Billy Collins Essay

William Carlos Williams was from Rutherford, New Jersey, born in 1883. By trade, he was both a doctor and writer. Williams published poetry, novels, and essays in small magazines. Williams started as an imagist movement poet, “which emphasized simplicity, clarity of expression, and precision through the use of exacting visual images” (poets.org). He later began to write more about the life of everyday people. His poem, “The Widow’s Lament in Springtime” follows this writing style.

The Novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey revolves around a young boy named Charlie Bucktin living in the small Australian town of Corrigan in the 1960’s. Charlie is exposed to the confronting issues of racial prejudice, injustice and moral duality. He is challenged to question right from wrong, has to come to the realization that law doesn’t always uphold justice and we as readers are positioned to understand that people are capable of holding two conflicting values and remain in confortable harmony. The ideas are portrayed through Silvey’s use of narrative conventions that are used to either challenge or reinforce our values, attitudes and beliefs on the issues explored.

Charlie Bucktin learns a great deal about himself, others, Corrigan and important lessons that will help him live a better life in Jasper Jones. In the novel, Charlie goes through some experiences that teach him some of life’s great lessons. In particular he comes to learn a great deal about trust, love, facing and overcoming fear, role models and racial prejudice.

A shift in focus from the students to himself creates an interesting structure in the poem. Collins began discussing his disinterest of his students and their laughable yet pathetic lifestyle. Then toward the end, the author shifts to speak about himself. He expresses the impact of being a long time teacher and the loneliness that comes along with it. Collins creates the detailed image of his colonial house, the deflated car, and vines growing on the porch swing, revealing his depression and sense of being trapped. Therefore, the author connects how past students have driven him to insanity and caused him to create a false reality in his head.

He wrote his first poem at the age of six and was the first African-American poet to gain national stature and recognition by white America. In 1892 his first collection of poetry, Oak and Ivey, was published but in 1895 he inherited national fame with his second book entitled, Majors and Minors, and soon after gained international fame.

The Poem “Introduction to Poetry” is by Billy Collins, an English poet, and it is about how teachers often force students to over-analyze poetry and to try decipher every possible meaning portrayed throughout the poem rather than allowing the students to form their own interpretation of the poem based on their own experiences.

Novelist and critic Carl Van Vetchen helped Hughes to get his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, published by Knopf. As shown in The Weary Blues, Hughes addresses the life of urban blacks. In this book, he becomes among one of the first poets to use jazz rhythm. In 1927, Hughes published his second volume of poetry, Fine Clothes to the Jew. Also in 1927, Hughes graduated form Lincoln and earned his Bachelor of the Arts (B.A.) degree. In 1940, Hughes published his autobiography of his life so far, twenty-eight years, The Big Sea. He focuses on his role in the Harlem Renaissance, and his life in

Miles Davis represents the pinnacle of modern American Jazz. He was one of the foremost pioneers in the inventions of cool jazz, hard bop, free jazz, fusion and techno. He was, arguably one of the most influential figures in music, pushing the boundaries of what was commonly known as jazz into new directions that most people thought was impossible.

Williams’ journey to success began when he wanted to start writing at a young age. “Williams’, was born in September 17, 1883 and was of Puerto Rican-American descent” (Poetry Foundation). The benefit of Williams being of different Nationalities allowed for him to diversify the languages that he would write poetry in. Williams had humble beginnings, this becomes evident when the text states, “He was raised in Rutherford,New Jersey and his family gave him a strong influence to continue to write, this caused Williams’ to pursue a career in writing poetry, which was lengthy and successful”(PoetryArchive.com).The success of Williams’ career in poetry was not recognized during his lifetime. In 1963, for his writing, was given the Pulitzer prize after his death, for his piece, “ Brueghel,” (Biography.com). The Pulitzer Prize that was awarded to Williams helped show that he was an admirable poet. Williams’ life as a successful writer began when he had taken

In The Education of a Prophet: Jonah John Piper discusses the idea of Christians that have strong racist views. He starts his sermon by talking about his hometown church and its racist members, then he compares these people to members of the Ku Klux Klan, and last of all he discussed the nationalistic views Jonah had. Piper had found the idea of Christians harboring racist views troubling and made several arguments on why Christians cannot be racist. According to John Piper, church members of his mother’s church are racists because they voted against blacks from attending their congregation; however the members are Christians and yet they harbor such racist views.

From controversial events to ordinary life stories, Billy Collins writes about various topics in different perspectives just like a chameleon, changing its colors to fit with its surrounding. Collins talks in a gentle, yet humorous way; he illustrates a profound understanding through a clear observation. His writing style blends humor and solemnity in one entity. Throughout his poetry, Collins demonstrates, in a witty and satirical voice, his insightfulness towards the objects, using numerous poetic devices, especially allusions and metaphors to effectively convey his messages, most of which revolves around the theme of death.

When Billy Collins wrote “The Names” America was enamored by tragedy. Speaking of tragedy, the pain in his poem is shockingly detailed among few lines. The presentation of his captivating words, paints pictures in the minds of his readers. At least it did for me as I read this piece of his work. The United States monuments Sept. 11, 2001, as the day that will never be forgotten, many would definitively agree. My insight on his work will reflect on the effects this attack had on our communities, lives of Americans and the tightening of the security we hold in the U.S.A.

Financial journalist and New York Times best seller, Michael Lewis is the author of many published books on various subjects ranging from politics to Wall Street. 2008 global financial meltdown with the build-up the housing and credit bubble during the 2000s are the main topics of some of his best sellers’ books: “Flash Boys”, “The Big Short”, and “Boomerang”. Rare storyteller’s ability to make the virtually any subject, lucid and compelling is the main reason of his popularity.

William Faulkner, the eldest son to parents Murry and Maud Butler Falkner, was born in New Albany, Mississippi in 1897. Although Faulkner was not a keen student in high school, which eventually lead to his dropping out before graduation, he was very enthusiastic about undirected learning. After years of studying independently, Faulkner allowed a friend of his family, Phil Stone, to assist him with his academic vocation. This relationship inspired Faulkner and after a short period spent with the Royal Air Force in 1918 he decided to go to university where he began writing and publishing poetry. In 1924 Stone’s financial assistance helped Faulkner publish a

James Joyce was born in the late 1800s in Dublin, Ireland. Joyce came from a big family; he was the eldest of ten children. It is known that Joyce was not raised in a stable household. His father, John, was a known alcoholic and his family did not have much money due to his father’s constant spending. Despite the family 's continuous financial instability, however, Joyce 's father was aware of his son