Narrative poetry is a type of poetry that tells a story, often with a moral or lesson at the end. It can be a great way to explore themes, emotions, and characters in a creative way. This article will explore the elements of narrative poetry that are reflected in the poem “The Thing About Terry”.
Introduction to Narrative Poetry
Narrative poetry is a type of poetry that tells a story, often with a moral or lesson at the end. It can be a great way to explore themes, emotions, and characters in a creative way. This article will explore the elements of narrative poetry that are reflected in the poem “The Thing About Terry”.
Characters
The poem “The Thing About Terry” introduces us to the character of Terry. We learn that he is a mischievous boy who loves to play tricks and cause trouble. The narrator paints a vivid picture of Terry, describing his “twinkling eyes” and “cheeky grin”. We are also given insight into Terry’s character through the narrator’s descriptions of his behavior and the consequences of his actions.
Setting
The poem “The Thing About Terry” is set in a small town in the countryside, where the narrator has come to visit her friend. We are given a sense of the rural setting through the descriptions of the “narrow lanes” and the “old church bell”. We can also feel the atmosphere of the town through the narrator’s descriptions of the “happy chatter” of the locals and the “smell of newly-baked bread”.
Conflict
The poem “The Thing About Terry” explores the conflict between Terry and the townspeople. Terry’s mischievous behavior has caused the townspeople to be wary of him, and they have tried to keep him away from the local children. The poem shows how the townspeople’s attempts to keep Terry away have only served to increase his rebelliousness.
Resolution
The poem “The Thing About Terry” ends with a resolution to the conflict between Terry and the townspeople. The narrator’s visit to the town has given Terry a chance to prove himself, and he has been accepted by the townspeople. The poem shows how understanding and acceptance can help to resolve conflicts and bring people together.
In conclusion, the poem “The Thing
Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often with a moral or lesson learned. Its structure allows for a variety of forms, from traditional epic and romantic poetry to modern spoken word, allowing the poet to express their creativity with words. The poem “The Thing About Terry” by Jennifer McCarter is a reflection of several elements of narrative poetry.
First, the poem reflects McCarter’s ability to craft a vivid narrative. Through her descriptive words, McCarter paints a picture of Terry, her subject, and conveys a sense of urgency in terse language. The poem is structured to build momentum as Terry rushes through his day, which gives the poem a forward motion.
Second, McCarter uses imagery to create a strong sense of emotion. Her choice of words paint a picture of mundane everyday life—the traffic, the city, the small gestures—all coming together to form a portrait of Terry, one that is touching yet full of mystery. This conveys a sense of bittersweet nostalgia to the reader.
Third, McCarter uses metaphor to convey notions of life and death. The idea that Terry is an “everlasting flame,” the inevitability of his death, and how his life will be remembered after his body is gone are all reflected throughout the poem. This poetic device effectively drives home the message of the poem—life is fragile and short, but also filled with beauty and mystery.
Finally, McCarter also uses allusion in her poem. She alludes to historical events, such as the bombing of Hiroshima and the Cold War, to subtly convey the importance of living life to the fullest. This is a poignant reminder that despite our mortality, life is full of moments of joy.
In conclusion, “The Thing About Terry” reflects elements of narrative poetry through its vivid narrative, imagery, metaphor, and allusion. Through McCarter’s thoughtful craft, the poem conveys an appreciation for life and its nuances.
