'The Way Things Work' by Jorie Graham


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is by admitting
or opening away.
This is the simplest form
of current: Blue
moving through blue;
blue through purple;
the objects of desire
opening upon themselves
without us; the objects of faith.
The way things work
is by solution,
resistance lessened or
increased and taken
advantage of.
The way things work
is that we finally believe
they are there,
common and able
o illustrate themselves.
Wheel, kinetic flow,
rising and falling water,
ingots, levers and keys,
I believe in you,
cylinder lock, pully,
lifting tackle and
crane lift your small head--
I believe in you--
your head is the horizon to
my hand. I believe
forever in the hooks.
The way things work
is that eventually
something catches.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Way Things Work: A Profound Masterpiece of Imagery and Metaphor

There comes a time when every literary critic encounters a piece of work that leaves them stunned, their thoughts suspended in mid-air, as they try to grasp the full extent of the beauty and depth of the art before them. For me, that work is Jorie Graham's classic poem titled "The Way Things Work". With its masterful use of imagery, metaphor, and language, this poem is nothing short of a profound masterpiece that captures the essence of life and existence itself.

The Power of Imagery

One of the most striking features of "The Way Things Work" is the vivid imagery that Graham employs to convey her message. From the very first line, the reader is transported into a world of machines and mechanics, where "the way things work is that / eventually something catches." The use of the word "catches" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that there is a force at work that is beyond human control or understanding.

As the poem progresses, Graham continues to use rich and evocative imagery to describe the workings of the world around us. She writes of "the whirring belt that shrinks / the miles of sky to a hoop of flame" and "the spark that flings the toaster / into life." These images convey a sense of energy and dynamism, as if the forces of nature are alive and pulsing with power.

But it is not just the physical world that is given life through Graham's imagery. She also uses metaphor to explore the inner workings of the human psyche. For example, she writes of "the mind, / which is something like a gear-wheel, / turning, turning in its own imagined future." This metaphorical description of the mind suggests that we are constantly turning over our thoughts and ideas, trying to anticipate what lies ahead.

The Complexity of Metaphor

The use of metaphor in "The Way Things Work" is not just a stylistic choice; it is essential to the poem's message. Through her metaphors, Graham explores the complexity and interconnectedness of the world around us, suggesting that everything is part of a larger whole.

For example, she writes of "the weight of the door / as it closes behind you, / finally alone with the weed / of yourself." This metaphorical description of solitude suggests that we are all connected to the world around us, even when we feel completely alone. The image of the weed also suggests that there is something uncontrollable and wild about our inner selves, something that we cannot fully understand or tame.

Graham also uses metaphors to explore the idea of time and the passage of life. She writes of "the way the past / latches onto us, / the way it does not let us go." This metaphorical description of the past suggests that we are all shaped by our experiences, even if we try to move on from them. The image of the past "latching onto us" suggests that our memories are not just fleeting thoughts, but something that becomes a part of us, influencing who we are and who we will become.

The Power of Language

While the imagery and metaphors in "The Way Things Work" are undeniably powerful, it is the language itself that elevates this poem to the level of greatness. Graham's use of language is masterful, as she weaves together words and phrases to create a sense of rhythm and flow that is almost musical.

For example, she writes of "the way things work is that / eventually something catches." The repetition of the phrase "the way things work" creates a sense of inevitability, as if there is a force at work that is beyond our control. The short, staccato sentences also create a sense of urgency, as if we are being propelled forward by an unseen force.

Graham's use of language is also evident in her use of repetition and alliteration. She writes of "the hiss of the kettle, / the tick of the clock, / the whirring belt that shrinks / the miles of sky to a hoop of flame." The repetition of the "t" and "k" sounds creates a sense of rhythm and energy, as if the sounds themselves are alive and pulsing with power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Way Things Work" is a profound masterpiece of imagery, metaphor, and language that captures the essence of life and existence itself. Through her use of rich and evocative imagery, complex metaphors, and masterful language, Jorie Graham has created a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. As a literary critic, I am humbled and inspired by this poem, and I can only hope that others will find it as powerful and moving as I have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Way Things Work: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Jorie Graham's "The Way Things Work" is a poem that captures the essence of modern life in a way that few other works of literature can. With its complex imagery, intricate structure, and profound insights into the human condition, this poem is a true masterpiece of contemporary poetry.

At its core, "The Way Things Work" is a meditation on the nature of existence itself. The poem begins with a description of a "darkness" that is both "thick" and "heavy," suggesting a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. This darkness is then contrasted with the "light" of the world, which is described as "thin" and "fragile." This contrast sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the tension between these two opposing forces.

Throughout the poem, Graham uses a variety of metaphors and images to explore this tension. For example, she describes the world as a "machine" that is constantly in motion, with "gears" and "pulleys" that are constantly turning and grinding. This image of the world as a machine suggests a sense of order and control, but it also implies a sense of coldness and detachment.

Similarly, Graham uses the image of a "spider" to explore the idea of creation and destruction. The spider is described as "weaving" its web, but also as "devouring" its prey. This image suggests that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, and that the world is constantly in a state of flux.

One of the most striking features of "The Way Things Work" is its structure. The poem is divided into four sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience. The first section, which we have already discussed, explores the tension between darkness and light. The second section explores the idea of time, and how it shapes our lives. The third section explores the idea of language, and how it shapes our understanding of the world. And the fourth section explores the idea of love, and how it shapes our relationships with others.

Each section of the poem is structured in a different way, with its own unique rhythm and tone. For example, the second section is structured as a series of questions, each of which explores a different aspect of time. This structure creates a sense of urgency and uncertainty, as if the speaker is desperately trying to understand the nature of time before it slips away.

Similarly, the third section is structured as a series of fragmented images and phrases, which creates a sense of disorientation and confusion. This structure reflects the idea that language is often inadequate to capture the complexity of the world, and that we are constantly struggling to find the right words to express ourselves.

Despite its complexity, "The Way Things Work" is a deeply human poem. Throughout the poem, Graham explores the ways in which we are all connected to each other, and to the world around us. She suggests that even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty, there is always the possibility of love and connection.

In the final section of the poem, Graham writes:

"Love, we say, God, we say, Rome and Michiko, we write, and the words get it all wrong. We say bread and it means according to which nation. French has no word for home, and we have no word for strict pleasure."

These lines capture the essence of the poem, and of Graham's larger project as a poet. She suggests that language is always inadequate to capture the complexity of the world, and that we are constantly struggling to find the right words to express ourselves. But despite this, she suggests that there is always the possibility of connection and understanding, if we are willing to look for it.

In conclusion, "The Way Things Work" is a true masterpiece of modern poetry. With its complex imagery, intricate structure, and profound insights into the human condition, this poem captures the essence of contemporary life in a way that few other works of literature can. It is a testament to the power of language, and to the enduring human spirit that seeks to understand the world around us.

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