Eating Poetry Summary & Analysis by Mark Strand
- Line-by-Line Explanation & Analysis
- Poetic Devices
- Vocabulary & References
- Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme
- Line-by-Line Explanations
"Eating Poetry" is the opening poem in Mark Strand's 1968 collection Reasons for Moving . Using Strand's characteristically dark humor, the poem finds its speaker in the act of "eating" poetry in a library, devouring poems like a ravenous, wild animal. The librarian, for her part, can't believe what she's seeing and becomes increasingly terrified—especially as the speaker's passionate consumption seems to summon dogs from the basement! Surreal and strange, the poem testifies to the wonders of poetry itself—and perhaps suggests that it's not necessary to explain, categorize, or even fully understand poems in order to enjoy them.
- Read the full text of “Eating Poetry”
The Full Text of “Eating Poetry”
“eating poetry” summary, “eating poetry” themes.
The Power of Poetry
Line-by-line explanation & analysis of “eating poetry”.
Ink runs from ... ... been eating poetry.
The librarian does ... ... in her dress.
The poems are ... ... and coming up.
Lines 10-12
Their eyeballs roll, ... ... feet and weep.
Lines 13-15
She does not ... ... she screams.
Lines 16-18
I am a ... ... the bookish dark.
“Eating Poetry” Symbols
- Lines 9-11: “The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up. / Their eyeballs roll, / their blond legs burn like brush.”
“Eating Poetry” Poetic Devices & Figurative Language
Alliteration.
- Line 1: “my mouth”
- Line 6: “walks with,” “her hands,” “her”
- Line 11: “blond,” “legs,” “burn,” “like,” “brush”
- Line 14: “her hand”
- Line 7: “The”
- Line 8: “The”
- Line 9: “The”
- Line 16: “I”
- Line 17: “I”
- Line 18: “I”
- Line 2: “like mine”
- Line 4: “believe,” “she sees”
- Line 8: “is dim”
- Line 12: “feet,” “weep”
- Line 14: “knees”
- Line 15: “she screams”
- Line 16: “am,” “man”
- Line 17: “snarl,” “bark”
- Line 1: “Ink runs,” “corners,” “my mouth”
- Line 3: “eating poetry”
- Line 9: “basement stairs”
- Line 10: “eyeballs roll”
- Line 12: “to stamp,” “feet”
- Line 16: “am,” “new man”
- Line 18: “bookish dark”
End-Stopped Line
- Line 1: “mouth.”
- Line 2: “mine.”
- Line 3: “poetry.”
- Line 4: “sees.”
- Line 6: “dress.”
- Line 7: “gone.”
- Line 8: “dim.”
- Line 9: “up.”
- Line 11: “brush.”
- Line 12: “weep.”
- Line 13: “understand.”
- Line 15: “screams.”
- Line 16: “man.”
- Line 17: “bark.”
- Line 18: “dark.”
Juxtaposition
Extended metaphor.
- Line 1: “Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.”
- Line 3: “I have been eating poetry.”
- Line 7: “The poems are gone.”
- Lines 17-18: “I snarl at her and bark. / I romp with joy in the bookish dark.”
- Line 11: “their blond legs burn like brush.”
“Eating Poetry” Vocabulary
Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.
- (Location in poem: Line 11: “their blond legs burn like ,” “brush”)
Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme of “Eating Poetry”
Rhyme scheme, “eating poetry” speaker, “eating poetry” setting, literary and historical context of “eating poetry”, more “eating poetry” resources, external resources.
Mark Strand's Biography — Learn more about Strand's life and work via the Poetry Foundation.
Strand's Artistic Imagination — A podcast in which Strand talks about creativity and inspiration.
Strand in His Own Words — An interview in which the poet talks about his early works.
The Poem Out Loud — Listen to a recording of Strand reading his poem aloud.
Another Side of Strand — Mark Strand was also an accomplished visual artist, making collages like those pictured in this interview.
Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions
Welcome to Mrs F.M. Richards English online resource site. I hope that you will find the tools provided an invaluable asset to your learning.
