‘Next Day’ by Randall Jarrell is a confessional poem with a conversational tone that articulates the complex emotions of aging and change.
While 'Next Day' is not Randall Jarrell's best-known poems, it is one of his most critically acclaimed works. The poem comes off as plain and slightly ordinary. However, upon close examination, the listener can see how hard Jarrell worked to hide his exacting poetic devices, making the poem seem effortless and completely conversational.
Moving from Cheer to Joy, from Joy to All,
I take a box
And add it to my wild rice, my Cornish game hens.
’90 North’ by Randall Jarrell is concerned with dreams, aging, and the truth of success. The poet’s speaker realizes that success means nothing and that after achieving everything he wanted, his life is worthless.
‘A Country Life’ by Randall Jarrell gives a deeply felt depiction of the impacts of life, death and loneliness on one’s life before death finally comes.
‘The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner’ is Randall Jarrell’s best-loved poem. It was published in 1945 and based on his own unforgettable experiences in World War II.
‘The Woman at the Washington Zoo’ by Randall Jarrell is a moving and disturbing poem. In it, the speaker explores her self worth and identity while comparing herself to zoo animals.
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