Literary Analysis
Literary Analysis
At the Gym, written by Mark Doty; has no relation with being at the gym at all; metaphorically speaking it pertains to attending church. The narrative provided is from the author's observation of other people in the church. The primary metaphor of this poem is religiously based in the sense people have determination to release their burdens with the desire of overcoming tribulations through prayer. Many smaller metaphors inside the poem leading the reader to believe there is faith veiled throughout. This metaphor is explained in this essay by many other small metaphors; Salt-stain is really tears, the vinyl is from the pews/benches in the church. How this metaphor references something manmade, the association of grief emotions in this poem such as hopelessness and despair. While more positive emotions of relief and hope are set forth; leading one to happiness. Many hidden religious aspects contained throughout the poem are brought to light. The whole idea of going to church and describing it has going to the gym is what shows that the metaphor in this poem references something man-made. The idea that the gym description can be found on almost every line in this poem. The salt-stain on the bench; pictured as a sign of those who came before and sat in the same spot, seeking a spiritual uplifting can be seen as tears that they shed, described in “This salt-stain spot marks the place where men lay down their heads, back to the bench, and hoist nothing that need be lifted but some burden they've chosen this time” (1-8) ”Where we push something unyielding skyward, gaining some power at least over flesh” (14-17) where people push prayers up in hopes for forgiveness and spiritual fulfillment, power over flesh, whatever the burden, the path to forgiveness always starts at this salt-stain spot on the bench. Emotions associated with this poem are despair, hopelessness, hope, relief and happiness. Despair and hopelessness can be tied together;
At the Gym, written by Mark Doty; has no relation with being at the gym at all; metaphorically speaking it pertains to attending church. The narrative provided is from the author's observation of other people in the church. The primary metaphor of this poem is religiously based in the sense people have determination to release their burdens with the desire of overcoming tribulations through prayer. Many smaller metaphors inside the poem leading the reader to believe there is faith veiled throughout. This metaphor is explained in this essay by many other small metaphors; Salt-stain is really tears, the vinyl is from the pews/benches in the church. How this metaphor references something manmade, the association of grief emotions in this poem such as hopelessness and despair. While more positive emotions of relief and hope are set forth; leading one to happiness. Many hidden religious aspects contained throughout the poem are brought to light. The whole idea of going to church and describing it has going to the gym is what shows that the metaphor in this poem references something man-made. The idea that the gym description can be found on almost every line in this poem. The salt-stain on the bench; pictured as a sign of those who came before and sat in the same spot, seeking a spiritual uplifting can be seen as tears that they shed, described in “This salt-stain spot marks the place where men lay down their heads, back to the bench, and hoist nothing that need be lifted but some burden they've chosen this time” (1-8) ”Where we push something unyielding skyward, gaining some power at least over flesh” (14-17) where people push prayers up in hopes for forgiveness and spiritual fulfillment, power over flesh, whatever the burden, the path to forgiveness always starts at this salt-stain spot on the bench. Emotions associated with this poem are despair, hopelessness, hope, relief and happiness. Despair and hopelessness can be tied together;