Exploring the Text

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Exploring the Text

  1. What is the tone of “Variations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams”?

    Question

    Exploring the Text: - What is the tone of “Variations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams”?
  2. The expression “variations on a theme” comes from music, where it means that material is repeated in an altered form. Why do you think Kenneth Koch called his parody of the William Carlos Williams poem a variation on a theme?

    Question

    Exploring the Text: - The expression “variations on a theme” comes from music, where it means that material is repeated in an altered form. Why do you think Kenneth Koch called his parody of the William Carlos Williams poem a variation on a theme?
  3. Do you consider this poem a love note? Explain your reasons.

    Question

    Exploring the Text: - Do you consider this poem a love note? Explain your reasons.
  4. Williams was a doctor. How does knowing that change the meaning of the last line of Koch’s poem?

    Question

    Exploring the Text: - Williams was a doctor. How does knowing that change the meaning of the last line of Koch’s poem?
  5. What is the effect of the undertone of violence in this poem?

    Question

    Exploring the Text: - What is the effect of the undertone of violence in this poem?