Prodigal Bob Hicok Analysis

In the poem `Prodigal,` Bob Hicok suggests that through great internal power and self-assurance, one may have the ability to overcome one's past and effectively redefy one's own identity, while also holding onto one's past values and history. As a result of the poem being written in first person point of view, there is a clear intimacy between the audience and the character, having full access to all of the characters true unfiltered thoughts and emotions. In the beginning of the poem, the tone is one of longing desire, a desire to “drive out” of the place he is formerly from, and “attack” all of his goals and aspirations. Regardless of preconceived notions of his future, the boy has the strength to strive for the goals he desires. Ultimately