English Essay, Research Paper
The Colossus and Ain t Wastin Time No More
The two works that will be examined in this paper are The Colossus by Sylvia Plath, and Ain t Wastin Time No More by Greg Allman. Separately, these works are unique and very individualistic. When looked at together, however, there is common theme between the two; it being that human life is short and should never be taken for granted. This paper will show similarities and differences between Plath s and Allman s works.
The first point that will be addressed is the dramatic situation that is presented in the two works. In her poem The Colossus , it is clear that Plath herself is speaking. This is evident in the first line of the poem I shall never get you put together entirely . Greg Allman is also the speaker in Ain t Wastin Time No More . Evidence for this statement lies within the lyrics I still had two strong legs, and even wings to fly .
The speaker of a poem or song is not the only component to the dramatic situation . Another important element is the audience that is being addressed and the topic of the particular work. After having read The Colossus several times, one may come to the conclusion that Plath is speaking to anyone who will listen. Everyone can relate to her poem because death (the theme of The Colossus ) is an aspect of everyone s
Sinnott
life at some point. Likewise, Allman s audience is comprised of anyone who hears his song. More specifically however, it relates to those people who have experienced a tragic and sudden loss as he did with the death of his brother.
Both Plath and Allman use their real life experiences to form literary and musical works that can be related to by the common man. Plath writes in the fourth stanza O father, all by yourself / You are pithy and historical as the Roman Forum. This excerpt is about Plath relating her dead father to the ancient Roman Forum. Allman sings I, ain t wastin time no more, Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things. Similarly to Plath, Allman is singing of the death of his brother Duane and how he is not going to waste any more time; rather, he is going to move onward with his life (and music) as his brother would have wanted him to. The dramatic of situation of both works has been established. Plath and Allman are the speakers in both of their works. The audiences of Plath and Allman are diverse, yet both works appeal to those who have suffered a loss, whether it be a father (as Plath did) or a brother (as Allman did).
The next area of that will be interpreted is the relationship between form and content. Sylvia Plath s The Colossus is divided into six stanzas. Each stanza is comprised of five lines. The format is very organized and compact. In contrast, Plath s thoughts are often
Sinnott
unorganized, broad, and at times somewhat incoherent. The sense of stability that is evident in her form is lacking in her actual ideas. Evidence of this lies in the third line of the second stanza when she writes Thirty years now I have labored / To dredge the silt from your throat. Plath is referring to the fact that she has been tying for thirty years to revive her father. Literally, the reader may perceive that she has been trying to physically exhume his remains. From a figurative (and realistic) standpoint, however, Plath is trying to resurrect her father s memory.
In Greg Allman s Ain t Wastin Time No More the style is also very regimented. The song is divided into five verses with different choruses after each verse. The simple and coherent format coincides with simple and coherent ideas throughout the song. Allman s theme of moving on after the tragedy of his brother Duane s death is consistent and eloquent for the duration of Ain t Wastin Time No More . Allman sings in the first stanza With the help of God and true friends, I come to realize / I still had two strong legs, and even wings to fly. The music itself is upbeat and electrifying . The theme of moving on is definitely evident in the music as the beat is fast, revitalizing, and inspiring. During parts, the music is loud, particularly during the verses; it is soft, particularly during the chorus. The instruments used include a guitar, keyboards, a bass, and drums. The guitar (electric) is the most apparent
Sinnott
instrument as it is consistently used, and is evident in its sliding during the verses. The drums provide a rhythm and a sense of guidance for the other musicians. The guidance that the drums provide is the same type of guidance that Greg received from God and true friends . The keyboards and bass are a constant that do not change as the guitar and drums do. The guitar can best be related to Greg as it is constantly changing, sometimes it is loud and at other points, it is soft. The instruments themselves are used in particular places to emphasize a particular message that the band is trying to convey to its audience.
Both works The Colossus and Ain t Wastin Time No More compliment each other in the sense that each helps the reader understand the other better. The Colossus shows that after thirty years Plath has not been able to move past the death of her father and continue with her life. The opposite is true with Allman. His entire song is about moving on with life. Plath gives her audience the experience of one side of the spectrum (not getting over death) and Allman gives the other, more positive side of the spectrum (being able to cope with death). Plath writes that her hours are married to shadow , whereas Allman sings Go on downtown baby, find somebody to love. The differences between the two works are very clear, but those same differences are the uniting points between the two. Death is the common denominator (complimentary idea) in both works, and how death is dealt with is the
Sinnott
differentiating factor (oppositional idea). If Allman were unable to deal with his brother s death there is a good chance he would be singing something similar to what Sylvia Plath had written.
