Critical Appreciation of “Nose Versus Eyes” by William Cowper

The Nose Versus Eyes is a satirical poem that imagines a legal dispute between the senses, Nose and Eyes. This absurd trial humorously exposes the weaknesses in legal system and the absurdity of certain human conflicts. This is an excellent thought-provoking poem.

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet who’s poems are known for its accessibility, humor and insight into human nature. He was known for his satirical wit, gentle humor, and reflections on human nature. He often used irony to criticize societal norms and human behaviors.

The title cleverly captures the central theme of the poem, highlighting the debate between the two senses, Nose and Eyes. It indicates a humorous and satirical approach exploring deeper themes through the legal battle.

The summary of the poem can be as follows. The poem narrates a fictional trial where the Eyes sue the Nose for encroaching upon the rights of vision by taking over the spectacles. The ears being the Judge, hear both sides but deliver a judgment in favor of the Nose, claiming it has a better claim to spectacles since the Nose physically supports them. However, the decision is ironic because it deprives the Eyes of looking through the glasses, thus emphasizing the foolishness of the judgment.

The poem explores the themes of absurdity and the limitations of legal systems and the ironies in its decision-making processes. It critiques the arbitrary nature of justice and the tendency to ignore common sense.

The poet uses simple, clear and conversational language with the use of irony and humor, making the poem engaging and playful. The tone is light-hearted, with subtle but sharp satire. The poem is written in rhymed couplets, adding to its rhythm.

The poet employs poetic devices like personification extensively, attributing human qualities to the nose and eyes. Irony is central to the poem, particularly in the illogical legal judgment. The use of rhyme contributes to the poem's playful tone.

The special features of the poem are the poem’s use of satire to criticize the legal system and the absurdity in the final judgment. The use of personification adds humor to the poem.

The poet subtly conveys a message that human disputes can often be as trivial and ridiculous as the one depicted in the poem, and that sometimes, decisions that appear logical might overlook essential truths. The poem’s structure, language, and use of poetic devices all contribute to its effectiveness in conveying this message.

The poem promotes values of common sense, rational thinking, and a critical approach.

My opinion about the poem is that, Nose Versus Eyes is a thought-provoking poem that uses humor to criticize societal norms. Its playful language and irony make it an enjoyable read while encouraging readers to question the logic and fairness of human-made systems. Cowper’s skillful use of satire makes this poem both entertaining and insightful.

Overall "Nose Versus Eyes" is a delightful poem that showcases Cowper's skill in using humor to convey a message. The poem's lighthearted tone and clever wordplay make it an enjoyable read. Its playful nature and clever use of language make it a charming and memorable piece. Overall, it is a example of Cowper's ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking poetry.

Critical Appreciation of “Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth

“Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth is a sonnet that captures the beauty of London city’s view at early morning time visible from the Westminster Bridge.

The title “ Upon Westminster Bridge” mentions the specific location, suggesting that the poet’s inspiration is drawn from the scene observed from Westminster Bridge in London. This title reflects Wordsworth’s style of finding poetic beauty in everyday sights.

William Wordsworth, a prominent poet of the Romantic era, is known for his deep connection with nature and his close connection with the natural world.

The poem can be summarized as follows. The poem describes the serene and peaceful atmosphere of London city viewed from the Westminster Bridge when the city was still asleep, and the poem covers the poet’s emotional response to this scene. The poem captures a moment in the early morning as Wordsworth stands on Westminster Bridge, admiring the stillness and beauty of London before the city awakens. The poet is awestruck by the sight of the sun rising over the city’s landmarks, which are shining in the sunlight. The city, often associated with noise and chaos, is here presented as serene and majestic.

The central theme of the poem is the beauty and tranquillity of nature, even within an urban environment. Wordsworth emphasizes how the natural elements like light, air, and the stillness of the morning, transform the city into something beautiful and almost sublime.

The poem is written in a traditional sonnet structure, with a reflective tone. Wordsworth uses simple yet powerful language to evoke the beauty of the scene, using vivid imagery to describe the scene. The poem is a Petrarchan sonnet, with a traditional rhyme scheme (abba abbba cdcdcd) that contributes to its harmonious tone. The language is descriptive, with a focus on visual imagery.

The poet employs various poetic devices, including personification (e.g., the city wearing “the beauty of the morning”), similes, and metaphors. The use of alliteration adds to the poem’s flowing, peaceful rhythm.

The special aspect of this poem is its focus on urban beauty, which contrasts with Wordsworth’s usual celebration of rural landscapes. The poem captures a rare moment of peace in a bustling city, offering a fresh perspective on urban life. It also emphasizes the impact of industrialization and how beautiful a city can also look without any effect of industrial activities. The poem’s use of imagery and personification creates a vivid picture of the scene, while its sonnet structure adds to its musicality.

The poem conveys a message that beauty can be found in unexpected places and moments like an urban landscape at early morning time. It suggests that one must be open to seeing the world anew, recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The poem promotes values such as appreciation for nature, beauty, mindfulness and the ability to find peace and beauty in one’s surroundings.

According to my opinion, “ Upon Westminster Bridge” is a timeless reflection on how beauty exists in every corner of the world, even in the heart of a busy city. Wordsworth’s ability to see and articulate this beauty is a testament to his poetic genius, making the poem a powerful reminder to pause and appreciate the world around us.

Overall, “Upon Westminster Bridge” is a beautiful and contemplative poem that showcases Wordsworth’s ability to find beauty in everyday scenes. The poem’s use of imagery and poetic devices creates a vivid picture of the scene, while its themes and message continue to resonate with readers. Wordsworth’s sonnet is a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to evoke various emotions in the reader.

