This had been my favorite poem so far. The calmness of the poem seems to represent the calmness that will come in death. I don't condone suicide, but this poem made me understand why it appeals to some people.
Think of it this way: Would you rather read the 12 word poem written by Hughes, or Beowulf?
Beowulf is a long and complex poem- more a story than a poem. There are many characters, and actions, and conflicts, etc. It's sort of hectic- like life.
And "Suicide's Note" is short and simple. No certain character, and only one thing is happening- Death.
The shortness and simplicity of "Suicide's Note" appeals to me much more than Beowulf does. And for some people, the simpleness and easiness of death appeals to them much more than life does.
So, did anyone notice anything similar to this about other poems?
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Maybe that is why it is so short and simple. Death is not complicated. Suicide is not. It happens in an instant and it is done. Life is BEYOND complicated and is not short in any way. Even if a person lives 6 years- it is not a short life. It is if you compare it- but not to them. Yeah..
ReplyDeleteI completely agree Daniel. Unlike some of the other views, I think that suicide and those that commit to it don't blame the world and the simplicity of the poem describes the simple intentions. The calm matter is what makes it inviting, and the short message depicts the actions.
ReplyDeleteThe only other simialirties I found were of those we read the first day in class. Most of them had a very clear imagery, which I think in messages about death are most effective, like this poems.
Poetry exist to convey a message about a persons life experiences or the meaning behind a singular thought that exists in a person's head. The interesting thing about this poem is its length. If tells us a thought that travels through a persons head and conveys the experience by ending so quickly. There can be no experience after the person dies.
ReplyDeleteI find it rather like comparing apples and oranges when asked if I would rather read a short poem or a 1000 year old epic. Both have merit using very different means. But thats just me.
The poem might be simple in a lot of ways, but I don't think suicide actually is. The literal action is, but the implications and the instigation behind it are not. You can hate your life or the world, but that doesn't mean you're going to commit suicide.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't mean to make it sound like I completely understand suicide victims. It's kind of hard to, considering that all victims of suicide aren't exactly here to HELP us understand.
Even I get tired of the same sort of formula being used for suicidal characters. It's like you can know it's going to happen halfway through the story/poem/play/whatever. I love this poem because it isn't what you expect. I think the actual thought process that goes into wanting to commit suicide is complicated, but the poem isn't about that; it's not about doubting whether it will be better, but about KNOWING that death will be so much more comfortable. It's that little glimpse of absoulte security in your actions following a huge, tormented decision.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that suicide is simple in its complexity? Or something that, you know, makes sense. :)
I have to say Daniel short is "sweet", but Beowulf was a good story compared to others we have read. I found myself enjoying Beowulf late at night under the covers with a flashlight so I wouldnt wake my parents. The movie also gave an insight into the book because I am more of a visual person and whenever someone would be introduced or narrated I could picture him or her in my mind. In all Beowulf has to be my favorite book so far in this class.
ReplyDeleteOkay this is going to sound compeltely off topic from the last post, but this poem spoke to me, a lot. I've dealt with sucicide personally, and this poem really sort of drew out everything I've felt over the last year. It's been one year, and in the what? four words, maybe a couple more, this poem struck up everything, and believe it or not gave me a certain sense of understanding. I never believed that poetry was able to have such a profound effect on me, until this poem. Short and simple can be just as complex as something as Beowulf for me was more simple than this poem, but maybe it just lacked the emotion that that Suicide's Note provokes. I don't know, I enjoyed both. And I totally agree with Gregg's statements. Kudos.
ReplyDeletei found this poem intriguing. (it is another one i used in my portfolio). when i think of sucide i generally think of gun shot to the head or something graphic and disgusting. but thsi poem made my images of this act become the exact oppsite. "the calm,/ cool face of the river/ asked me for a kiss." the river is motionless, as if it were at peace. it was tranquil. it made the narrator's sucide seem to be the exact same way; and even though sucide is seen as a sin. the fact that the narrator landed in water gives the impression that he/she went to heaven anyways because the water from teh river "purified" his/her sin and allowed the forgiveness of all sins to be forgiven before death.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this poem, I think it really portrays the simplicity, and to some just how truly beautiful they might see suicide, i mean just google the word suicide, so may different things come back, soo many different opinions, but i think this poem just to me especially portrays the simplicity, and tranquility that can come out of, well taking the easy way out.
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