Soil Of A Song Analysis Essay

Sort of a Song by William Carlos Williams is a song unsung by heroes of the pen: authors and poets. He describes writing as a moment of dull inhabitance characterized by sudden shocks of inspiration. His motive is unclear in whether or not he is supporting or antagonizing the art of writing, but his theme is clear: writing is a power captured in a moment’s notice that, when unobservant, leaves too quickly to be remembered. He describes the whole event as a near fatal one metaphorically symbolizing the pen as a snake, “Let the snake wait under his weed and the writing be of words, slow and quick, sharp to strike, quiet to wait, sleepless.” It is painful letting a moment’s idea slip away only leaving a mocking mark embedded in the subconscious
thought. This symbolism gives way to the theme in characterizing the event as a too quick to remember unless captured in its light and agonizing in waiting for its return. The adjective “sleepless” describes himself who waits in an insomniac manner for the passion to reassemble itself into an idea. Relating to the theme, I have experienced such a pain when writing essays for classes.
The lifeless mind may procrastinate for hours before a spike of motivation or an idea strikes. It is a quick motion and must be acted upon; otherwise, another hour may as well be added on to the wait. Williams creates a setting for the reader where a flower blooms amidst edged rocks. The flower is symbolic of the writer whom overcomes the rocks and divulges. His diction is commanding, direct, and short, “Compose,” “Invent!” He orders the reader to overcome these obstacles and find the passion necessary in writing. The word “saxifrage” is a reference to a small, low-bearing plant found common in rock gardens. He says that “saxifrage is his flower.” He relates himself to the flower due to its resilience. Malcolm Gladwell in Freakonomics often spoke on resilience and how the majority of kids born into poverty lived their adult lives in poverty. Resilience is a term used to single out independent variables that learn to overcome an amazing feat and find success inside their own barriers. Williams says, through the use of symbolism and supporting diction, that resilience is the key to writing. How else are we supposed to grow the saxifrage through the rocks other than to water
it? The significance of this poem is its short entirety. It is almost a command that does not beg the reader but emphasizes importance and value. Williams believes that writing can be a great problem for people and that the key is simple when one knows what to look for and how to find it. In the early twenties, slave workers would sing in fields and during common work to pass the time or display a message of strength and importance in value. The title, Sort of a Song, is important because it resembles a song in the way it conveys a message regardless its rhythm, tempo, or style that defines what a song is – the theme beckons new writers and honors old ones in resilience and creativity while emphasizing the importance of catching ideas in their ephemeral moments.