However, now that I've reread the poem, I see it rather differently. Because I have so recently read Coetzee's novel I found that a lot of the same themes were present in Simic's poem. There was no doubt in my mind that the poem itself had been inspired by the novel. Now when I read the poem I deeply appreciate it. I see a hundred little things I had skimmed over before. I find meaning in the rhythm and structure of the poem.
This experience, although just a small in-class exercise, provided me with some profound insight. It is so great to see how much I have learned and grown this year. When I first read the poem I was so sure of myself. I was positive that I had seen into the rather empty core of the poem and that there was nothing for me to gain from such a simplistic, mediocre piece.
This week I have learned a very valuable lesson. I've learned that, no matter how sure I am about something, there is still so much for me to learn and gain. I've realized that I shouldn't overlook simple things and assume that there is nothing for me to appreciate there. "Stone" and The Life and Times of Michael K have helped me to see that in simplicity there is often profound insight and I should keep my eyes open for it.
I feel that this week I have felt what the goal of our first semester final was. We were supposed to explain how the texts we have read helped shape and change us throughout the year. I feel that, even more than in January, I have now truly seen and experienced my growth. "Stone" has served as a way for me to measure the shift in my thinking and I'm very proud of it.
1 comment:
Alright. So. Jamie Tolmatsky could kind of, sort of, be my hero in this blog's case.
Why?
Because (switching to speaking to the writer, now) you 1) acknowledged the fact that at many times people (and especially teens) overlook things because they think they can see everything to be taken from it and find there's nothing to learn, and
2) You've personally recognized that particular ideaology and chosen to move away from it (I never find enough people who think like this and it literally made me incredibly happy to see. It was refreshing, to say the least.)
Oh, and 3)--You actually connected that ideology with something we did in English class. Personally, I can't remember the faintest thing about the "Stone" poem and I'm sure some of the lessons from Michael K, though he's been my favorite character, will wash away over time in the tide of my brain. So the fact that you can make these connections that're required of us and make an actual, valid, (and, if you continue to think this way throughout your life) life-changing distinction from it is...awesome. Keep doin' what you're doin', a'right?
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