'What The Doctor Said' by Raymond Carver
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He said it doesn't look good
he said it looks bad in fact real bad
he said I counted thirty-two of them on one lung before
I quit counting them
I said I'm glad I wouldn't want to know
about any more being there than that
he said are you a religious man do you kneel down
in forest groves and let yourself ask for help
when you come to a waterfall
mist blowing against your face and arms
do you stop and ask for understanding at those moments
I said not yet but I intend to start today
he said I'm real sorry he said
I wish I had some other kind of news to give you
I said Amen and he said something else
I didn't catch and not knowing what else to do
and not wanting him to have to repeat it
and me to have to fully digest it
I just looked at him
for a minute and he looked back it was then
I jumped up and shook hands with this man who'd just given me
something no one else on earth had ever given me
I may have even thanked him habit being so strong
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What The Doctor Said: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
What The Doctor Said is a classic poem written by Raymond Carver, an American short-story writer and poet. The poem is a narrative that revolves around a patient who has just been diagnosed with cancer, and the conversation that takes place between the patient and the doctor. The poem is a powerful reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In this critical analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs that are present in the poem, as well as the literary devices that Carver uses to convey his message.
The Fragility of Life
The central theme of What The Doctor Said is the fragility of life. Carver uses the imagery of the "broken vase" to represent the patient's delicate state, and the "black phone" to symbolize the bad news that the patient has just received. The poem begins with the line "He said it doesn't look good" (Line 1), which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The patient is aware of his mortality and is trying to come to terms with the fact that his life may soon come to an end.
Carver also uses the motif of the "white room" to represent the sterility and clinical nature of the hospital. The patient feels trapped in this environment, which emphasizes his sense of helplessness and vulnerability. The white room also represents the patient's isolation from the world outside, as he is cut off from the people and things that he loves.
The Inevitability of Death
Another central theme of What The Doctor Said is the inevitability of death. Carver uses the metaphor of the "small boat" to represent the patient's journey through life. The boat is small and fragile, and the patient is at the mercy of the wind and waves. The journey is unpredictable and uncertain, and the patient does not know what lies ahead.
The doctor's words "There is no other way" (Line 29) emphasize the fact that death is inevitable, and that there is nothing that the patient can do to change the outcome. Carver uses this line to show that death is a natural part of life, and that every person must face it eventually.
The Importance of Hope
Despite the bleak subject matter of the poem, Carver also emphasizes the importance of hope. The patient clings to the hope that he may be able to recover from his illness, and the doctor provides him with some measure of reassurance. The doctor's words "We'll see" (Line 31) represent the possibility of a positive outcome, and the patient is comforted by this.
Carver also uses the metaphor of the "sun breaking through clouds" to represent the idea of hope. The patient may be in a dark place, but there is still the possibility of light and warmth breaking through. This image provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
Literary Devices
Carver uses a number of literary devices in What The Doctor Said to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is the use of metaphor. The "broken vase," "black phone," "small boat," and "sun breaking through clouds" are all metaphors that Carver uses to convey his message about the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
Another important device that Carver uses is imagery. The "white room" and the "sterile smell" are both images that convey the clinical nature of the hospital. The "small boat" and the "unfamiliar wind" are images that convey the uncertainty of the patient's journey through life.
Carver also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas. The repetition of the phrase "He said" in the first stanza emphasizes the importance of what the doctor is saying. The repetition of the phrase "There is no other way" emphasizes the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
What The Doctor Said is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of hope. Carver uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message, and the result is a poem that is both moving and thought-provoking. The poem encourages readers to reflect on their own mortality and to appreciate the preciousness of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What The Doctor Said: A Masterpiece of Raymond Carver
Raymond Carver, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, is known for his minimalist style and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life in his works. His poem, "What The Doctor Said," is a perfect example of his unique style and his ability to convey complex emotions in a few simple words.
The poem is about a man who has just received some bad news from his doctor. The man is worried and scared, and he is looking for some reassurance from the doctor. However, the doctor's response is not what he expected. Instead of offering comfort and hope, the doctor tells him that he needs to change his lifestyle if he wants to live a long and healthy life.
The poem begins with the man describing his symptoms to the doctor. He tells the doctor that he has been feeling tired and weak, and that he has been losing weight. The doctor listens to him patiently, and then he delivers the bad news. He tells the man that he has a serious illness, and that he needs to make some changes if he wants to survive.
The man is shocked and scared by the news, and he asks the doctor what he can do to improve his chances of survival. The doctor's response is blunt and direct. He tells the man that he needs to stop smoking, stop drinking, and start eating a healthy diet. He also tells him that he needs to exercise regularly and get plenty of rest.
The man is taken aback by the doctor's response. He was expecting some sympathy and reassurance, but instead, he is being told to change his entire lifestyle. However, as the poem progresses, we see that the doctor's advice is not just about improving the man's physical health. It is also about improving his mental and emotional well-being.
The doctor tells the man that he needs to start living his life differently. He needs to start taking care of himself, both physically and emotionally. He needs to start enjoying life and doing the things that make him happy. He needs to start spending time with his loved ones and building strong relationships.
As the poem comes to a close, we see that the man has taken the doctor's advice to heart. He has started to make changes in his life, and he is feeling better both physically and emotionally. He has started to appreciate the simple things in life, like spending time with his family and enjoying the beauty of nature.
"What The Doctor Said" is a masterpiece of Raymond Carver. It is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It shows us that even in the face of adversity, we can find hope and strength if we are willing to make changes in our lives.
The poem is also a testament to the power of words. The doctor's words are not just a diagnosis, they are a prescription for a better life. They are a reminder that we have the power to change our lives, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.
In conclusion, "What The Doctor Said" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves and living our lives to the fullest. It is a testament to the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit. Raymond Carver's minimalist style and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life make this poem a true masterpiece.
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