The Man with Night Sweats Flashcards
Summarise the poem
A man wakes up covered in sweat and reflects on the risk-taking of his youth. He gets more panicked and scared throughout the poem as he feels he is loosing control of his body to AIDS.
How does Gunn’s choice of form and structure add significance to the ideas explored?
The form of the poem is dramatic monologue which allows the reader to become more connected and sympathetic with the character. Gunn also uses caesurae to create a confused, jagged start to the poem and numerous half rhymes to show the increasing panic and anxiety of the man.
Why might have Gunn written the poem?
To explore the vulnerability and panic that AIDS/HIV victims frequently face with the constant feeling of impending death.
How does Gunn vividly convey a sense of pain, loss and suffering?
-By reflecting on the speakers youth and showing the increasing panic that he feels throughout the poem
-“I wake up cold, I who prospered through dreams of heat”, implies illness drained him of his passion and joy.
-Might suggest his dreams involved sexual desire which is often how AIDS is transmitted, implying he is haunted.
-“My flesh…shield” shows he was protected when he was younger or perhaps just didn’t see the risks as he “healed”
-But speaker doesn’t regret his actions as he “adored the risk” and felt empowered.
-“As if hands were enough to hold an avalanche off” shows he simply cannot avoid death as it comes closer and closer
-The poet may have done this to teach the inevitable sense of impending death and sorrows that AIDS victims face.
