“Tockytock, tockytockclumped our Alpine, Edwardian cuckoo clock,slung with strangled, wooden game.”
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Robert Lowell's poem, there is a sense of violence and destruction as the poet describes a cuckoo clock being "clumped" and "strangled." The use of harsh sounds like "tockytock" adds to the chaotic and unsettling imagery. The juxtaposition of the delicate image of a cuckoo clock with the violent actions described creates a sense of tension and unease in the reader. The phrase "wooden game" adds to the confusion and disarray of the scene, leaving the reader with a sense of impending destruction and loss.
Modern Relevance of Robert Lowell's Line
In this line from Robert Lowell's poem, "Tockytock, tockytock," he describes an Alpine, Edwardian cuckoo clock as being "slung with strangled, wooden game." This image can be interpreted as a commentary on the passage of time and the burdens that we hang onto throughout our lives. The clock, symbolizing time itself, carries the weight of the "strangled, wooden game," representing our past mistakes and regrets. This can serve as a reminder to let go of the past and not let it weigh us down in the present.
Example of Usage:
In his poem, Robert Lowell describes the sound of a cuckoo clock in a unique and vivid way: "“Tockytock, tockytock clumped our Alpine, Edwardian cuckoo clock, slung with strangled, wooden game.”
Reflection Questions:
Robert Lowell's imagery in this line evokes a sense of unease and chaos. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions: - How does the use of onomatopoeia in "tockytock" contribute to the overall mood of the poem? - What do you think the cuckoo clock symbolizes in this line? - How does the description of the clock as "strangled" add to the sense of tension in the poem? - In what ways does this line reflect the theme of time and decay present in Lowell's work?
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