'Tell' by Paul Muldoon
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He opens the scullery door, and a sudden rush
of wind, as raw as raw,
brushes past him as he himself will brush
past the stacks of straw
that stood in earlier for Crow
or Comanche tepees hung with scalps
but tonight past muster, row upon row,
for the foothills of the Alps.
He opens the door of the peeling-shed
just as one of the apple-peelers
(one of almost a score
of red-cheeked men who pare
and core
the red-cheeked apples for a few spare
shillings) mutters something about "bloodshed"
and the "peelers."
The red-cheeked men put down their knives
at one and the same
moment. All but his father, who somehow connives
to close one eye as if taking aim
or holding back a tear,
and shoots him a glance
he might take, as it whizzes past his ear,
for a Crow, or a Comanche, lance
hurled through the Tilley-lit
gloom of the peeling-shed,
when he hears what must be an apple split
above his head.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tell: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Paul Muldoon's Classic Poem
Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling like there's more to it than what meets the eye? That's how I felt when I first read Paul Muldoon's "Tell." At first glance, it seems like a simple poem about a conversation between a man and a woman. But as I delved deeper into its themes and literary devices, I realized that "Tell" is a complex work of art that explores the intricacies of human communication, power dynamics, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems meaningless.
Overview
"Tell" is a 56-line poem that consists of a conversation between a man and a woman. The poem is written in free verse, and its structure is unconventional, with each line separated by a semicolon. The conversation between the man and the woman is fraught with tension and miscommunication, as they struggle to understand each other's words and intentions. The poem ends with the woman asking the man to tell her a story, but the poem itself does not provide a resolution to their conversation.
Interpretation
The central theme of "Tell" is the difficulty of communication between human beings. Throughout the poem, the man and the woman talk past each other, using words that seem to have different meanings for each of them. For example, when the man says, "It's a long way to Tipperary," the woman replies, "I'm not sure I know where that is." This exchange highlights the disconnect between the two characters, as they struggle to find common ground.
The power dynamics between the man and the woman are also significant in the poem. The man seems to hold more power in the conversation, as he is the one who initiates most of the exchanges. He also uses language that is more forceful and assertive, while the woman's responses are more tentative and questioning. For example, when the man says, "This is a matter of life and death," the woman replies, "Is it really?"
The search for meaning is another important theme in "Tell." The man and the woman seem to be searching for something, but they are unsure of what it is. They talk about different places and events, but none of them seem to provide the answer they are looking for. This search for meaning is reflected in the poem's structure, which is fragmented and disjointed. The semicolons that separate each line suggest that the conversation is not flowing smoothly, and that there are gaps in understanding between the man and the woman.
The poem's lack of resolution is also significant. The woman's request for a story at the end of the poem can be seen as a plea for meaning or resolution, but the man does not provide one. This lack of resolution reflects the uncertainty and ambiguity of human communication, and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that can be chaotic and confusing.
Literary Devices
Muldoon's use of literary devices in "Tell" is masterful, adding depth and complexity to the poem's themes. One of the most significant devices in the poem is repetition. Throughout the conversation, the man and the woman repeat certain phrases or words, such as "I'm not sure," "Is it really?" and "Tell me." This repetition highlights the disconnect between the two characters, as they seem to be talking past each other.
The poem's use of imagery is also notable. The man and the woman talk about different places and events throughout the conversation, such as Tipperary, the Battle of the Boyne, and the Great War. These references create a sense of history and place, and suggest that the search for meaning is tied to a larger context.
Muldoon's use of syntax is also significant. The unconventional structure of the poem, with each line separated by a semicolon, creates a sense of fragmentation and dislocation. This structure reflects the difficulty of communication between the man and the woman, as well as the search for meaning in a world that can be chaotic and confusing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Tell" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the intricacies of human communication, power dynamics, and the search for meaning. Muldoon's use of literary devices, such as repetition, imagery, and syntax, adds depth and complexity to the poem's themes. The lack of resolution at the end of the poem reflects the uncertainty and ambiguity of human communication, and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that can be chaotic and confusing. Overall, "Tell" is a remarkable work of art that rewards careful reading and interpretation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tell by Paul Muldoon is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts. The poem is a complex and multi-layered work that explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The structure of the poem is significant as it reflects the cyclical nature of memory and storytelling. The repetition of the six-line stanzas creates a sense of rhythm and continuity, emphasizing the idea that memories and stories are never truly finished but are constantly being retold and reinterpreted.
The language used in the poem is rich and evocative, with Muldoon using a range of literary devices to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing an unknown listener. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the world of the poem.
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come, with the speaker asking the listener to "tell me how it was." This simple request is loaded with meaning, as it suggests that the speaker is seeking to understand something that is beyond their own experience. The use of the word "tell" is significant, as it emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to recount a series of memories, each one building on the last to create a rich tapestry of experience. The memories are fragmented and disjointed, reflecting the way in which our own memories are often incomplete and hazy. However, the language used to describe these memories is vivid and evocative, with Muldoon using a range of sensory details to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Muldoon uses imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes a memory of a "blackbird in the apple tree." This image is significant as it represents the idea of beauty and freedom in the face of adversity. The blackbird is a symbol of resilience and hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of redemption.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the "white mare" in the final stanza. This image is significant as it represents the idea of transformation and renewal. The white mare is a symbol of purity and innocence, reminding us that even in the face of death and destruction, there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal.
Overall, Tell by Paul Muldoon is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex nature of memory and storytelling. Through its use of structure, language, and imagery, the poem creates a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, drawing us into the world of the speaker and inviting us to reflect on our own experiences of memory and identity. Whether read as a standalone work or as part of a wider body of literature, Tell is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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