An Essay
The revisions to Roethke’s poem “Cuttings” change the poem into one about the rebirth and growth of a plant, rather than the survival of one. These changes include a change in the way the growth of the plant stems is being described, a change in language, and the unbalancing of the two stanzas. The focus on the action in the first draft is essentially on survival. In the rewrite, the tone changes to a more positive tone. The same action is being detailed, but from a slightly different perspective. The general language of the poem also changes from the original draft. Lastly, the unbalancing of the two stanzas by making the second one longer also changes the action of the poem. These revisions shift the heart of the poem from survival to growth and life. The description of the growth of the plant changes from initially being about survival to focusing on rebirth and growth. The first poem contains phrases such as “coaxing up water” and “stem-fur dries”, painting a grim picture for the growth of the plant, almost as if it is difficult for it to survive. The plant is essentially drying out, causing it to die. This is also evident towards the end of the poem when the “musty sheath” is mentioned, giving us a sense that the . . .
In changing the description, language, and structure of the poem, Roethke was able to completely change the tone of the poem, showing that he is able to view one topic from several viewpoints and describe it in detail. In the second draft, the line regarding “waters seeping upward” describes the water as almost willingly helping the plant to survive. In this way, this plant is being reborn spiritually as well, solidifying the change from a theme of survival to one of rebirth and life. The word “pale” also implies the image of a sick human being who has lost color in his face. The only reference in the second poem that sounds as desolate is in the first line, with the words “dry sticks”, which are simply describing the initial state of the plant, and thus conditions improve throughout the poem as the plant is able to sprout and grow, ending with words such as “slippery” and “sheath-wet”. In this way, the second poem shows a greater emphasis on the growth of the plant rather than on simply the temporary survival of it. plant is not in the best condition to begin with as well. Roethke says, “What saint strained so much,” in a reference to the saints in England during the seventeenth-century. In the first poem, the two stanzas are of equal length, making them appear to be of equal importance. The language throughout the poem also undergoes changes that help to shift the tone to a more positive feeling regarding the plant. It was a simple change, but one that completely shifts the focus of the poem. The saints that were burned at the stake and became martyrs in seventeenth-century England most likely believed in some form of spiritual rebirth. Another major are that helps to shift the theme of the poem is the general language that is used. The phrase “sand-crumb” has several negative connotations, the most notable of which is the fact that plants generally do not survive well in sand, and thus this plant is in a poor climate.
Common topics in this essay:
, growth plant, focus poem, final draft, throughout poem, slippery sheath-wet, plant water, rebirth plant, unbalancing stanzas, poem sounds, dry sticks, |
Acceptance Essays
