'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
Editor 1 Interpretation
What The Doctor Said: A Deep Dive into Raymond Carver's Poetry
Are you looking for a poem that will leave you pondering long after you've read it? Look no further than Raymond Carver's "What The Doctor Said." This haunting piece of literature digs deep into the psyche of a man facing a bleak diagnosis, and Carver's masterful use of language and imagery leaves an indelible impression on the reader.
Summary
At first glance, "What The Doctor Said" appears to be a straightforward narrative about a man receiving bad news from his doctor. The poem is divided into two stanzas, the first of which details the man's visit to the doctor's office. The second stanza takes place later, after the man has had time to process the news and is now standing outside in the rain.
But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. The poem is riddled with symbolism and doublespeak, and Carver's use of language is both precise and ambiguous. The man's diagnosis is never explicitly stated, leaving the reader to fill in the blanks with their own fears and anxieties.
Analysis
One of the most striking aspects of "What The Doctor Said" is Carver's use of imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the doctor's office, complete with a skull on the desk and a painting of a shipwreck on the wall. These details serve to heighten the sense of mortality and impending doom that permeates the poem.
But it is the rain in the second stanza that truly stands out. Carver uses it as a metaphor for the man's emotional state, as he stands outside "in the downpour, listening to the sound / of water falling in the dark." The rain is a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal, but it is also associated with sadness and despair. By placing the man in the midst of a rainstorm, Carver creates a sense of emotional turmoil that mirrors his physical condition.
Another key element of "What The Doctor Said" is the use of doublespeak. The doctor tells the man that he has "a lesion in the brain," which is a literal description of what is happening to his body. But the word "lesion" also carries a heavy connotation of disease and decay. Similarly, the doctor's reassurances that the man is "not going to die" are undermined by the fact that he can't tell him what is actually wrong with him.
This doublespeak serves to heighten the sense of uncertainty that pervades the poem. The man is left in the dark about his condition, and the reader is left to speculate about what might be causing his illness. This ambiguity makes the poem all the more unsettling, as it forces us to confront our own fears and anxieties about our mortality.
Themes
At its core, "What The Doctor Said" is a meditation on mortality and the fragility of life. The man's diagnosis serves as a reminder that none of us are invincible, and that death can come at any moment. But the poem also suggests that there is a certain beauty in this fragility. The rain and the skull serve as reminders of the impermanence of life, but they are also symbols of renewal and rebirth.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of communication. The man is desperate for information about his condition, but the doctor is unable to give him any concrete answers. This breakdown in communication serves to heighten the man's sense of isolation and despair. But the poem also suggests that there are other ways of communicating beyond words. The rain and the skull are potent symbols that communicate powerful emotions without the need for language.
Conclusion
In the end, "What The Doctor Said" is a powerful and haunting poem that speaks to our deepest fears and anxieties. Carver's use of language and imagery is masterful, and he manages to convey a sense of emotional turmoil with remarkable economy. This is a poem that rewards close reading and interpretation, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What The Doctor Said: A Masterpiece of Raymond Carver
Raymond Carver, the American short story writer and poet, is known for his minimalist style and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. His poem, "What The Doctor Said," is a masterpiece that explores the themes of mortality, illness, and the fragility of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem opens with the speaker describing his visit to the doctor. The doctor tells him that he has a "bad disease," and that he needs to take care of himself. The speaker is shocked and scared, and he wonders how he will be able to cope with the news. The doctor's words are a wake-up call for the speaker, who realizes that he has been taking his health for granted.
The poem's first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker's fear and uncertainty are palpable, and the reader can sense the gravity of the situation. The use of short, simple sentences and the repetition of the word "bad" emphasize the seriousness of the speaker's condition. The poem's first line, "He said it doesn't look good," is a powerful opening that immediately draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on his life and the choices he has made. He realizes that he has been living his life in a reckless and careless manner, taking his health for granted. He regrets not taking better care of himself and wonders if it is too late to make amends. The line "I've smoked too much" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the speaker's regret over his past actions.
The third stanza is a turning point in the poem. The speaker realizes that he has a second chance at life, and he is determined to make the most of it. He decides to take care of himself and to live his life to the fullest. The line "I'm going to quit smoking" is a powerful declaration of the speaker's newfound resolve.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the fragility of life. The speaker realizes that life is short and that we never know when our time will come. He wonders if he will be able to make the most of his second chance, or if it will be too late. The line "I don't know what to expect" is a poignant reminder of the uncertainty of life.
The fifth and final stanza is a reflection on the speaker's mortality. He realizes that death is inevitable, and that he must come to terms with it. The line "I'm going to die" is a powerful statement that highlights the speaker's acceptance of his fate. The poem ends on a note of acceptance and resignation, with the speaker acknowledging that he has done all he can to make the most of his life.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with five stanzas of four lines each. The use of short, simple sentences and the repetition of certain phrases and words create a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem's minimalist style is a reflection of Carver's overall writing style, which is known for its spareness and simplicity.
The poem's use of literary devices is also noteworthy. The repetition of the word "bad" in the first stanza creates a sense of foreboding and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "quit" in the third stanza is a powerful declaration of the speaker's resolve to change his ways. The use of the word "expect" in the fourth stanza highlights the uncertainty of life and the speaker's fear of the unknown.
In conclusion, "What The Doctor Said" is a masterpiece of Raymond Carver's poetry. It explores the themes of mortality, illness, and the fragility of life in a simple yet powerful manner. The poem's structure, literary devices, and minimalist style all contribute to its overall impact. It is a poem that resonates with readers and reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves and living our lives to the fullest.
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