Critical Appreciation of "There is Another Sky" by Emily Dickinson

The poem “There is another sky” by Emily Dickinson is a thought-provoking and imaginative piece that explores the idea of a more beautiful and peaceful world beyond the negative and stressful life.

The title "There is Another Sky" suggests the existence of  a better world. It evokes a sense of hope and possibility, hinting at a place of peace and beauty beyond the ordinary world.

Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets, is known for her reclusive life and introspective poetry. Her work often explores themes of nature and the inner workings of the human mind.

The poem is addressed to the poet's brother, Austin, inviting him to a metaphorical, idealized garden that symbolizes peace, tranquillity, and happiness.

The summary of the poem can be as follows. The speaker urges her brother to come to the world which is untouched by decay or despair. This another sky, the forest or the garden is a metaphorical place where flowers never fade, and the leaf is always green. It is a world of eternal beauty and never ending spring, free from the harsh realities of life. The poem describes a serene and peaceful sky which is untouched by suffering and pain and is filled with love and hope.

The central theme of the poem is the indication for a better world, free from the troubles and sorrows of our lives. The poem explores themes of hope, happiness and the peace of mind. It shows the contrast and difference between the current world of the poet’s brother and the possible hopeful and peaceful state of the mind, the poet is pointing towards.

The poet uses simple yet elegant language. Her choice of words like "unfading," "bright bee," and "green forever" creates a vivid and beautiful image of the positive places she describes. Her language is characteristic of her unique style, with concise and expressive phrases that show various interpretations.

 It is a short, 14-line poem, written in free verse, without a regular rhyme scheme or meter. This reflects the freedom and boundlessness of the imaginative world the poet describes. The poem is written in Dickinson’s signature style, with short lines and irregular rhythm. The tone of the poem is gentle and persuasive, filled with warmth and affection.

The poem is rich in metaphors, with the another sky, forest and garden serving as symbols for a perfect, peaceful and happy world. Imagery is another key device, painting a picture of a serene, unchanging nature. Thus the poet employs metaphor by comparing the sky to a “serener” world, imagery by describing the various places and their beauty, and symbolism with the sky representing a better world. The poem’s use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture of a peaceful world, while its concise language adds to its emotional impact.

The poem's special feature is that it stands out for its simplicity and the way it gently invites the reader into a peaceful mental landscape. Despite its brevity, it conveys a deep sense of solace and reassurance.

The poem conveys the message that, no matter how harsh the external world may be, there is always a place of beauty and peace within us that we can achieve.

The poem promotes values such as hope, love, and the need to come out of negativity and put efforts to create a better life. The poem also emphasizes the values like importance of maintaining hope and finding solace within oneself and conveys that there is hope for a better world, where love and peace prevail.

My opinion is that, "There is Another Sky" is a beautifully crafted poem that highlights Emily Dickinson's ability to convey profound emotions through simple language. Its hopeful message and serene imagery resonate deeply, offering comfort and inspiration to the reader.

Overall, it is a beautiful and contemplative poem that showcases Dickinson's unique style and imagination. The poem's themes and imagery continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless classic.

Critical Appreciation of "The Sower" by Victor Hugo, Translated by Torulata Dutt

“The Sower” by Victor Hugo is a thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of hope, perseverance, and sincere hard work.

The title "The Sower" aptly covers the central figure of the poem, symbolizing diligence, hope, and the timeless work of a farmer.

Victor Hugo, a renowned French writer and poet, is known for his inspiring poetry and novels. Torulata Dutt, an Indian poet, translated this piece, bringing its rich imagery and deep themes of the poem effectively into English language.

"The Sower" paints a vivid picture of a farmer sowing seeds at the late evening time in twilight. The poem captures the dedication and resilience of the farmer as he labours with strong determination.

The summary of the poem is as follows. The poem describes an old and poor sower working tirelessly in his field at the end of the day. Despite his age and the darkening surroundings, he continues to sow seeds, driven by a deep faith in the future harvest. The sower despite the challenges and uncertainties of life, continues to sow seeds, symbolizing the act of great determination and sincerity.

The central themes include perseverance, hope in the face of adversity and the importance of the farmers in our life. The sower represents the relentless human spirit, sowing seeds today with the faith in a fruitful tomorrow.

The language is rich and descriptive, using vivid imagery to convey the scene. Torulata Dutt's translation retains the original poem's lyrical quality and depth, effectively conveying the sower’s unwavering dedication towards his work.

The poem is written in a lyrical style, with a focus on the detail description balancing between the rhythm of language and the rhythm of the sower’s actions.

The poem employs many poetic devices like imagery, personification and alliteration to convey the poet’s thoughts effectively.

The most important feature of the poem is the contrast between the sower’s physical frailty and his inner strength, highlighting the poem's message of resilience. The poem also conveys the heard work the farmers put in every harvest, making us value the food and Farmers who produce it with great efforts.

The poem suggests that the act of sowing, whether seeds in a field or efforts in life—holds intrinsic value and purpose. The poem conveys the message that even in the condition of uncertainty, one must continue to live, give, and hope.

The poem emphasizes the values of hard work, hope, and faith in the face of adversity. The poem also promotes values such as resilience and selflessness.

According to my opinion, "The Sower" is a timeless poem that captures universal themes of perseverance and hope. Its vivid imagery and profound message make it a powerful poem that highlights the enduring nature of the human spirit.

Overall, "The Sower" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the condition of farmers. The poet’s effective use of language and poetic devices creates a vivid portrait of the sower's unwavering dedication. The poem's themes and message move the reader, making it a timeless classic. The translation by Dutta effectively captures the essence of Hugo's original work, allowing readers to appreciate the poem's beauty and significance.