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An epigram
| Critical Analysis #2 |
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An epigram |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
An epigram: You think I’m like you, but I’m not. Where you see structures, I see rot. It's something of a dismal view. I would not pass it on to you. Ugh. Jim [This message has been edited by oceanvu2 (12-24-2007 06:26 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Jim Aitken - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
Is the four line epigram something new? I always thought that they only had two. quote: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Sorry Jim I couldn't resist  |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
dear Jim, I read the poem and I like the philosophy here. But is it based on something? (why I always ask this kind of question?) But I do want to know. have a wonderful day. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Are you picking on Essorant again? Don't get too upset Ess or Jim ... that bit about "structure" and "rot" simply reminded me of some of your friendly frays in the past. Stephen |
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chopsticks Senior Member
since 2007-10-02
Posts 888The US, |
“ You think I’m like you, but I’m not.” Ocean, for what its worth you lost me in the first line, I have never thought you were like me. |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Grinch: Aw, I was gonna write four-liner in my defense, but hey, you're right. I write four liners and call them epigrams. It's not new, it's just wrong. Since I've posted a number of these, maybe I'll change the name to "Jimbollucks." Stephen: Moi? Picking on Ess? I wouldn't stand a chance. This offhand little poem has nothing to do Ess, or poetry. It has to do with looking at "structures," the surface of things, and seeing not the surface, but the decay within the walls. Not an attractive outlook, not to be wished on anyone, but, nevertheless, a POV. Chopsticks: I realize that we don't often share similar viewpoints. Again, however, the poem is not directed towards anyone in particular. Best, Jim Aitken |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
A Sonnet for Jim Maybe epigrams do have two lines in But me nit-picking names is - well whining So go right ahead with four lines instead Just as long as you carry on rhyming. |
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Yejun Junior Member
since 2007-11-21
Posts 49 |
There once was a long-winded epigram, But really in the end who gives a damn? His name was Grinch And he had an itch To write yet another perplexing sham. |
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Bob K Member Elite
since 2007-11-03
Posts 4208 |
Actually, according to my Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics, Steroid Version, 1990, epigrams are distinguished more by tone than actual length, and 4 line epigrams are possible. The article sort of suggests that your face will fall off and the earth will fall into the sun if you go longer than the four lines, but I figure if you can get everybody to think what you're doing is unquestionably fabulous, who's about to complain? I can't remember the epigram about the Spartans with the Byron translation and loads of others—Go tell the Spartans... Is that a four liner, or not? Aside from the question of the number of lines, though, Do you like oceanview2's poem? Myself, yes. I enjoy the sheer playfulness of it. But maybe you folks want something different and interesting that I haven't thought about yet. I'm not about to give up my love of playfulness, but maybe you can help me appreciate something I'm missing. Curiously, BobK. |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
quote: I think I’ve spotted why they think epigrams should be bigger. quote: Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by That here, obedient to their laws, we lie. -Simonides The original is written in four lines but all the translations I’ve read are compressed into two. Oddly there’s one school of thought that would class this as an epitaph rather than an epigram but I think that given the history of epigram evolution the terms are interchangeable in this case. Is it two or four? The epigram evolved into a standard two line form although as you point out four line epigrams aren’t uncommon. quote: I don’t have a real problem with the number of lines - my original reply was a little tongue in cheek written in the form of a traditional two line epigram. As to whether I like it - it’s ok, I wouldn’t print it out and hang it on my wall - but then again I don’t think Jim would either. |
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chopsticks Senior Member
since 2007-10-02
Posts 888The US, |
Ocean, my reply had nothing to do with our point of view. I thought you were using YOU as second person singular, but I guess I was wrong . TomToo, pay attention, this is how a rookie would tell Tom Brady how to call an audible at the line of scrimmage. |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
All: Happy Christmas day! Jim |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
You too, dear Jim. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. Let the day be the brightest to bleach out the past darkness to shine in a dazzling future Tomtoo |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Though it's no longer the fashion To be Ogden-Nashian, I suggest that it is perfectly reasonable to write poems either at length or with brevity, When the object is levity. Jimbeaux. Feeling good! |
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Brad Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705Jejudo, South Korea |
Oh, that's good. LOL |
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