Change in a Different Famous Poems
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending”. Maria Robinson’s quote can be applied to the concept of change as anyone can alter the way they are in their lives and become something new. Change is a state of transformation which results in a fundamental shift in the way we perceive and interact with the world. It is the process of being made different, altered in appearance, turned into something or someone new. The concept of change is very important in our lives as it gives us new experiences whether it be positive or negative.
Change can be explored in the poem “Remember me? ” by Ray Mather, “My father began as a god” by Ian Mudie, “Originally” by Carol Ann Duffy and in the pros fiction “Sky high” by Hannah Roberts. The poem “Remember me? ” by Ray Mather incorporates the theme of change throughout it and is further established by language techniques. The forms of change shown in the poem are physical and emotional change shown by the quote “I’m bigger and I’m stronger” and emotional change shown by “now I’m not so quick to cry”.
These changes are evident through the shift in tone and the evolution of circumstances. Throughout the poem “Remember me” the poet uses the technique repetition of the word “I” which reinforces the flow of the poet’s narration which link stanza’s one, two and three together reflecting on the past that he had. Repetition is also used in the third stanza of the word “someone” which highlights that the boy was a nameless and helpless victim for another’s entertainment.
This is supported by the negative metaphor of the poet being a punching bag for abuse. This repetition is then changes as the poem goes on through the repetition of the word “I’m” which shifts the poem to present tense emphasising internal narration as the poet considers the actions he is capable of. This shows the concept of change as the boy has transformed from being isolated and lonely as a negative experience to being a popular kid and being powerful as a positive transformation.
There is a sudden shift in tone which shows that the poet’s outlook is altered. This is supported by the metaphor “Time hurried by” which emphasises that the boy is going through a time of change in his life which results in his perspective and point of view being altered. This metaphor provides the audience with an understanding that the boy has gone through a negative transformation to a positive transformation. This relates to the concept of change as the poet has gone through a sudden shift in his life to better himself for the future.
The poem “My father began as a god” by Ian Mudie also shows the concept of change and changing perspectives. In the early stages, the poet idolised his father who was entertaining and authorative. This is supported by the simile “my father began as a god” which shows the audience that his father started off like a god but as time had passed by, perspectives had been altered which resulted in a negative perception of his father who was not perceived to be the same person as he used to be.
This relates to the concept of change as the perspective of his father had gone from positive to negative. The poet uses and extended metaphor in the poem “he fearlessly lifted me to heaven, by the mere swing to his shoulder and made of me a godling” which communicates the positive perspective that the poet once had of his father which then changed to a negative one as time went by. This relate to the concept of change as there was a shift in the way that he viewed his father compared to when he was young.
As the poet moved into adulthood, his view of his father changed even further. Repetition of the word “strange” shows the audience the poet’s point of view about his father and how his perspective had changed from when he was younger. His perspective started of as a positive one seeing his dad as a god until he grew older and a negative perspective had been developed as seeing his father as foolish and outdated. This relates to the concept of change as the poet’s view of his father has been altered as he has grown up.
The poem “Originally” by Carol Ann Duffy implies a journey of changes. It creates an allure for the reader to ponder what the catalyst for change is in this poem. The use of personification “the miles rushed back to the city” is used to show an uncertain journey and reinforce her desire to return home. It shows a sense of displacement from where she had just left which emphasises loss and isolation for the poet. This relates to the concept of change as there is a shift from one place to another in the poem.
The poet uses repetition in the poem quoting “home, home” which is used to emphasise that the poet is going through a time of change and wants to return to her original place being home. This relates to the concept of change as there is a shift in ones life from one place to another as shown in the poem. The pros fiction “Sky high” by Hannah Roberts uses the technique simile “shirts like coloured flags in secret code” to show her own personal childhood experiences and her perspectives as a child.
This relates to the concept of change as there is an alteration in experiences from childhood to when you grow older which results in perspectives about the world being dramatically altered. The clothesline in the poem is the first thing that the poet remembers as a child which means it is her first childhood experience. She had her own perspective of the clothesline as a child until one day it had changed. This is supported by the use of imagery and alliteration “smooth, sweat damp hands” which is used to emphasise childhood actions.
This creates change in the poet’s perspective as the clothesline had differed from one day to another which meant that her outlook had been altered. This relates to the concept of change as there is a constant shift in the way that we perceive things on a day to day basis. In conclusion, the poems “Remember me? ”, “My father began as a god”, Originally” and the pros fiction “Sky high” all relate to the concept of change and changing perspectives. This is explored through the use of techniques in each of the texts give us an understanding of how change is explored b each of the people in these texts.