Plath and Allman are unique to musical and literary history. Plath s in depth thoughts about coping with death are unparalleled. The images she paints in her readers minds are unlike any other poet. An example of this imagery is the fourth line of the fourth stanza I open my lunch on a hill of black cypress. The sheer image of someone eating lunch on the ground at a cemetery is in itself morbid. Likewise, Allman and his band are in a league of their own . There have been comparisons made between his band and the Rolling Stones for example, especially regarding the instrumentals. Although the Allman Brother s Band may be somewhat similar to one or two other bands, they are extremely unique. The Allman Brothers Band s lyrics carry true meaning and their music allows their audiences to genuinely feel what the band is trying to convey in their musical works. The Allman Brothers and Sylvia Plath are tremendous contributing factors to musical and literary history, and their works are unrivaled by any of their peers.
By examining and interpreting the dramatic situation of Sylvia Plath s The Colossus and Greg Allman s Ain t Wastin Time No More this paper has shown the similarities and differences between each work. The relationship between form and content also relates to a
Sinnott
reader s understanding of any work, whether it is musical or literary. Lastly, cohesive observations have been made that in The Colossus and Ain t Wastin Time No More there are complimentary ideas and oppositional ideas. All aspects of both works contribute to the readers or listeners understanding for, and appreciation of, literary and musical history.
Другие работы по теме:
Reading And Comprehension Essay Research Paper Reading
Reading And Comprehension Essay, Research Paper Reading and Comprehending English is a strong complex language. It can be very difficult to read and comprehend. To ask one, who s first language is not English they would tell you that English is painstakingly hard to understand. That is why people need to learn to read and understand what they read.
What I Think Of English Class Essay
, Research Paper I cant believe it?s the last year of high school, hopefully. It feels like just the other day when I was a Freshman. English has always been my worst subject, but I have always seemed to be able to get through it. I have always done the minimal work to pass in the past classes I have taken. Mr. MacKenzie?s senior English class isn?t like most I have taken before.
Computer Education Essay Research Paper Back to
Computer Education Essay, Research Paper Back to the 1940s, the modern electronic computer was developed at U.S. universities; however, in the year, there was no computer education yet. It needed more 10 years to have computer education. The period of the computer revolution was 1950 in the U.S.. Computer education began in the middle of the 1950s with an organized body of knowledge.
The First Time Essay Research Paper I
The First Time Essay, Research Paper I had just finished my first day of work at my new job and was very optimistic. I was very happy when I heard Sophia and Vicki s voice on the answering machine, both asking me to go out with them. When I called Sophia back, she said that she had already talked to Christina, Diana and Danielle, and they were all ready for a girl s night out.
English Class 009 Essay Research Paper I
English Class 009 Essay, Research Paper I am taking English 009 to benefit me in the future. It gives me the skills I need to succeed. I would be able to write a paper; because of the writing skills I have learned in English 009. From studying hard, my grammar could be improved. I would be offered a teaching position as a substitute teacher for English because of my experience in English 009.
English 101 Essay Research Paper In comparing
English 101 Essay, Research Paper In comparing and contrasting the stories ?Worn Path? and ?Young GoodMann Brown?. Several things come to mind . We see that both authors use a lot of symbolism
Colonial Rule Essay Research Paper The English
Colonial Rule Essay, Research Paper The English colonies set up forms of representative government consisting of an appointed governor and a legislature, a law making body elected by voters. Having an appointed governor and a legislature sometimes led to tensions. The governor and the assembly frequently disagreed over taxes, the selection of other goverment officials, and defense of the colony.
Stars Essay Research Paper Bright Star Would
Stars Essay, Research Paper Bright Star, Would I were Steadfast as Thou Art Endymion (excerpts) The Eve of St. Agnes Fancy The Human Seasons Hyperion If by Dull Rhymes our English must be Chain’d
Peoms Essay Research Paper English 3
Peoms Essay, Research Paper English 3 The Sky is Filled With Laughter The sky is filled with laughter Like a little kid at a fair With streaks of blue and white
My Fair Lady Essay Research Paper My
My Fair Lady Essay, Research Paper My Fair Lady is a musical comedy written by Bernard Shaw, which is set in England. The story is about Elisa, who spoke very bad English, with a cockney accent, but she wanted to learn how to speak better English, so she went to a phonetics? teacher, Higgins. Elisa was very poor, so she didn?t have the money to pay for the lessons.
England And Global Language Essay Research Paper
This essay will be about the prohibition of English words in France by law. It is quiet a big problem to forbid words only because the government is afraid that it s own language could die. The spread of English all over the world and it s position as global language can t be stopped or disputed and that is why I think that it is irresponsible to outlaw English words.
Changes In Writing Essay Research Paper Changes
Changes In Writing Essay, Research Paper Changes in Writing My last day of high school was January 21, which was my first day at UWM. I graduated early from high school and decided to jump right into college. I was not too worried because I figured that I would catch on. I came into English 102 and found out what an analysis paper was.
