'Wife Killer' by Vernon Scannell
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He killed his wife at night.He had tried once or twice in the daylightBut she refused to die.In darkness the deed was done,Not crudely with a hammer-hard gunOr strangler's black kid gloves on.She just ceased being alive,Not there to interfere or connive,Linger, leave or arrive.It seemed almost as thoughHer death was quite normal and noClue to his part would show.So then, with impunity,He called up that buttocky beautyHe had so long longed to seeAll covering gone: the doubleJoggle of warm weighty bubblesWas sweet delirious trouble.And all night, all night he enjoyed her;Such sport in her smooth dimpled water;Then daylight came like a warder.And he rose and went down to the larderWhere the mouse-trap again had caught aPiece of stale gorgonzola.His wife wore her large woollen feet.She said that he was lateAnd asked what he wanted to eat,But said nothing about the murder---And who, after all, could have told her?He said that he fancied a kipper.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Wife Killer: A Masterpiece of Dark Art
If you are looking for a poem that will leave you shivering with fear and awe, then look no further than Vernon Scannell's incredible work, "Poetry, Wife Killer." This is a poem that is truly unforgettable, with its haunting imagery, powerful language, and deep sense of mystery and foreboding.
In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and symbols of "Poetry, Wife Killer," examining the ways in which Scannell uses language and structure to create a deeply unsettling and compelling work of art.
The Power of Language: Conveying Horror Through Words
One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry, Wife Killer" is the power of Scannell's language. He uses words and phrases that are evocative and powerful, conjuring up vivid images that linger in the mind long after the poem has been read. Consider, for example, the opening lines of the poem:
The killer stood in the silent room,
His wife was lying on the bed.
These lines are simple, but they convey a sense of menace and danger that is almost palpable. We can picture the killer standing there, his eyes fixed on his wife, waiting to strike. The use of the word "silent" is particularly effective here, as it suggests a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, where even the slightest sound could be enough to trigger an explosion of violence.
Throughout the poem, Scannell continues to use language in powerful and evocative ways. He describes the killer's actions with chilling precision, using words that are sharp and precise, like a surgeon's scalpel. Consider, for example, these lines:
He took the pillow from the bed,
And pressed it firmly on her head.
These lines are short, but they are packed with meaning. The word "firmly" suggests a sense of determination and purpose on the part of the killer, while the verb "pressed" implies a slow, deliberate act of suffocation. The use of the word "pillow" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of comfort and safety that has been twisted into something sinister and deadly.
Symbolism and Subtext: Reading Between the Lines
While Scannell's language is powerful and evocative, it is also infused with subtle layers of symbolism and subtext. The poem is filled with images and motifs that hint at deeper meanings and themes, inviting the reader to read between the lines and uncover hidden truths.
One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the reference to poetry itself. The killer is described as being "an amateur of poetry," and we are told that he "had found some verses that stirred him deeply." This reference to poetry is significant, as it suggests a deeper connection between the killer and the act of creation itself. Perhaps, in some twisted way, the act of killing his wife is a form of creative expression for him, a way of asserting his dominance and control over the world around him.
Another important symbol in the poem is the reference to the "pillow" that the killer uses to suffocate his wife. The pillow is a symbol of comfort and safety, but in the hands of the killer, it becomes a deadly weapon. This symbol suggests that even the things that are supposed to offer us protection and security can be twisted and perverted into something dangerous and deadly.
Structure and Form: Building Tension Through Poetry
In addition to its powerful language and rich symbolism, "Poetry, Wife Killer" is also structured in a way that builds tension and suspense throughout the poem. Scannell uses a combination of short, sharp lines and longer, more flowing passages to create a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Consider, for example, the following lines:
The killer stood in the silent room,
His wife was lying on the bed.
He took the pillow from the bed,
And pressed it firmly on her head.
These lines are short and sharp, creating a sense of urgency and tension that propels the poem forward. By contrast, the following lines are longer and more flowing:
He thought of how it would be found
And what the neighbours would say:
The police would quiz and blunder about,
And the newspapers make their hay.
These lines slow the pace of the poem down, allowing the reader to pause and reflect on the killer's actions and motivations. This contrast between short, sharp lines and longer, more flowing passages creates a sense of ebb and flow, building tension and suspense throughout the poem.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Dark Art
In conclusion, "Poetry, Wife Killer" is a masterpiece of dark art. Scannell's use of language, symbolism, and structure creates a deeply unsettling and compelling work of art that lingers in the mind long after it has been read. This is a poem that invites the reader to delve beneath the surface, uncovering hidden meanings and themes that are both disturbing and thought-provoking.
If you have not yet had the chance to experience "Poetry, Wife Killer," then I highly recommend that you do so. This is a poem that will challenge and unsettle you, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the dark forces that lurk beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Wife Killer: A Masterpiece of Suspense and Irony
Vernon Scannell's Poetry Wife Killer is a gripping and thought-provoking poem that explores the dark side of human nature. The poem tells the story of a man who murders his wife and then writes a poem about the experience. The poem is a masterpiece of suspense and irony, and it leaves the reader with a sense of unease and discomfort.
The poem begins with the killer describing his wife's beauty and how he loved her. He then goes on to describe how he killed her, using a pillow to suffocate her. The killer then writes a poem about the experience, describing the act of murder in poetic language. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, and it is clear that the killer is a skilled poet.
The poem is structured in a way that creates suspense and tension. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the killer and his wife. The second stanza describes the murder, and the third stanza is the killer's poem about the experience. The final stanza is a chilling conclusion that leaves the reader with a sense of unease.
The poem is also filled with irony. The killer is a poet, and he uses his skill with words to describe the act of murder in poetic language. The poem is beautiful and haunting, and it is clear that the killer is proud of his work. However, the irony is that the killer is a monster, and his beautiful words are describing a horrific act.
The poem also explores the theme of power and control. The killer is in control of the situation, and he enjoys the power he has over his wife. He describes how he enjoyed watching her struggle and how he felt powerful as he took her life. The poem is a chilling reminder of how some people enjoy having power over others and how they will go to extreme lengths to maintain that power.
The poem also explores the theme of love and obsession. The killer loved his wife, but his love turned into an obsession. He became possessive and controlling, and he could not bear the thought of losing her. His love turned into an obsession, and he was willing to kill her to keep her.
The poem is a masterpiece of suspense and irony, and it leaves the reader with a sense of unease and discomfort. It is a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature and how some people are willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain power and control over others. The poem is a warning to us all to be aware of the dangers of obsession and to never let our love turn into an obsession.
In conclusion, Poetry Wife Killer is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the dark side of human nature. The poem is filled with suspense, irony, and powerful themes that leave the reader with a sense of unease and discomfort. It is a chilling reminder of the dangers of obsession and the lengths some people will go to maintain power and control over others. Vernon Scannell's Poetry Wife Killer is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.
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