Analysis Of Autumn Begins In Martins Ferry, Ohio By James Wright

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The poem, Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio by James Wright is very unpredictable. First time readers will think that this poem is like many other conventional poems that describe the positive or negative aspects of autumn. However, there is nothing but the word autumn itself on the title that refer to this season. This poem, instead, remarks the harsh and unfair reality of the working-class minority groups who are constantly marginalized within the society. This poem also emphasizes how sport, specially football, and alcohol are a form of escapism for some factory workers. Wright grew up in a poor family. His father worked in a glass factory and his mother did laundry. From a very young age he witnessed the struggle of working class people. Growing up in a poor and underprivileged neighborhood, Martins Ferry, Ohio, had a remarkable influence in his life and career as a writer. Most of his writing focuses marginalized groups within the society. …show more content…

But rather than focusing on the game, he is more concentrated observing the fathers of the young players. While he sees excitement and pride on these men’s faces watching their sons playing, he also perceives frustration and helplessness. The narrator tries to presume that while they watch their sons playing, they are “Dreaming of heroes” they will never be. Through their sons, they live their fantasy of being sport celebrities. One can rationalize that since sport stars are considered idols, because of their economic and social success, these fathers imagine being in their position. Yet when they realize that is not the case, they take refuge in the alcohol to forget for a while their miserable and struggling

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