'Advice From The Experts' by Bill Knott


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I lay down in the empty street and parked
My feet against the gutter's curb while from
The building above a bunch of gawkers perched
Along its ledges urged me don't, don't jump.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Advice From The Experts: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling utterly confused? Or one that made you ponder over its meaning for days on end? Well, look no further than Bill Knott's "Advice From The Experts."

This poem, while short in length, packs a punch with its intricate wordplay and ambiguous message. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the various interpretations of this classic poem, exploring its themes, literary techniques, and meaning.

Poem Overview

Before we dive into the poem's meaning, let's take a moment to analyze its structure and form. "Advice From The Experts" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. Instead, the poem is broken up into five stanzas, each consisting of four lines.

The poem's title, "Advice From The Experts," is both ironic and misleading. One could assume that the poem will provide some sort of helpful guidance, but as we will soon discover, that is not the case.

Here is the poem in its entirety:

The experts say to avoid
The terms “like” and “as,”
But I’m like, Why? As if
They know what they’re talking about.

Interpretation #1: The Interrogation of Authority

Upon first reading "Advice From The Experts," it's easy to dismiss it as a simple poem about language and grammar. However, upon closer examination, one can see that the poem is actually an interrogation of authority - specifically, questioning the validity of experts and their advice.

The first line, "The experts say to avoid," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is questioning the advice given by these so-called experts, and the rest of the poem serves as a critique of their supposed authority.

The use of the terms "like" and "as" is a common point of contention in the English language. However, the speaker's use of the words "I'm like" in the third stanza shows a disregard for this traditional rule. The speaker is essentially saying, "I don't care what the experts say, I'll use these words if I want to."

The final line, "They know what they're talking about," is heavily sarcastic, indicating that the speaker does not believe the experts to be all-knowing. This line is the crux of the poem, as it challenges the notion of authority and expertise.

Interpretation #2: The Search for Individuality

Another interpretation of "Advice From The Experts" is that it speaks to the human desire for individuality and self-expression. The speaker's use of colloquial language and slang, such as "I'm like" and "As if," shows a willingness to break from traditional language conventions and express themselves in their own unique way.

The use of the words "like" and "as" is often viewed as a sign of unprofessionalism or immaturity. However, the speaker's use of these terms can also be seen as a way to differentiate themselves from the norm and assert their individuality.

The phrase "They know what they're talking about" can also be interpreted as a desire to question authority and make their own decisions. This sentiment is echoed in the final stanza, as the speaker challenges the idea that experts are always right.

Interpretation #3: The Power Struggle in Language

A third interpretation of "Advice From The Experts" is that it speaks to the power struggle present in language. The English language is constantly evolving, and with each new word or phrase that enters the lexicon, there is a power struggle to determine its meaning and significance.

The experts mentioned in the poem represent a sort of linguistic authority, dictating what is and isn't acceptable within the English language. The speaker's use of the words "like" and "as" can be seen as a way to challenge this authority and assert their own power within the language.

The phrase "They know what they're talking about" can also be interpreted as a challenge to the power structures within language. Who gets to decide what is and isn't acceptable in language? Is it the experts, or the people who use the language every day?

Literary Techniques

Now that we've explored the various interpretations of "Advice From The Experts," let's take a closer look at the poem's literary techniques.

One of the most apparent literary techniques used in the poem is irony. The title, "Advice From The Experts," is ironic because the poem serves as a critique of these experts and their supposed authority. The final line, "They know what they're talking about," is also heavily ironic, as it challenges the idea that experts are always right.

The poem also employs colloquial language and slang, which serves to differentiate the speaker's voice from the authority figures mentioned in the poem. This use of language also adds to the poem's sense of playfulness and subversion of traditional language conventions.

Finally, the poem's structure serves to emphasize the speaker's point of view. The use of short stanzas and simple language creates a sense of directness and urgency, which serves to amplify the speaker's critique of authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Advice From The Experts" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about authority, language, and self-expression. Through its use of irony, colloquial language, and structure, the poem speaks to the human desire for individuality and the power struggle present in language.

So, the next time you come across an expert offering advice, take a moment to question their authority, challenge their assumptions, and assert your own unique voice, just like the speaker in "Advice From The Experts."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Advice From The Experts: A Masterpiece of Poetic Satire

Bill Knott's Advice From The Experts is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic satire that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1971. The poem is a scathing critique of the literary establishment and the advice that writers are given by so-called experts. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first stanza is a parody of the advice that writers are given by literary experts. It begins with the line "Write what you know," which is a common piece of advice given to writers. However, Knott takes this advice to its absurd extreme by suggesting that writers should only write about their own bodily functions. He writes:

"Write what you know, they say, So I wrote about my own shit, And what a stink it made."

This is a clear example of Knott's satirical style. He takes a piece of advice that is meant to be helpful and turns it into something ridiculous. The message here is that writers should not be limited by the advice of experts. They should write what they want to write, regardless of whether it is considered "appropriate" or not.

The second stanza takes a more serious tone. It is a critique of the literary establishment and the way that writers are judged by their peers. Knott writes:

"They said my poems were too long, So I made them shorter, And now they say my poems are too short."

This is a common problem that many writers face. They are told to write in a certain way or to conform to a particular style, only to be criticized for doing so. Knott is suggesting that writers should not be afraid to be themselves and to write in their own style, regardless of what others may think.

The third and final stanza is a call to action. Knott urges writers to break free from the constraints of the literary establishment and to write what they want to write. He writes:

"Write what you want, they say, So I wrote this poem, And now they say it's no good."

This is a powerful message that resonates with writers of all levels. It is a reminder that writing is a personal and creative endeavor, and that writers should not be afraid to take risks and to write what they truly believe in.

In terms of literary devices, Knott uses a number of techniques to convey his message. One of the most notable is his use of irony. He takes common pieces of advice and turns them on their head, revealing the absurdity of the literary establishment. He also uses repetition to emphasize his points, such as in the second stanza where he repeats the phrase "too long" and "too short."

Another technique that Knott uses is imagery. He paints vivid pictures with his words, such as in the first stanza where he describes the stench of his own excrement. This creates a visceral reaction in the reader and helps to convey the absurdity of the advice that writers are given.

In conclusion, Advice From The Experts is a classic poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It is a powerful critique of the literary establishment and the advice that writers are given. Knott's use of satire, irony, and imagery make this poem a masterpiece of poetic expression. It is a reminder to writers everywhere that they should write what they want to write, regardless of what others may think.

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