Descriptive Essay On William Wallace 1 Pg
. Essay, Research Paper A Descriptive Essay On William Wallace A man of low status and called by some an outlaw or bandit, it may have been that Wallace was being used by more powerful Scottish politicians as a cover for their rebellion so they would not break their feudal vows to the king of England.
School Essay Research Paper School Where
School Essay, Research Paper School! Where did they come up with that name? I guess because it rhymes with lame Now this rhyme you read will be quite corny Please don’t get upset, mad, or horny
Terwilliger Bunts One Essay Research Paper In
Terwilliger Bunts One Essay, Research Paper In reading “Terwilliger Bunts One,” I got the impression Annie Dillard’s mom would be successful in English 101 because she questions word usage, forcing people to think about what they say, to insure their thoughts are interpreted properly. “No wonder you listen to baseball.
Prop 63 Essay Research Paper The Official
Prop. 63 Essay, Research Paper The Official English Language Proposition 63 will make English the Official Language of the United States and I am against The official English
Spanish Armada Essay Research Paper Reasons for
Spanish Armada Essay, Research Paper Reasons for the Armada In 1587, King Philip of Spain saw England as a dangerous nuisance. King Philip had many reasons to want to get rid of Queen Elizabeth:
Ebonics Essay Research Paper One of the
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper One of the conflicting issues among African Americans and Caucasians is the issue of ebonics. It s not just an issue facing one race or the other it effects both races
English Essay Research Paper She stood there
English Essay, Research Paper She stood there, staring in disbelief at her reflection. Could the person looking back at her from the mirror really be herself? She ran her fingers through her long dark
Poem The Beach Essay Research Paper Ryan
Poem: The Beach Essay, Research Paper Ryan Hartney English 9 3/8/01 The Beach I have always liked the beach best Its fun in the sun for everyone You can have a picnic
Metric System Essay Research Paper Metric SystemThe
Metric System Essay, Research Paper Metric System The Metric System, also known as the System Internationale (SI) was developed in France in 1799. The Metric System was created because the French and English were not in agreement politically, therefore the French did not want anything to do with the English including their system of measurements.
Different Learning Styles Essay Research Paper In
Different Learning Styles Essay, Research Paper In our English class we took a test on what kind of learning style characteristics we have. Learning the different style writings that I have helped me discover mor of what I’m about. When people learn more about their learning styles, they can take what they have learned and turn it toward your job, but mostly just toward life in general.
An Analysis Of From Silence To Words
Essay, Research Paper An Analysis of From Silence to Words: Writing as Struggle Through this essay, Min-zhan Lu depicts the struggles she faced growing up in China while speaking English. I feel the paragraph that best exemplifies this struggle is one found on page 239. In this one paragraph, Lu expresses her fear of losing command over the two languages that she speaks, English and Chinese.
Braveheart Essay Research Paper Braveheart The movie
Braveheart Essay, Research Paper Braveheart The movie Braveheart is based on the control of England over Scotland. England in that time was ruled by Longshanks who made it a very powerful country because the government very rich. The English would go around and kill harmless Scots and by mistake they killed William Wallace’s girlfriend.
Journal Writing Essay Research Paper Journal Writing
Journal Writing Essay, Research Paper Journal Writing I write a lot in class but I don’t like writing one bit it gets on my nerves cause my hands are very sensitive and my hands get so tired that don’t even want to type anymore and that messes me up a lot cause in my English class you are required to write a lot. Now if it were typing that a whole other story but that’s not going to help me in life to come cause when you go get a job you are required to have punctuality.
Summary And Responce To
“Black English” Essay, Research Paper Summary and Response Word Count 366 Summary In the essay titled, ?If Black English Isn?t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is??
The English Language Essay Research Paper This
The English Language Essay, Research Paper This House affirms that the British Empire was a great success whose effects are still beneficial to the world. The world distribution of English users is divided into three categories : English as a native language; for example, UK, USA, Australia, English as a second language; for example, India, Singapore, Ghana, Philippines, and English as a foreign language; for example, France, Japan, Thailand.There are 72 countries with Englishs as an official language and 9 countries with English as a first language:Australia, Great- Britain, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourgh, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the USA.
English Vs Math Essay Research Paper English
English Vs Math Essay, Research Paper English Vs. Math To most people English or Language Arts is a creative course and math is just a logical, you get it or you don t class. My purpose writing this paper is to change your mind. I believe that Math is just as, or more creative than English. I will demonstrate this through a couple of examples.
How To Improve Your English Essay Research
Paper How To Improve Your English English is now the international language .So it is very important to learn English well. We should study English in the correct way, so that we can make
What Is English Essay Research Paper English
What Is English? Essay, Research Paper English, well what is English? We all know that it is a language. But, what is the study of english? It is the study of literature in the english language. People attend english classes. This may be to learn the English Language or to learn about english literature or writing.