"All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace" Interpretation

            In the poem, “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace” written by Richard Brautigan, there seems to be two different ways of interpreting his message. The first interpretation of the poem is in an anti-technology tone, in which Brautigan seems to be playing tricks on his readers. There is a reference about how “deer stroll peacefully past computers,” which almost sounds like sarcasm to me because of the way computers seem to be located in forests, around all kinds of animals. The main reason to think the poem was written anti-technology is the last stanza of the poem in which Brautigan talks about computers watching over us, which almost sounds like he is trying to warn us of what may occur in the future. “We are free of our labors, and joined back to nature,” sounds like humans have been regulated to animal behavior while computers were the superior power.

            The second way of interpreting the poem is in the literal meaning, a pro-technology tone. The poem is written in a sense of love for technology and how it would be wonderful to have computers everywhere. The statement of how, “mammals and computers live together in mutually programming harmony,” seems like Brautigan is describing a world in which people, animals and computers can live in harmony together without any kind of problems or stress. Another reason this poem seems to be pro-technology is the style in which it is written, providing a positive naturist attitude. Brautigan sounds like he would love to see the development of computers to extend out to new extremes, as he states multiple times in his poem.

          I believe the anti-technology tone is more convincing, because of all his statements and phrases, which seem too over the top to be earnest and sincere. Also there is a trend in American writers/poets to be anti rather than pro-technology because of the history of literature and its decreased popularity since the rise of computers. Brautigan also seems to be hinting at an impending doom with his final stanza of his poem in which computers have taken control while humans live in the wild like other mammals. It is quite astonishing to think this poem was written more than 30 years again, as its ideas have come so close to reality. These are a few reasons why I believe this poem was written in an anti-technology tone.

Casabianca Review

·        Boy standing on a burning ship

·        Flame that lit the battles wreck

·        A creature of heroic blood

·        The flames rolled on, he would not go

·        And fast the flames rolled on

·        Upon his brow he felt their breath,

·        And in his waving hair,

·        And looked from that lone post of death

·        In still, yet brave despair

·        While o’er him fast, through sail and shroud

·        The wreathing fires made way

·        They wrapt the ship in splendor wild,

·        They caught the flag on high,

·        And streamed above the gallant child,

·        Like banners in the sky.

·        But the noblest thing that perished there

·        Was that young, faithful heart. 

 I chose the poem called “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans, because of the unbelievable sense of imagery it contained. The poem is written about a young boy, and the setting is a burning ship, containing astounding descriptions about this raging fire on the verge of engulfing this poor yet brave young boy. The ship seems to be some kind of battle ship, which has endured defeat, and is on the verge of burning down. The young boy shows immense bravery and passion, as he waits for a response from his father in regards to the completion of his task. What the young boy doesn’t know is that his father is dead, so he stands strong waiting his fathers approval. I believe the imagery of the powerful flames signify the heart, passion and love of the young boy. As strong as the flames are, the boy’s devotion to his father is stronger and he is unwilling to leave his post without his fathers consent of completion. The boy shows an unbelievable amount of bravery in that he understands that he is in trouble, through his cries of distress, yet his vow and love for his father hold him back from escaping.

The way the flames of the fire are addressed in the poem make it so realistic, and it really makes you sad to think of the poor boy stranded in this situation. The way Hemans is able to portray the flames, as the passion within the boy to complete his task is breath taking, and the wreathing fire symbolizes the burning love he has for his father. Even when the boy realizes his doom, he stands strong and waits for whatever will come. The ending of the poem seems to put everything together perfectly, as it states that, “the noblest thing that perished there was that young, faithful heart.” Throughout this poem, the boy is described as brave, passionate, heroic and noble which are all words, which could also illustrate the gripping fire that is engulfing the ship. This poem is very well written, and contains some of the best descriptive imagery I have ever experienced.

ArmoNoroGS91

The title of my blog holds a lot of significance and implications about my life. The beginning of the title is Armo, which stands for Armenian. Being Armenian is a crucial part of my life, as I was born there and continue to carry on my cultural rituals to this day. I feel very fortunate to speak two languages, Armenian and English, and am extremely proud of my Armenian heritage. I hope to always carry on my Armenian traditions with my family for years to come. The second part of my title is Noro, which is my nickname when it comes to my family and close friends. These are the most important people in my life, and I’m not sure where I would be without them. My close friends and family have always been there for me whether it was the best or worst of times. No matter what is going on, I know I can count on these people on a moment’s notice, which is why they can expect the same in return from me. The last section of my blog title is GS91, which stands for a couple of my favorite sports teams and the year of my birth. The G stands for Giants, as in the New York Giants because I have been a huge fan of theirs for the past ten years. One of the greatest moments of my life took place when the Giants shocked everyone and beat the New England Patriots, who hadn’t lost a game the whole season, in the Super Bowl 42! The S stands for the San Antonio Spurs who I have followed since the lockout season of 1999. The Spurs have supplied me with plenty of magnificent moments, as they have won four NBA championships in the past twelve years. The last part of my title, 91, stands for the year of my birth, as that will always be one of the, if not the, greatest moments of my lifetime.