Eating Poetry by Mark Strand
PDF Analysis
Video Analysis 00 1
Video Analysis 00 2
Video Analysis 00 3
Tips to analyse the poetry essay question with an example
Eating Poetry Introduction
In a nutshell.
Have you ever been so happy about something that the only logical thing left to do is to eat it? Okay, maybe you won't literally eat it, but the feeling that you've got to have every part of it might still be there. That's the kind of sentiment we get in Mark Strand 's poem " Eating Poetry ," first published in Selected Poems (1980). Only in this case, Strand's speaker is literally "eating poetry" while ink spills from the corners of his mouth (mmm, poem). He loves it that much.
If you're thinking Strand is one weird dude, there are plenty of folks who would agree with you. In fact, he's known for writing in a surrealistic, dreamlike kind of way that's not supposed to make sense all the time. The guy did a lot of writing during the 1960s, so, you know, folks were experimenting in those days in more areas than just poetry.
So what we get in "Eating Poetry" is a mixture of some plain language like "eating poetry" and some surreal imagery, with burning dogs climbing up staircases and such. Strand even has a stuffy librarian in there who just doesn't get why the speaker keeps cramming poems into his mouth. If you think that's kind of a funny idea, then you're beginning to also get Strand's style: cool, dry, weird, and slightly ridiculous.
But all the ridiculous stuff is kind of the point to Strand's poem. When it comes to conveying your joy to the rest of the world, you might as well eat the thing that makes you happy because nobody else will get you, no matter what you do. You might as well enjoy whatever it is that makes you happy, instead of getting that librarian to understand that poetry tastes awfully good. (And it's good for you, too.)
Why Should I Care?
As a stalwart Shmooper, you've probably felt like eating poetry a million times, right? We sense a hush that's fallen over the crowd out there, but that's okay. Even if you don't love poetry, you likely love something. And when you enjoy something that much, it's sometimes hard to express yourself in a way that fully captures your excitement. So "eating" it makes just as much sense as any other way of expressing your happiness.
The fact of the matter is that conveying the goings-on in your heart and mind is sometimes a ridiculous feat. No matter if it's a librarian, girlfriend, boyfriend, or faithful Lassie, other people might never fully understand the way you're feeling. They might just look at you in the same way Strand's librarian does, as if you're just plain crazy. And that's okay because it's all part of being human and unique.
Sure, you might feel frustrated and maybe even isolated because of those feelings that others just don't get. But in "Eating Poetry," Mark Strand celebrates all those weird feelings that are impossible to convey to others. Why feel frustrated when you can "romp with joy"? This poem lets us know that feeling ecstatic about something shouldn't be diminished by your attempts to get others to feel the same way. The way you experience joy is what really matters, no matter what inspires that joy.
So carry on, Shmoopers, in whatever way makes you most joyous. Just remember that ink might not be the best thing for your digestive system.
Tired of ads?
Cite this source, logging out…, logging out....
You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds...
W hy's T his F unny?
Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Poetry — Imagery in Mark Strands “Eating Poetry”
Imagery in Mark Strands "Eating Poetry"
- Categories: Art and Religion Literature Review Poetry
About this sample
Words: 567 |
Published: Mar 16, 2024
Words: 567 | Page: 1 | 3 min read
Table of contents
Vivid and sensory language, surreal and dream-like imagery, imagery of transformation and metamorphosis, the enduring power and magic of poetry.
Cite this Essay
Let us write you an essay from scratch
- 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
- Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Get high-quality help
Verified writer
- Expert in: Arts & Culture Literature
+ 120 experts online
By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email
No need to pay just yet!
Related Essays
3 pages / 1357 words
2 pages / 1071 words
2 pages / 1124 words
2 pages / 957 words
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.
121 writers online
Still can’t find what you need?
Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled
Related Essays on Poetry
Rudyard Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden" was penned in 1899 at the height of European colonialism and imperialism. The poem reflects the prevalent attitudes towards colonial rule and the perceived responsibilities of the [...]
Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" made headlines all around the world following her performance at President Joe Biden's inauguration. The poem serves as a rallying cry for unity and hope, and its literary elements [...]
"Ballad of Birmingham" is the author of the poem that revolves around a little girl who would like to go downtown to take part in a freedom protest. Her mother, however, says that she cannot go because of the dangerous [...]
Poetry has a universal appeal that transcends time and space, evoking emotions and inspiring reflection. Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is a prime example of the power of poetry to captivate and provoke [...]
Across Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and ‘For My Lover, Returning to His Wife’ by Anne Sexton, jealousy is presented as both resulting in self-deprecation and anger. Whereas in ‘After the Lunch’ by Wendy Cope a form of love [...]
The Journal of English Literary History indicates that ‘‘The picture of little T.C. in a prospect of Flowers’ is characteristic of Marvell’s poetry both in its complexity and in its subtle use of superficially ‘romantic’ or [...]
Related Topics
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Where do you want us to send this sample?
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Be careful. This essay is not unique
This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before
Download this Sample
Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts
Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.
Please check your inbox.
We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!
Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!
We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .
- Instructions Followed To The Letter
- Deadlines Met At Every Stage
- Unique And Plagiarism Free
Eating Poetry Questions and Answers
The Question and Answer sections of our study guides are a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss literature.
Ask a question and get answers from your fellow students and educators.
- Browse Questions
Eating Poetry
"eating poetry", eating poetry question-characters, do you associate certain things with librarians versus say comedians.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Eating Poetry By Mark Strand Ink runs from the corners of my mouth. 1 There is no happiness like mine. I have been eating poetry. The librarian does not believe what she sees. Her eyes are sad 5 and she walks with her hands in her dress. The poems are gone. The light is dim. The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.
POETRY BOOKLET GRADE 11 GRADE 11 POETRY LIST 2023 - 2024 TITLE POET 1 1802 William Wordsworth 2. Eating Poetry Mark Strand 3. I Remember District Prophets of Da City 4 Woman Kristina Rungano 5 Fire Audre Lourde 6 Same Da Same Sipho Sephamla 7. Anthem for Doomed Youth Wilfred Owen 8 Ride Joyce Chigiya 9. The Second Coming WB Yeats 10.
Powered by LitCharts content and AI. "Eating Poetry" is the opening poem in Mark Strand's 1968 collection Reasons for Moving. Using Strand's characteristically dark humor, the poem finds its speaker in the act of "eating" poetry in a library, devouring poems like a ravenous, wild animal. The librarian, for her part, can't believe what she's ...
B.A. English (Minor: Creative Writing), B.F.A. Fine Art, B.A. Art Histories. 'Eating Poetry' is an unusual and surreal poem that depicts the effects of "eating poetry". The scenes are set in a library in which a man steadily upsets a librarian with his happiness and poetry-fueled actions. It was first published in 1980 and is quite ...
Transformation in "Eating Poetry". The speaker in Mark Strand's "Eating Poetry" is transformed so much by his consumption of poetry that he frightens a librarian with his animalistic behavior. At first glance, the poem focuses on the literal and visceral consumption of poetry by the speaker and how it transforms him into a doglike creature.
Grade 11 English. Poetry. 2022 2023. Anthem for a Doomed Youth. London 1802 by William Wordsworth ... Eating poetry.pdf. PDF Analysis. Eating Poetry Analysis 001.mp4. Video Analysis 00 1. Eating Poetry Analysis 002.mp4. Video Analysis 00 2. Eating Poetry Analysis 003.mp4. Video Analysis 00 3. Poetry Essay Example.docx. Tips to analyse the ...
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth. There is no happiness like mine. I have been eating poetry. The librarian does not believe what she sees. Her eyes are sad. and she walks with her hands in her dress. The poems are gone. The light is dim. The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.
The Poem. PDF Cite Share. "Eating Poetry" is a short poem in free verse, its eighteen lines divided into six stanzas. The title suggests either comedy or surrealism, and the poem contains ...
