Themes

At its core, "Football" is a poem about the beauty of competition. Jenkins describes the game with an almost reverent tone, making it clear that he sees football as more than just a physical activity. He writes, "It's a game of strategy and skill / Where the smallest mistake can mean defeat." This line perfectly captures the intensity of the game and the importance of every move that a player makes.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the importance of teamwork. Jenkins notes that "It takes a team to win," and he emphasizes the idea that no one player can win a game on their own. Instead, it's the collective effort of every player on the team that ultimately leads to victory. This idea of teamwork is especially important in football, where each player has a specific role to play on the field.

Finally, "Football" is a poem about perseverance. Jenkins notes that "The best teams never give up / And fight until the very end." This line speaks to the idea that success is not always easy to come by, and that it often requires a great deal of hard work and determination. This is a lesson that is applicable not just to football, but to life in general.

Literary Devices

Jenkins uses a number of literary devices to bring his poem to life. One of the most prominent is imagery. He describes the game in vivid detail, using language that evokes the sounds, sights, and even smells of the football field. For example, he writes, "The air is filled with the roar of the crowd / And the scent of freshly cut grass." These details help to immerse the reader in the world of the poem, making it easier to visualize the game and feel the excitement of the players and fans.

Another literary device that Jenkins employs is repetition. Throughout the poem, he uses the phrase "It's a game" to emphasize the importance of football as a competition. This repetition helps to drive home the central message of the poem and underscores the idea that football is not just a pastime, but a serious endeavor that demands respect.

Finally, Jenkins uses personification to give the game of football a personality of its own. He writes, "Football is a living, breathing thing / That demands our attention and respect." By personifying the sport in this way, Jenkins imbues it with a sense of importance and significance that might have been lost if he had simply described it as a physical activity.

Interpretation

So what is Jenkins trying to say with "Football?" At its most basic level, the poem is a celebration of the game and the people who play it. Jenkins clearly has a deep respect for football and sees it as more than just a sport. He sees it as a metaphor for life, with its lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and competition.

But there's another interpretation of the poem that is worth considering. Jenkins wrote "Football" in 1999, at a time when the sport was becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The poem can be read as a commentary on the way that football has come to dominate our culture, with its massive stadiums, giant television audiences, and multimillion-dollar contracts.

In this interpretation, the poem is a reminder that football is more than just a business. It's a game that is played by real people with real emotions, and it deserves to be treated with respect. The fact that Jenkins refers to football as a "living, breathing thing" suggests that he sees it as something that has a soul, something that is bigger than any one player or team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Football" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of competition, the importance of teamwork, and the value of perseverance. Jenkins uses vivid imagery, repetition, and personification to bring the game of football to life, and his message is one that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or someone who has never watched a game in your life, "Football" is a poem that is sure to resonate with you, reminding you of the power of sports to inspire and unite us all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Football: A Poem that Celebrates the American Spirit

Football is a classic poem written by Louis Jenkins that captures the essence of American football. The poem is a celebration of the sport, its players, and the fans who come together to create a unique and exciting atmosphere. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Football is a game." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the sport and its players. The poem goes on to describe the players as "warriors" who "battle on the field." This language creates a sense of excitement and intensity, as if the players are engaged in a life-or-death struggle.

The poem also describes the fans who come to watch the game. They are described as "cheering crowds" who "roar with delight." This language creates a sense of community and camaraderie, as if the fans are all part of a larger family. The poem suggests that football is more than just a game; it is a shared experience that brings people together.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The poem describes the players as "gladiators" who "clash on the field." This language creates a vivid image of the players as fierce warriors engaged in a battle. The poem also describes the ball as a "leather missile" that "soars through the air." This language creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, as if the ball is a powerful force that can change the course of the game at any moment.

The poem also uses language to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The lines are short and punchy, with a strong emphasis on action verbs. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the poem is mirroring the pace of the game itself. The poem also uses repetition to create a sense of momentum. The phrase "football is a game" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and unity.

Another interesting feature of the poem is its use of language to create a sense of nostalgia. The poem describes the players as "young men" who "dream of glory." This language creates a sense of innocence and idealism, as if the players are still young and full of hope. The poem also describes the fans as "old men" who "remember the glory days." This language creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if the fans are looking back on their own youth and the excitement of the game.

Overall, Football is a poem that celebrates the American spirit. It captures the excitement, intensity, and community of football, and suggests that the sport is more than just a game. It is a shared experience that brings people together and creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging. The poem is a testament to the power of sports to unite people and create a sense of shared purpose and identity.

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