The subjects that Williams observes and depicts in his poetry are not unnatural, mythical or imaginary, but "the immediate and local"(pg.8.) The everyday occurrences in everyday life were the subjects of Williams' interest, especially the "tawdry, vulgar...[and] grotesque"(pg.22.) He was interested in the "observation without comment... [using] common speech... [and depicting] homely details..."(pg.12.)

In the 'Imagist Manifesto,' Williams (together with his colleagues) points out the

Although Williams was criticised for choosing 'inappropriate' subjects for his poetry, for using language that was too simplistic and taking the 'easier way' by employing free-verse forms, it was exactly this minimalist approach that made his poems so accessible, so 'true to life' and rich in perception. The first stanza in particular is so detailed and simple, it establishes the scene, places the Poor Old Woman into context and leaves the reader with an impression of bearing witness to an artist in the process of creation. He adds detail, bit by bit and thus creates the 'outline' to which he adds the sensory and emotional 'colours.' He places the reader alongside his own position (he addresses us individually in line 8, inviting us to see what he does.) We regard the Poor Old Woman together, celebrate her 'feast' together, and let our senses and her actions determine what is happening. In this sense, Williams is simply a medium, a tool that records an image or sensation as it is and lets the audience decide what it means, if anything at all (it is possible that Williams intended nothing but a recording of the experience, when writing this poem.)

Williams makes no use of symbolism, metaphors or similes in the poem. Instead, he creates a concrete image, which is given detail by sensory descriptions; especially those relating to sight, sound and taste. By using simple language that draws on the experience of the senses, he creates a 'sharper' more realistic image. The "ripe plums" in line13 is a simple image, but packed with sensory associations. We imagine their colour, their sweet smell and Williams directs our attention to the their other qualities; the way they seem "to fill the air"(ll.14) with their presence and scent. The way they possess the Poor Old Woman's complete attention and in the way that she "...gives herself"(ll.9) into their allure.

It is interesting to note that Williams uses enjambment throughout the whole poem. This is how he establishes a rhythm, which closely resembles the actions of the Poor Old Woman as she eats the plum: the munching and swallowing actions of her hunger. The third stanza seems to be a 'physical detail' of the emotions that Williams represented in the stanza before. By writing, "You can see it..."(ll.8) he invites us to visualise and participate in her moment of pleasure.

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Approximate Word count = 1573
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)