John Montague

John Montague

1. Difficult Chilhood

2. Emigrated to America at the time of the "The Great Depression"

   • Birth was complicated described in "The Locket"came out feet first instead of head first

3. Killing the pig

   • Description of slaughtering a pig
   • Opening is abrupt "The Noise"
   • Immediately the poet gives the pig a sense of identity by addressing him as "He was pulled out" making it more dramatic
     • Then addresses the readers directly and assumes what we are thinking "Don't say they are not intelligent"
       • uses vivid imagery to evoke our sympathy "They dig in their little trotters"
   • unique sound from the pig " That high pitched final effort" last cry for help embedded in his memory now
     • "a big plane roaring off a diva soaring towards her last note" trying to compare words can't justify what he has to the horrific noise
       • "full stop." end of the pigs life
         • "swiftly" repetion. It is a reoccurring procedure
         • "A child" Innocence and life
           • "walls of the farmyard still hold the scream" Death is common on farms

4. Unwanted child

5. All Legendary obstacles

   • love poem
   • Realistic view of love
   • Geographical poem
   • gives us an epic tale of the obstacles are the natural barriers of great America plans
   • Can be read on a symbolic level geographical distance = eustional distance physical obstacles represent difficulties in the relationship
   • stanza 2: "By the San Francisco chief or golden gate, water dripping from great flanged wheels" just as the train has to avoid obstacles so does their love
   • "until our chilled hands met" physically and emotionally cold from separation
   • mountains ups and downs

6. The same Gesture

   • Honest assessment of what love is
   • 1st Stanza: loves appearance "there is a secret room" lovers share "of golden light" richness of love
     • "love, violence" physical traits
       • "hatred is possible and again love" love is complex
   • though the world is mundane the memories of romances is never forgotten
   • Title: indicates reoccurring gesture
   • "like court music" elegance of love
     • "nakedly" highlights intimacy
   • "work, phone, drive" back to reality routine of everyday life