ENGL- Discussion Close Reading ( need in 16 hours )

Classmates’ Close Readings

(comment one of the classmates’ close readings)

First classmate’s close reading :

I’m Nobody! Who are you?" By Emily Dickinson

The subject of this poem believes it is better to be a "nobody,"then to be a "somebody--" that anonymity is preferable to public recognition. The idea being that "nobodies" can revel in anonymity, while "somebodies" struggle to find real companionship in the public eye. The theme in this poem is self-identity. And the first line of each stanza really drives this theme home--"I’m Nobody! Who are you?" and "How dreary-to be-somebody!" 

"I’m Nobody! Who are you?" really establishes the subject's quest to distinguish themselves from others which is almost ironic. And as the frist stanza continues we, the readers, begin to understand that the subject of this poem is searching for a companion who prefers to be ordinary because being ordinary is, perhaps, really extraordinary. What's amazing about this poem is it begs the reader to answer the question and establish where they stand - with the "nobodies" or with the"somebodies?"

Second classmate’s close reading :

We Real cool

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In Gwendolyn Brooks’ “We Real Cool”, the image being portrayed is reckless behavior being the new cool thing. This image helps to develop the theme of pride.  The young pool players appear to take pride in their reckless behavior, and may even take pride in the foresight that they will "die soon." Dying early to these young pool players is practically a badge of honor. They live in a culture where even the most gifted people find that opportunities for a better life are little to none. Therefore, these young players take up reckless activities due to their notion that there is nothing out there for them anyways.

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