When interpreting the meaning of the poem, the greatest consideration should be the poet's feelings about war. The poem reflects a complex emotional landscape regarding the impacts of war on personal relationships and individual experiences. The repeated use of "etcetera" suggests a sense of overwhelming trauma, a desire to gloss over the harsh realities, and a longing for connection amidst chaos. The juxtaposition of mundane family interactions with the backdrop of war highlights the emotional dissonance felt by the poet. Analyzing the poet's feelings about war will provide deeper insights into the poem's overall meaning and themes.
My sweet old etcetera
aunt Lucy during the recent
war could and what
is more did tell you just
what everybody was fighting
for, my sister
Isabel created hundreds of socks not to
mention flea proof ear warmers
etcetera writsters etcetera, my
mother hoped that
I would die etcetera
bravely of course my father used
to become hoarse talking about how it was
a privilege and if only he
could meanwhile my
self etcetera lay quietly
in the deep mud etcetera
(Dreaming etcetera of your smile eyes knees and of your etcertera)
What should be taken into the greatest consideration when interpreting the mean of the poem?
The historical context
The poets family relationships
The symbolism
The poets feelings about war
1 answer