this repetition evokes a sense of loneliness. Yes, the travel is far, but the process is far lonelier. There is boredom and emptiness being described

constant rhythmic repetition, setting a tone throughout the whole poem. I sense a jazzy flow to the whole poem mixed with the imagery of the city people, landscapes and lifestyles

It seems ma brings a type of life to town. She has a strength about her that parallels feats of nature

On top of a hill alone as opposed to the space they were at before they chose to leave.

Again, wetness. A fullness of returning to a concept and space that the speaker misses. What is it though that they left and want to return to?

Roaming, a sense of being nomadic. The repetition allows for a flow and rhythm to the whole poem.

Repetition. The repeating of a footstep links to the beating of a heart. The music is within who he is

Wetness. Full of life and knowledge. Reference to ancient world of knowledge and understanding

Define enlightened? What does that common definition seem to be?

One is unable to move forward or live life because the focus on his ancestral history prevents him from doing so. Shadow- darkness ultimately death or haunting something he cannot escape.

This ultimate realization does not determine whether or how to be of a race, but rather an opinion towards oneself to allow for a common understanding.

The drive to be a poet without race constrictions. I find this to be different from wanting to actually be white.

a sense of balance, like in "the wasteland" a sense that life and death go hand in hand. One cannot be had without the other.

gives the vibe of a wasteland. everything is falling into shambles, and it is nevertheless inevitable.

almost a chorus of sorts repeating itself throughout the poem. The entire poem has a flow to it making it lyrical. Makes me think about the communist regime, and the need for music to help citizens unite.

repetition of the name, placing a form of blame on Dempsey.

an interesting juxtaposition of vibrant and lively (clear and bright) with harsh and cold (brittle and winter).

amongst the turmoil of the wasteland we continue to ask for an inner peace. While it may not be ever achieved externally, we can find it at least within ourselves

water is needed to sustain and redevelop life. Where it had caused destruction and demise in early poems, it ultimately holds the key to recreation and birth in this and all wastelands

Almost like a Limbo. I don't know why but I get visions a modern day (for Eliot's time) Illiad and the Odyssey.

burning ends the last poem, and water is associated with death in this one. The fluidity and life that is often brought with water is being challenged here.

meaningless sex. Sex because of lust not looking to have purpose or to reproduce. As a result, the act is distasteful in a sense.

The repetition of soft words creates fluidity then the harsher jug jug plays into being unnatural or forced.

going along with the greek theme, this imagery brings Madusa to mind. She is savage and ready to kill in order to become victorious.

reference to Cupid and love. Love in life is oftentimes a game to be played, methodical like chess

death can and often does lead to new life. So while often associated as a negative or scary thing, he proposes the viewpoint of birth from death

Here the concept of water, that is often associated with cleanse and rebirth is in fact causing death and destruction

an actual library? Or is this more abstract in the form of wanting to provide or spread knowledge?

repetition similar to triolets, villanells, rondels, rondeaus. The pattern is interesting in that triolets are outdated and a thing of the past, where as courage, constancy etc... are terms of power and encouragement. This also segways nicely into woodlands, meadows etc...flowing and water items. things that are wet as opposed to the dry triolets etc...

not sure what this means? I think it is Irish but without a footnote explaining, I am taken out of the piece trying to figure out what it means

who is they Robinson is referring to? Seems to imply the Clerks as in the title, but left very open.

Being of a "inferior" race creates a disconnect for all mankind. One has to differentiate life, work etc...into compartments that apply to black and white individuals, without mixing the two together. This burden falls upon the black community, as they are forced to conform into the mentalities of the white man.

This concept seems most outstanding to me. On a subconscious level, black people are made inherently aware of racism and as a result internalize it without even realizing that they are doing so. This almost psychological warfare is embedded into the foundations of lifestyle within our culture.

Innocence amongst children does exist, but very quickly does the veil take over. Children are not born with the notion of this "veil" but black children quickly come to realize and recognize it.

As a scholar, Adams seems to be conflicted on his stance with religion, but it is clear that he does respect the concept, and understands certain value that it carries. This being said, he also feels the pull and potential power that technology brings into play.

for modern man, technology has taken the place of where Christianity once ruled driving desires and motivations. Where before the church had control, technology seems to have taken over, but so much remains to be determined. The unknown is vast, and like faith, carries itself as a divine nature.

the wallpaper has finally become a clear symbol for readers. Our narrator is the woman in the pattern, and the bars/color/pattern is a representation of her family. It is what keeps her from release, and prevents her from growth. She has not fully connected the two yet, but it's unraveling in front of her

until this point, we haven't heard John's actual dialogue, just that of the narrator and her interpretation of how he treats her. He calls his wife a little girl, completely demeaning and bring her down, supporting the ongoing evidence the narrator doesn't directly admit to, but senses, in that her husband does not see her as independent or capable of survival on her own.

the consistent use throughout this story of single all capital words is an interesting way to emphasize her point. So far the capitalized words are trending as words that exasperate the narrator's emotion. I wonder if the goal of this is to make us as readers question the genuine nature of these thoughts she is having? She is definitely doubting herself and allowing her husband to have control over her mental state. These capitalizations make me as a reader think it's a way for her to release her disapproval or questioning of these moments of control.

"In reference to the custom by which runaway couples from England have been married in Gretna Green according to Scots law, without the parental consent required in England for those who have not attained their majority" (OED).

District in South-West London (OED).

"A four-wheeled coach for hire, typically drawn by two horses and with seating for six passengers" (OED).

"In relation to the senses or emotions: keenly, delicately; sharply, intensely, poignantly. Now frequently with aware, conscious" (OED).

"To set free, relinquish, or leave" (OED).

"A barrier placed across a road to stop passage till the toll is paid; a toll-gate" (OED).

The imaginary village and former residence of Mrs. Gardiner (Pemberley).