Throughout her poem “We Real Cool,” Gwendolyn Brooks uses simple and straight forward narrative to capture the fate and lives of young people who live on the edge of societal norms. Despite her economy of words her meaning is very clear. Consider her opening lines ,”The Pool Players. Seven at the Golden Shovel” sets the scene with the use of simple, direct language, drawing the reader into the world of these young men. Her use of the word “we” showcases the groups sense of unity. The closing phrase, “We die soon.” embodies Raymond Carvers principle of precision. Short and to the point. Like Craver, this poem by Gwendolyn Brooks highlights the use of simple everyday language. It’s precise vocabulary and straightforward structure create a clear understanding of the self destructive path of the young men in the poem. It also demonstrates that true artistry does not have to be written in complex language but through simplicity can convey the truth of human emotions.
Daily Archives: November 28, 2024
In “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, the necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry, it becomes a powerful symbol of Mathilde’s desires and the consequences of those desires. Maupassant’s approach to describing the necklace reflects what Raymond Carver talks about: how ordinary objects, written about with care and precision, can take on deeper emotional and symbolic meaning. At first, the necklace is described as “a Venetian cross, gold and gems, of admirable workmanship.” The language is simple and clear, yet it conveys the beauty and allure of the necklace in a way that feels captivating to Mathilde. To her, it is not just jewelry, it is the key to the life she has always dreamed of, a life of wealth, beauty, and admiration. For one night, wearing it makes her feel as though she belongs in that world. When the necklace is lost, its meaning shifts entirely. It becomes a symbol of the heavy cost of Mathilde’s aspirations. The years of hard work and sacrifice to repay the debt reflect the cruel irony of her pursuit of status. What seemed to offer her everything ends up taking it all away. Maupassant, like Carver, shows how everyday objects can hold immense power through precise and careful writing. The necklace is not just an accessory, it represents Mathilde’s dreams, her choices, and the devastating consequences that follow, all brought to life through vivid and simple language.