The Eating Poetry Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. ... Answered by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM View All Answers. Eating Poetry Question-Characters. The dog is merely a human (man) acting ...
The Eating Poetry Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. ... Answered by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM View All Answers. Eating Poetry Question-Characters. The dog is merely a human (man) acting ...
That's the kind of sentiment we get in Mark Strand 's poem " Eating Poetry ," first published in Selected Poems (1980). Only in this case, Strand's speaker is literally "eating poetry" while ink spills from the corners of his mouth (mmm, poem). He loves it that much. If you're thinking Strand is one weird dude, there are plenty of folks who ...
Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes. Study Guides; Q & A; Lesson Plans; ... Timothy. "Eating Poetry Essay Questions". GradeSaver, 16 September 2017 Web. Cite this page. Study Guide Navigation; About Eating Poetry ... Answered by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM View All Answers. Eating Poetry Question-Characters ...
POETRY. GRADE 11 . 2020 . Name and Surname: _____ INDEX: Introduction to poetry p 3 Tone words p 11 ... 2. Eating Poetry Mark Strand 21 3. Mid-Term Break Seamus Heaney 27 4. London 1802 William Wordsworth 32 5. A Far Cry from Africa Derek Walcott 37 6. Those Winter Sundays Robert Hayden 44
Ask a question. Eating Poetry Questions and Answers - Discover the eNotes.com community of teachers, mentors and students just like you that can answer any question you might have on Eating Poetry.
Mark Strand's poem "Eating Poetry " is a vivid and evocative piece that explores the transformative power of poetry through the use of striking imagery. The poem takes the reader on a journey through a surreal and fantastical world where the act of consuming poetry becomes a literal and physical experience. Through the use of imagery, Strand ...
Poetry List for Grade 11 English HL 2020 1. Sonnet 130 (William Shakespeare) Poetry in Focus: 2. London 1802 (William Wordsworth) a. Comparative poem (1)- Darkness (Lord Byron) ... Eating Poetry (Mark Strand) 5. Amagoduka at Glencoe Station (Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali) 6. The Hug (Thorn Gunn) 7. The Man (Seitlhamo Motsapi) 8.
Module: Poetry 16 Structure of the poetry lesson plans: Reading and viewing 17 Pre-reading and viewing (pre-read) 18 Poem 1: Reading and viewing 31 A Sleeping Black Boy 32 Poem 2: Reading and viewing 41 Biltong 42 Poem 3: Reading and viewing 49 I Sit and Look Out 50 Poem 4: Reading and viewing 59 Memory 60 Poem 5: Reading and viewing 71 Mirror 72
The Eating Poetry Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. ... Answered by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM View All Answers. Eating Poetry Question-Characters. The dog is merely a human (man) acting ...
1 GRADE 11: TERM 1 POETRY EATING POETRY: PAGE 52 A. BACKGROUND 1. Mark Strand was a former U.S. poet laureate who lived from 1934 to 2014. Eating Poetry, one of Strand's most widely read poems, appeared in his collection, Reasons for Moving, published in 1968.This was the book that helped to establish Strand's reputation as a poet. 2. In many ways, Eating Poetry is characteristic of Strand's ...
However, this essay differs from creative writing in that you are required to present an argument about the poem you have read. INTRODUCTION o The introduction should introduce or restate the topic. o EXAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPHS o 2 - 3 paragraphs for development and discussion of the topic. o The number of paragraphs in your poetry essay will
The essay question on Poetry should be answered in about 200-250 words. Essay questions on the Novel and Drama sections should be answered in 300-350 words. The length of answers to contextual questions should be determined by the mark allocation. Candidates should aim for conciseness and relevance.
The Eating Poetry Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. ... Answered by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM View All Answers. Eating Poetry Question-Characters. The dog is merely a human (man) acting ...
Join the discussion about Eating Poetry. Ask and answer questions about the novel or view Study Guides, Literature Essays and more. ... Last updated by jill d #170087 on 8/16/2021 11:39 AM Eating Poetry Eating Poetry Question-Characters. Answers: 1. Asked by Alexis W #904021.