Poetry Analysis: "The Red Wheelbarrow"

513 Words2 Pages

From the beginning of William Carlos Williams’ poem “The Red Wheelbarrow” the reader is captured by the statement “so much depends” (Williams line 1). As this short work continues the reader is seeing a graceful image that Williams creates. The mind’s eye can envision a painting that is tranquil, yet has the quiet activity of a rural farm home. With this in mind, what exactly is the author sharing with the reader? The poem communicates charmingly the dependence a man has for a vital piece of equipment. The reader is welcomed with the introductory words “so much depends” (Williams 1). Williams begins the poem using four syllables. It seems the reader is invited into a conversation that is already taking place. The tone is sincere, carrying heavy ruminative words. The use of the verb “depends” connotes reliance and respect, guiding us through the poem (Williams 1). Subsequently, the next line is one word in its entirety. Williams’ uses one word lines a total of four times in this poem. Each one is succinct, having only two syllables. The word “upon” is suggesting responsib...

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