Breasts by Charles Simic
The written word, much like music, can evoke powerful emotions. A poet can take a simple subject, and based on his or her choice of words and the use of language and literary devices, can turn it into artwork. In Charles Simic's poem, "Breasts," I will discuss how the piece is influenced by the use of diction and music. Despite the poem's subject matter, it does not have a conversational tone. It reads very formally, which gives it a somewhat classy, mature tone. However, mixed in with the formalities are simple words, which allow the poem a light-hearted feeling. The contradiction between the formality of the writing and the simplicity of the words chosen leaves a relaxed, free-spirited tone to the poem. For example, in the fourth stanza, Simic writes, "They bring on their nipples/Beads of inaudible sighs/Vowels of delicious clarity/For the little red schoolhouse of our mouths." Simple words, powerful images, and all the while, teetering on playfulness. One of the words that immediately stands out among the rest is "schoolhouse." I think of 'schoolhouse' and I think of children, and with th
oughts of children in mind, the poem about breasts suddenly becomes sweet and charming. However, the images accompanied with the mention of food and drink are not always used in a sensual context. In the sixth stanza, Simic writes, "They draw nearer; Animal/Presence. In the barn/The milk shivers in the pail." Here, of course, Simic talks about "the milk," which could also be a mother's milk, the food of life for a child. Simic repeatedly mentions food and drink in this poem, which add a sensuality to the piece. The mouth is sensual, as are the breasts, and the two together are electrifying. With Simic's choice of words, the reader is taken on a journey of the senses. In the seventh stanza, Simic writes, "I like to come up to them/From underneath, like a kid/Who climbs on a chair/To reach a jar of forbidden jam." Comparing the breasts to the "forbidden jam" makes them seem verboten, dangerous, yet delicious and desired. It is very erotic and sinful. More of the same delicious naughtiness if apparent in the final stanza, where he writes, "I will tip each breast/Like a dark heavy grape/Into t
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Approximate Word count = 747
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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