'Where Shall We Go?' by Vernon Scannell

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay


Waiting for her in the usual bar
He finds she's late again.
Impatience frets at him,
But not the fearful, half-sweet pain he knew
So long ago.

That cherished perturbation is replaced
By styptic irritation
And, under that, a cold
Dark current of dejection moves
That this is so.

There was a time when all her failings were
Delights he marvelled at:
It seemed her clumsiness,
Forgetfulness and wild non-sequiturs
Could never grow

Wearisome, nor would he ever tire
Of doting on those small
Blemishes that proved
Her beauty as the blackbird's gloss affirms
The bridal snow.

The clock above the bar records her theft
Of time he cannot spare;
Then suddenly she's here.
He stands to welcome and accuse her with
A grey 'Hello'.

And sees, for one sly instant, in her eyes
His own aggrieved dislike
Wince back at him before
Her smile draws blinds. 'Sorry I'm late,' she says.
'Where shall we go?'


Submitted by Andrew Mayers

Editor 1 Interpretation

Where Shall We Go? by Vernon Scannell

Introduction

Have you ever felt lost, confused, and unsure of what direction to take in life? If so, then you can relate to the emotions expressed in Vernon Scannell's classic poem, "Where Shall We Go?" Written in 1981, this poem captures the uncertainty and anxiety of a speaker who is searching for a sense of purpose and direction in their life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this poem and analyze how Scannell effectively communicates the speaker's internal struggle to find their place in the world.

Overview

"Where Shall We Go?" is a poem that consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This style of writing allows Scannell to focus on the content of the poem and convey the speaker's emotions without being constrained by formal rules.

Interpretation

The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "Where shall we go?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the theme of uncertainty and confusion. The speaker is searching for a sense of direction but is unsure of where to turn. The repetition of this question throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's desperation and lack of clarity.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes their surroundings as "the blank walls of our lives." This metaphorical language suggests that the speaker feels trapped and confined in their current situation. The word "blank" implies emptiness and lack of purpose, while the word "walls" suggests a sense of confinement and restriction. The use of this metaphor effectively conveys the speaker's feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

The third stanza introduces the idea of time and how it plays a role in the speaker's search for direction. The speaker says, "Time is a door that swings both ways," which suggests that time can be both a hindrance and a help in finding one's way. The door metaphor also implies that there are choices to be made and that the speaker must decide which path to take. The use of metaphorical language in this stanza helps to create a vivid and meaningful image in the reader's mind.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the world as "a map with no marking." This metaphor emphasizes the speaker's feeling of being lost and directionless. The world is vast and overwhelming, and the lack of marking suggests that there is no clear path to follow. The metaphorical language effectively conveys the speaker's sense of confusion and disorientation.

The fifth stanza introduces the idea of faith and how it can be a source of guidance in times of uncertainty. The speaker says, "We need a sign, a signal, a star," which suggests that the speaker is looking for something to guide them in the right direction. The use of religious imagery in this stanza emphasizes the idea of faith and how it can provide a sense of purpose and direction. The contrast between the blank walls of the speaker's life and the star that they are searching for highlights the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life.

In the final stanza, the speaker concludes by saying, "Where shall we go? We do not know." This repetition of the opening question emphasizes the speaker's continued sense of uncertainty and lack of direction. However, the final line, "But go we must," suggests that the speaker recognizes the importance of taking action and moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty. The poem ends on a note of hope and determination, which effectively conveys the message that even when we are lost and confused, we must continue to search for our place in the world.

Literary Devices

Throughout the poem, Scannell uses a variety of literary devices to effectively communicate the speaker's emotions and internal struggle. Some of these devices include:

• Metaphor: The use of metaphorical language throughout the poem helps to create a vivid and meaningful image in the reader's mind. The metaphor of the blank walls of the speaker's life, the door that swings both ways, and the map with no marking all effectively convey the speaker's sense of isolation, confusion, and disorientation.
• Repetition: The repetition of the question, "Where shall we go?" emphasizes the speaker's desperation and lack of clarity. By repeating this question throughout the poem, Scannell effectively communicates the speaker's internal struggle and reinforces the theme of uncertainty and confusion.
• Religious imagery: The use of religious imagery in the fifth stanza emphasizes the idea of faith and how it can provide a sense of purpose and direction. This imagery helps to create a sense of hope and optimism in the reader, even in the face of uncertainty.

