In this essay, I intend to comment on and critically assess William Carlos Williams' poem entitled 'To a Poor Old Woman.' Williams published this poem in 1935, at which point he was reaching the end of what he called his 'early career.' During this time he was refining his skills in, and learning about, the 'newly emerging' methods of composition. By ' newly emerging,' I mean that Williams was one of the modern American poets who rejected the use of iambic pentameters and rhyme in poetry and determined to "rinse the language of ornament and encrustation"(pg.7, Brinnin, J.M. William Carlos Williams. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1963.) That is, he believed in the importance of clarity and precision when representing his subjects.
             The subjects that Williams observes and depicts in his poetry are not unnatural, mythical or imaginary, but "the immediate and local"(pg.8.) The everyday occurrences in everyday life were the subjects of Williams' interest, especially the "tawdry, vulgar...[and] grotesque"(pg.22.) He was interested in the "observation without comment... [using] common speech... [and depicting] homely details..."(pg.12.)
             In the 'Imagist Manifesto,' Williams (together with his colleagues) points out the importance of making use of "the exact word"(point1) to express the image he observes. Thus it is not only important to read the poem as a complete whole, but also to take every word used into account. Hence a Williams poem should be regarded as a 'whole image', made up of carefully chosen 'details.'
             The title "To a Poor Old Woman" declares and reinforces the importance of the woman's existence and presence to Williams and the audience. She is characterised as the subject, the central figure of importance. This importance is presented by Williams' choice ...