Exploring the Text

  1. What is the effect of the extended metaphor that Marge Piercy develops in the first seven lines of the poem? What is the effect of the shift to a new metaphor for the following four lines?

    Question

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    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: What is the effect of the extended metaphor that Marge Piercy develops in the first seven lines of the poem? What is the effect of the shift to a new metaphor for the following four lines?
  2. After the word “submerge” (l. 12), the poem shifts from figurative to literal language through line 17. How does this shift express Piercy’s attitude?

    Question

    WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=
    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: After the word “submerge” (l. 12), the poem shifts from figurative to literal language through line 17. How does this shift express Piercy’s attitude?
  3. What are “parlor generals” and “field deserters” (l. 15)? What function do they serve in the poem?

    Question

    WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=
    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: What are “parlor generals” and “field deserters” (l. 15)? What function do they serve in the poem?
  4. What does Piercy suggest through the juxtaposed phrases “the food must come in” and “the fire be put out” (l. 17)?

    Question

    WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=
    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: What does Piercy suggest through the juxtaposed phrases “the food must come in” and “the fire be put out” (l. 17)?
  5. How would you describe the speaker’s attitude toward the amphoras and vases that we see in museums?

    Question

    WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=
    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: How would you describe the speaker’s attitude toward the amphoras and vases that we see in museums?
  6. In “The Case for Working with Your Hands” (p. 449), Matthew B. Crawford refers to Piercy’s poem, specifically its two concluding lines. How does the poem inform Crawford’s position regarding work? Find another section of the poem that would likely appeal to Crawford. Explain your selection.

    Question

    WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=
    Chapter 7 - To Be of Use - Exploring the Text: In “The Case for Working with Your Hands” (p. 449), Matthew B. Crawford refers to Piercy’s poem, specifically its two concluding lines. How does the poem inform Crawford’s position regarding work? Find another section of the poem that would likely appeal to Crawford. Explain your selection.