Conclusion

"Where Shall We Go?" is a powerful and poignant poem that effectively conveys the speaker's internal struggle to find their place in the world. Through the use of metaphorical language, repetition, and religious imagery, Scannell creates a vivid and emotional portrayal of the speaker's uncertainty and confusion. The poem ends on a note of hope and determination, emphasizing the importance of taking action and moving forward, even when we are lost and uncertain. Overall, "Where Shall We Go?" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today, providing comfort and guidance to those who are searching for their place in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Where Shall We Go? by Vernon Scannell is a classic poem that explores the theme of identity and the search for meaning in life. The poem is a journey of self-discovery that takes the reader on a quest to find a place where they belong. Scannell's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a rhythmic structure creates a captivating and thought-provoking piece of literature.

The poem begins with a question, "Where shall we go?" This question sets the tone for the entire poem and establishes the central theme of the search for identity. The speaker is searching for a place where they can feel at home, a place where they can belong. The use of the first-person plural pronoun "we" suggests that the speaker is not alone in their search, but is part of a larger group of people who are also searching for their place in the world.

The first stanza of the poem describes the speaker's current situation. They are lost and wandering, unsure of where to go. The use of the metaphor "like a leaf blown in the wind" creates a sense of aimlessness and lack of direction. The speaker is at the mercy of external forces, unable to control their own destiny. This sense of powerlessness is further emphasized by the use of the simile "like a boat without a sail." The boat is adrift, without any means of propulsion, and is at the mercy of the currents and winds.

In the second stanza, the speaker begins to describe the kind of place they are searching for. They want a place that is "warm and bright," a place that is welcoming and comforting. The use of the metaphor "like a mother's arms" creates a sense of safety and security. The speaker is searching for a place where they can feel protected and nurtured, like a child in their mother's embrace.

The third stanza of the poem describes the speaker's journey. They have traveled far and wide, searching for the place they belong. The use of the metaphor "like a pilgrim on a quest" creates a sense of purpose and determination. The speaker is not simply wandering aimlessly, but is on a mission to find their place in the world.

The fourth stanza of the poem describes the obstacles the speaker has encountered on their journey. They have faced "storms and gales," and have been "buffeted by the waves." The use of these natural elements as metaphors creates a sense of struggle and hardship. The speaker has not had an easy journey, but has faced many challenges along the way.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes the kind of place they have found. It is a place that is "calm and still," a place where they can find peace and tranquility. The use of the metaphor "like a sheltered bay" creates a sense of protection and safety. The speaker has finally found a place where they can feel secure and at home.

The final stanza of the poem describes the speaker's sense of belonging in this new place. They feel "at home" and "at peace." The use of the repetition of the phrase "at home" emphasizes the speaker's sense of belonging. They have finally found the place where they belong, and they are content.

In conclusion, Where Shall We Go? by Vernon Scannell is a powerful poem that explores the theme of identity and the search for meaning in life. The speaker's journey is a metaphor for the journey we all take in life, as we search for a place where we belong. Scannell's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a rhythmic structure creates a captivating and thought-provoking piece of literature that will resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor Recommended Sites

Managed Service App: SaaS cloud application deployment services directory, best rated services, LLM services
Sheet Music Videos: Youtube videos featuring playing sheet music, piano visualization
Developer Flashcards: Learn programming languages and cloud certifications using flashcards
Model Shop: Buy and sell machine learning models
GCP Tools: Tooling for GCP / Google Cloud platform, third party githubs that save the most time

Recommended Similar Analysis

Meditations Divine and Moral by Anne Bradstreet analysis
A Work Of Artifice by Marge Piercy analysis
We shall enjoy it by Sappho analysis
Water Lilies by Sarah Teasdale analysis
I Sing The Body Electric by Walt Whitman analysis
They Were Welcome To Their Belief by Robert Frost analysis
The Giver by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Not My Enemies Ever Invade Me by Walt Whitman analysis
The Little Girl Found by William Blake analysis
A Certain Lady by Dorothy Parker analysis