Author Question: Is there a plot to the poem, or an atmosphere that is evoked? What will be an ideal ... (Read 34 times)

leo leo · **on:** Jul 20, 2018

Is there a plot to the poem, or an atmosphere that is evoked?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How would you describe Dischs invented form?

What will be an ideal response?

nikmaaacs · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The poem begins with Z, for Zenith: whether that zenith is construed as a Platonic or Wordsworthian prenatal ideal state, or simply as the happiest moment of ones life, its all downhill after that, life portrayed as an elevator in free fall that ends with Corpse and Bone and A for Anything, representing whatever unknown state of being or nonexistence that comes after death. The atmosphere that is evoked is relentlessly negative and depressing: organ transplants are in vain, and even quiet is not peace or serenity, but the hush that falls on a neighborhood after a riot. Interestingly, verse is not given a negative description, but is simply named: perhaps its miseries and frustrations are too well known to require comment.

Answer to Question 2

As should be obvious, Dischs poem proceeds through the alphabet in reverse order, from Z to Ahence the play on abecedary, with the title formed from the last three letters of the alphabet. By reversing the order, he changes the emphasis from a progress to a countdown, a countdown to the inevitable end. The Seuss-like rhythms and the riming couplets give the poem an air of Grand Guignol or black comedy.