Thought From Within - Woody Harrelson Flashcards
What is the purpose of this poem?
To explore his ideas of corporate globalization and ecological degradation. It’s purpose is to be informative and make people aware rather than convince, but through his techniques he is able to provoke his thoughts on the audience.
How does woody harrelson display a ‘distinctive voice’ in his poem - “thoughts from within”?
He uses the technique of ‘stream of consciousness’ to express that this is a personal perspective on the world, and not driven by political or religious motive.
Although he is not physically unique, his thoughts are confronted by the social norms, thus making it socially distinct.
How does woody empathize with the audience?
- Utilizes first person.
- Rhetorical questioning
- Uses colloquial references
How would you describe the language and choice of words in this text?
His choice of words are imperative (commanding) and reflective. This calls upon the audience to recognize the imbalance of society by looking at it in a 3rd person perspective (outside looking in), stepping away from the chaotic semblance.
Give an example of how this voice is distinctive.
Although he is not physically unique, his thoughts are confronted by the social norms, thus making it socially distinct. it’s is shown in the first stanza, where he uses juxtaposition and imagery to highlight this idea - “I sometimes feel like and alien creature” and “sure I have human form, walking erect and opposing digits, but my mind is upside down”
What technique does “An endless stream of people move like ants from the free-way” display?
Use of simile, comparing ants to the human social structure. Commenting on the monotonous nature of our society, how it is dehumanizing.
Why is the his phrase “.. like a genetically modified irradiated Big Mac is somehow symbolic of food” important?
- He uses a colloquial reference to appeal to the audience.
- He uses the technique of Simile to comment on the notion that nature is not enough for the human race, because we modify our food to suit our artificial needs.
What has Woody achieved in his 3rd Stanza?
“Morality is legislated
Prisons over-populated
Religion is incorporated
the profit-motive has permeated all activity
We pay our governments to let us park on the street
and war is the biggest-money maker of them all
we all know missile envy only comes from being small.”
- In the first half of this stanza, he attacks the political situation of he world, as the laws do not align themselves with personal morality - “The profit-motive has permeated all activity”.
- He uses the second half as a justification by example, appealing to the audiences of the familiar. “We pay our governments to let us park on the street”.
How is the 5th stanza effectively set out?
“Politicians and prostitutes
are comfortable together
I wonder if they talk about the strange change in the weather.
This government was founded by, of, and for the people
but everybody feels it
like a giant open sore
they don’t represent us any more
And blaming the President for the country’s woes
is like yelling at a puppet
for the way it sings
Who’s the man behind the curtain pulling the strings? “
- Ultimately attacks modern politics.
- Places politicians and prostitutes together in ironic juxtaposition (intentionally places together).
- “The government was founded by, of and for the people”, but it does not represent the people. He brings to attention that we belong to a democratic system that does not advocate for goodness of man, but obstruction of moral ethics (“politicians a prostitutes”)
- ‘Puppet’ metaphor is followed by the a rhetoric question, provoking thought of audience to think of it from another perspective.
