pleased
the_vulture, has written an insightful analysis for the series Path of the Paladins. "The Symbolism of 'Stained' " discusses how the imagery and actions in the poem "Stained" reveal thematic aspects of the series and deep spiritual truths. I have linked to this essay from the Serial Poetry page, where you can also explore other poems in the series.This essay grew out of a conversation between me and
the_vulture. I asked him to flesh it out because I think that the world needs more thoughtful analysis of speculative poetry. It's very rare to see this stuff, outside a few academic fanzines devoted to analyzing the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Literary analysis invites people to think more deeply about what they read. It digs into literature and examines what makes it work (or not work), and why, and how. This one is written in eloquent yet everyday language rather than Academic Standard, so everyone can enjoy it. I encourage you to go read it and share your thoughts. Anyone else who wants to analyze speculative poetry (mine, yours, someone else's, whatever) is also heartily encouraged to do so. I tend to link this stuff when I find good examples.
Thoughts
September 22 2011, 06:08:02 UTC 9 years ago
I feel even more flattered. :)
>> but there was a lot of good stuff in 'Stained' to talk about. <<
*nod* Path of the Paladins is full of deep, serious stuff so a lot of its poems are very densely layered. In the poll I ran recently, it was one of the most popular series. It and Monster House were the favorite big series for most voters. Monster House poems are usually funny, though there are some serious underlying themes in that series too. It's interesting that the heaviest and the lightest of the big series won the most "favorite" votes.
Re: Thoughts
September 22 2011, 13:36:54 UTC 9 years ago
*nods* Sometimes we need to think heavily. Sometimes we need a break from thinking heavily.