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    257 Results with the "Poetry" genre


    • Chapter Twenty-seven [When asked about…], Martyr! Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a reflection on Michelangelo's approach to sculpture—removing excess stone to reveal the masterpiece within. This metaphor extends to life, where eliminating negative elements (toxic relationships, bad habits) is often mistaken for creating goodness. The author critiques the Abrahamic moral framework, arguing that avoiding wrongdoing doesn't equate to active virtue. A rich man, for instance, may pride himself on not harming others while neglecting positive action, exposing the…
    • Chapter Twenty-seven [Sitting on a…], Martyr! Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Cyrus sits on a bench in Prospect Park, reeling from the news of Orkideh’s death after receiving a voicemail from her ex-wife and gallerist, Sang. Despite having known Orkideh for only a short time, Cyrus is deeply affected, contrasting his grief with the seemingly effortless composure of those around him. The chapter reflects on the fleeting nature of modern grief, reduced to a brief interruption in the constant stream of daily life. As Cyrus hesitantly returns Sang’s call, the weight of the moment is…
    • Chapter Twenty-eight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter explores the concept of grace through the perspective of Roya Shams, a woman who narrowly escaped death when her plane was mistakenly shot down by the USS *Vincennes*. Roya reflects on grace as an unearned gift, contrasting it with justice, which is transactional. She recounts how she traded passports with her lover, Leila, to help her flee Iran, only for Leila to perish in the crash instead. Roya grapples with the guilt of surviving while Leila died, framing her second chance at life as an…
    • Chapter Fourteen: Qu Yuan Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus waking up in a Brooklyn hotel room with his roommate Zee’s thumb in his mouth, a habit stemming from his childhood thumbsucking. Despite his father’s attempts to curb it with hot pepper juice, Cyrus’s subconscious now seeks out Zee’s thumb as a substitute. Their relationship is intimate but largely non-sexual, characterized by cuddling and occasional physical affection, which they struggle to define to others. They share a deep, platonic bond, often sleeping together…
    • Chapter Twenty-nine Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Orkideh, Martyr!" reflects on the narrator's life through a lens of gratitude and acceptance. Despite acknowledging that happiness was not a constant state, the speaker emphasizes experiencing profound joy, particularly during moments shared with Leila. This perspective challenges conventional notions of tragedy, suggesting that even a life cut short can be rich in meaning if it contained genuine happiness. The tone is introspective yet defiant, rejecting pity in favor of celebrating the…
    • The Three Taverns Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Three Taverns," a poem from his collection, Edwin Arlington Robinson explores themes of faith, destiny, perseverance, and the human condition through the monologue of a determined and introspective speaker, presumed to be Paul the Apostle, who reflects on his journey and impending trials as he approaches Rome. As he confronts the reality of his fate and the possibility of martyrdom, Paul contemplates the nature of faith, the challenge of sharing the transformative message of Christianity amidst…
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      On the Way

      On the Way Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter titled "On the Way" from Edwin Arlington Robinson's *The Three Taverns*, an imaginative dialogue unfolds between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, set in Philadelphia, 1794. This conversation occurs in a speculative manner, not tied to a specific real-life event but rather illustrative of the complex and climactic political tensions that would later culminate in the infamous duel between Hamilton and Burr in 1804. The dialogue vividly characterizes both historical figures, drawing on their…
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      John Brown

      John Brown Cover
      by LovelyMay In "John Brown," Edwin Arlington Robinson delves into the contemplations of a man at the end of his life, reflecting upon the isolation and struggle, dedication to a grand cause, and the inevitability of death juxtaposed with the eternal flame of ideals that outlive the physical form. The poem opens with the speaker musing about the distance between him and a woman he addresses, apparently his wife, acknowledging the loneliness they both suffered through his commitments and hardships. He speaks of the…
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      London Bridge

      London Bridge Cover
      by LovelyMay The passage from Edwin Arlington Robinson's "The Three Taverns: A Book of Poems" vividly details a dramatic and intense dialogue between a husband and wife, encapsulating themes of misunderstanding, regret, and the unspoken tumults within a marriage. The conversation begins with the husband questioning the wife's preoccupation with the children's singing, a seemingly trivial concern that quickly unfurls into a deeper, more complex layer of interpersonal strife and unvoiced grievances. The wife, haunted by…
    • The Three Taverns Cover
      by LovelyMay The Three Taverns by Edwin Arlington Robinson is a poignant collection of poems that delves into themes of human longing, spiritual reflection, and the complexities of life. Published in 1920, the work showcases Robinson’s masterful use of language and form to explore profound questions about existence, faith, and the human condition. With a blend of dramatic monologues and lyrical verse, the collection reflects Robinson’s distinctive voice and his ability to capture the subtleties of emotion and thought, making it a timeless contribution to American poetry.
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