Analysis of Simon Ortiz’s Poems
I would like to say that Simon was one of the greatest native poets whom America has ever had. He has made a lot of contributions in the literary field by writing a lot of poems and other book publications which have helped transform USA. His careful selection of the theme and informed use of stylistic devices made his works be so exemplary. As a professional writer, he has often reflected the society in most of their poems. Having understood the role of literature as a mirror of the society, he dedicated hi time to publish numerous poems which addressed the prevailing conditions during the time they were written. This made them appeal to their audiences to consider relying on their publications since they had a lot to offer.
While writing his poems, Simon was mainly focused on sensitizing his readers about the culture of the Native Americans and other minority groups who were also forming part of this society. He was doing this because he acknowledged how diversified America was. Thus, he became a darling of many because they would associate his work to be a representative of the entire American community.
In order to give an in-depth discussion about his literary prowess, I would like to analyze the Blind Curse and My Father’s Song. These are two of his poems which he intelligently wrote for his enthusiastic audience. In the Blind Curse, he was trying to highlight and lament on the plights of the blind. This is a common theme because it touches on a serious matter. As a keen observer, the persona appeals to the audience to be concerned about the blind and less privileged. However, in order to deliver his message, he uses a combination of symbolisms, metaphors, similes, personification, alliterations, assonance and hyperbole (Wigtet, 2006). His rich use of a figurative language is witnessed in statements such as for those two seconds; words fly away; heedless of the hill sliding away; and they would be forever; the road is like that in those seconds. These helped in making the poem rhythmic and interesting to the target audience.
The same style is repeated in My Father’s Song where he again uses a powerful language to help him deliver his message to the audience. In this poem, he remembers with nostalgia the pleasant times he shared with his father when he says, ‘I remember the very softness; of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice; and my father saying things.’ This demonstrates the kind of good rapport that he had established with his father. This is why he says, ‘I miss my father tonight. His voice, the slight catch and the depth from his thin chest.’ While explaining this relationship, Simon carefully exploits the use of figurative language to help him appeal to the audience, capture their attention and challenge them to think deeper about the main theme of the poem (Wigtet, 2006).
In conclusion, I would like to concur that Simon is a celebrated writer. H used his talents and expertise to inform, educate and thrill Americans. He was so flexible in his work since he had the interests of the diverse audiences he was targeting. For example, he composed poems which suited Native Americans, the immigrant, the young and the old. H freely expressed his ideas in their numerous collections which made his works be widely read and honored on several occasions.
Works Cited
Wiget, Andrew. Simon Ortiz. Boise State University. Printing and Graphic Services, 2006. Print.
