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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
In "The Telephone," Edward Field reflects on the simple yet profound joy brought by an everyday object: the telephone. Through vivid imagery and relatable experiences, Field explores themes of connection, loneliness, and the transformative power of communication. The poem captures the essence of urban isolation and how a single ring can break the solitude. The poem begins with a straightforward statement: "My happiness depends on an electric appliance." The speaker does not hesitate to "give it so much credit" because of the isolating nature of city life: "With life in this city being what it is / Each person separated from friends / By a tangle of subways and buses." In this context, the telephone serves as a lifeline, allowing the speaker to feel "in the world and wanted." Field describes how the telephone rings and brings joy to the speaker: "It rings and I am alerted to love or gossip." The act of answering the phone prompts the speaker to "comb my hair which begins to sparkle," reflecting the immediate uplift in mood and anticipation of human connection. Without the telephone, the speaker felt like "a bear in a cave / Drowsing through a shadowy winter," suggesting a state of hibernation or isolation. The ringing phone is compared to the arrival of spring: "It rings and spring has come / I stretch and amble out into the sunshine." The poem ends with the speaker describing the renewed desire for connection: "Hungry again as I pick up the receiver / For the human voice and the good news of friends." The "hunger" for human interaction underscores the essential role the telephone plays in breaking the solitude and providing a sense of belonging. Themes and Interpretation: 1. Connection and Isolation: The poem highlights the isolating nature of urban life and the importance of the telephone in bridging the gap between individuals separated by distance. 2. Transformative Power of Communication: The telephone has the power to transform the speaker's mood and bring joy, likened to the arrival of spring. 3. Loneliness and Solitude: Without the telephone, the speaker is like "a bear in a cave," representing the hibernation-like state of loneliness. 4. Joy in Simple Pleasures: The poem celebrates the simple joy that a ringing phone can bring, emphasizing the value of everyday connections. Structure and Tone: The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and intimate tone. The language is straightforward yet evocative, capturing the emotional transformation experienced by the speaker. Conclusion: "The Telephone" by Edward Field is a heartfelt reflection on the joy and connection brought by a simple, everyday object. Through relatable imagery and themes, Field captures the transformative power of communication and the essential role of the telephone in breaking urban isolation. The poem invites readers to appreciate the small pleasures of human connection and the value of staying in touch with loved ones.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RICHARD, WHAT'S THAT NOISE? by RICHARD HOWARD LOOKING FOR THE GULF MOTEL by RICHARD BLANCO RIVERS INTO SEAS by LYNDA HULL DESTINATIONS by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN THE ONE WHO WAS DIFFERENT by RANDALL JARRELL THE CONFESSION OF ST. JIM-RALPH by DENIS JOHNSON SESTINA: TRAVEL NOTES by WELDON KEES TO H. B. (WITH A BOOK OF VERSE) by MAURICE BARING FANCY IN NUBIBUS; OR, THE POET IN THE CLOUDS by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |
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