'Cartoon Physics, Part 1' by Nick Flynn


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Children under, say, ten, shouldn't know
that the universe is ever-expanding,
inexorably pushing into the vacuum, galaxies

swallowed by galaxies, whole

solar systems collapsing, all of it
acted out in silence. At ten we are still learning

the rules of cartoon animation,

that if a man draws a door on a rock
only he can pass through it.
Anyone else who tries

will crash into the rock. Ten-year-olds
should stick with burning houses, car wrecks,
ships going down -- earthbound, tangible

disasters, arenas

where they can be heroes. You can run
back into a burning house, sinking ships

have lifeboats, the trucks will come
with their ladders, if you jump

you will be saved. A child

places her hand on the roof of a schoolbus,
& drives across a city of sand. She knows

the exact spot it will skid, at which point
the bridge will give, who will swim to safety
& who will be pulled under by sharks. She will learn

that if a man runs off the edge of a cliff
he will not fall

until he notices his mistake.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analyzing the Wonders of "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" by Nick Flynn

Are you ready to enter the realm of cartoon physics? Buckle up, folks, because Nick Flynn's "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" is about to take you on a wild ride.

This classic poem, first published in 2000, is a playful and imaginative exploration of the laws of physics as they apply to the world of cartoons. Flynn's clever use of language and vivid imagery invite the reader to suspend disbelief and embrace the fantastical.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the meaning and significance of this beloved poem, examining its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

The Art of Cartoon Physics

One of the most striking aspects of "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" is its artistic quality. The poem is a masterpiece of wordplay and vivid imagery, painting an enchanting picture of a world where anything is possible.

Flynn's use of language is particularly notable. He employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, metaphor, and personification, to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. Consider the following lines:

They say a dog chased her once
and she outran it—
that woman, laughing,
and an intact set of dishes
in her hands.

These lines are a prime example of Flynn's skill with language. The alliteration in "intact set of dishes" creates a musical quality that draws the reader in, while the use of personification in "laughing" gives the woman a sense of agency and personality.

Throughout the poem, Flynn uses these and other literary devices to create a sense of whimsy and wonder. The result is a work of art that transcends genre and captivates the reader's imagination.

Themes in "Cartoon Physics, Part 1"

At its core, "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" is a meditation on the power of imagination. The poem celebrates the limitless possibilities that exist within the world of cartoons, where the laws of physics are suspended and anything can happen.

This theme is evident throughout the poem, from the opening lines:

Children under, say, ten, shouldn't know that the universe is ever-expanding, inexorably pushing into the vacuum, galaxies swallowed by galaxies, whole solar systems collapsing, all of it acted out in silence.

Here, Flynn creates a sense of wonder and awe, inviting the reader to imagine the vastness of the universe and the infinite potential that exists within it. The use of the word "silence" is particularly notable, as it suggests that the wonders of the universe are beyond human comprehension.

Later in the poem, Flynn explores the theme of transformation. He describes a world where objects and people can change shape and form at will, where "a man could simply turn into a bicycle" and "a woman would float above the city,
attached to a hot-air balloon."

This theme of transformation is significant, as it suggests that anything is possible in the world of cartoons. The poem celebrates the power of imagination to transcend the limits of the physical world and explore new possibilities.

Symbolism in "Cartoon Physics, Part 1"

In addition to its themes, "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" is rich in symbolism. Flynn uses a variety of symbols and motifs to create a sense of depth and meaning within the poem.

One of the most notable symbols in the poem is the image of the woman with the intact set of dishes. This image appears twice in the poem, and each time it carries a different meaning.

In the first instance, the woman is described as "laughing" as she outruns a dog. This image suggests that the woman is carefree and unencumbered, able to embrace the whimsy and wonder of the cartoon world.

In the second instance, the woman is described as "floating above the city, attached to a hot-air balloon." This image suggests a sense of freedom and possibility, as the woman is able to transcend the limits of the physical world and explore new horizons.

Another notable symbol in the poem is the image of the bicycle. Flynn describes a world where "a man could simply turn into a bicycle" and suggests that this transformation is possible because "in this world,
a character could turn his back on the world, walk into the pages of a comic book."

This image of the bicycle suggests a sense of mobility and freedom, as the man is able to transform himself and explore new possibilities. It also suggests a sense of detachment from the physical world, as the man is able to walk into the pages of a comic book and escape the limitations of reality.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Magic of Imagination

In the end, "Cartoon Physics, Part 1" is a celebration of the magic of imagination. Through its playful language, vivid imagery, and rich symbolism, the poem invites the reader to embrace the whimsy and wonder of the cartoon world and explore new possibilities.

As readers, we are reminded of the power of imagination to transcend the limits of the physical world and create new realities. We are invited to suspend disbelief and embrace the fantastical, to see the universe as a place of infinite wonder and possibility.

So why not take a journey into the world of cartoon physics? Strap on your rocket boots, grab your jetpack, and join Nick Flynn on a wild ride through the universe of imagination. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Cartoon Physics, Part 1: An Analysis of Nick Flynn's Classic Poem

Nick Flynn's poem Cartoon Physics, Part 1 is a classic piece of literature that has captivated readers for years. The poem is a playful and imaginative exploration of the laws of physics as they apply to the world of cartoons. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with a playful tone, as the speaker introduces the idea of cartoon physics. The first line, "Children under, say, ten, shouldn't know / that the universe is ever-expanding," sets the stage for the whimsical and imaginative tone of the poem. The speaker is suggesting that children should be shielded from the harsh realities of the universe and instead be allowed to revel in the magic of cartoons.

The poem then goes on to explore the laws of physics as they apply to the world of cartoons. The speaker describes how cartoon characters can defy gravity, survive explosions, and even come back to life after being flattened by a steamroller. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, such as the description of a character "hanging in midair, / held aloft by the belief of his animator."

One of the key themes of the poem is the power of imagination. The speaker suggests that the laws of physics are not fixed and immutable, but rather are shaped by our beliefs and perceptions. In the world of cartoons, anything is possible, as long as we believe it to be so. This idea is encapsulated in the line, "In the cartoon, / you can jump off a cliff, / plummet into the canyon, / then just walk away."

Another theme of the poem is the idea of escapism. The speaker suggests that cartoons offer us a way to escape from the harsh realities of the world and enter into a world of pure imagination. This idea is expressed in the line, "In the cartoon, / you can be crushed by an anvil, / walk away unscathed."

The language of the poem is playful and imaginative, with vivid descriptions and clever wordplay. The speaker uses a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and metaphor, to create a sense of whimsy and wonder. For example, the line "In the cartoon, / you can fall from a ten-story building, / / and a piano will fall on you, / but you will be fine" uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and playfulness.

Overall, Cartoon Physics, Part 1 is a delightful and imaginative poem that explores the power of imagination and the magic of cartoons. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and playful language, making it a joy to read. Whether you are a fan of cartoons or simply appreciate the power of imagination, this poem is sure to delight and inspire you.

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