'Application For A Driving License' by Michael Ondaatje


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Two birds loved
in a flurry of red feathers
like a burst cottonball,
continuing while I drove over them.
I am a good driver, nothing shocks me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Application For A Driving License" by Michael Ondaatje: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you a fan of poetry? If you are, then you might have come across Michael Ondaatje's "Application For A Driving License." This poem is a classic that has been around for many years, and it continues to be studied and admired by many. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem in-depth, discussing its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

Introduction

"Application For A Driving License" is a poem that was first published in Michael Ondaatje's 1970 collection, "The Collected Works of Billy the Kid." The poem is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a particular rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is relatively short, with only 26 lines, but it packs a punch with its vivid imagery and symbolism.

Summary

The poem is written from the perspective of a young man who is applying for a driving license. He starts by describing the various documents and forms that he needs to fill out to obtain the license. However, as he moves through the application process, his thoughts start to wander, and he begins to reflect on his life.

He remembers his past experiences, including the time he spent with his girlfriend in a car. As he remembers this moment, he is overcome with emotion, and he laments the fact that he can't relive it. He also reflects on the fleeting nature of life and how everything eventually comes to an end.

The poem ends with the young man feeling frustrated and disillusioned. He realizes that the driving license won't provide him with the freedom and happiness that he craves, and he wonders if anything ever will.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "Application For A Driving License" is the passage of time. The poem is full of references to the fleeting nature of life, and the young man reflects on how quickly everything seems to pass. He realizes that he can't hold onto the past, and he mourns the fact that he can't relive his memories.

Another important theme in the poem is the search for meaning and purpose. The young man is applying for a driving license because he believes that it will provide him with a sense of freedom and happiness. However, as he moves through the application process, he realizes that this isn't the case. He becomes disillusioned and wonders if anything will ever bring him the fulfillment he craves.

Symbolism

"Application For A Driving License" is full of symbolism, and each image and symbol contributes to the overall meaning of the poem. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the car. The car represents freedom, independence, and the ability to go wherever you want. However, as the young man reflects on his life, he realizes that even with a car, he can't escape the passage of time.

Another important symbol in the poem is the clock. The clock is a reminder of the passage of time and how quickly everything seems to pass. The young man reflects on how he can't hold onto the past, and the clock symbolizes his frustration with this fact.

Literary Devices

"Application For A Driving License" employs several literary devices to create its overall effect. One of the most prominent devices in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions that create a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion. For example, when the young man remembers his time in the car with his girlfriend, he describes the "sea-wind [that] whipped through / his hair" and the "tide beat in his eyes." These images create a powerful sense of longing and nostalgia.

Another important literary device in the poem is repetition. The young man repeats the phrase "I remember" several times throughout the poem, and this repetition creates a sense of obsession and fixation. The repetition also emphasizes the importance of memory in the young man's life and how he is unable to let go of the past.

Conclusion

"Application For A Driving License" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most important themes in life, such as the passage of time, the search for meaning, and the importance of memory. The poem is full of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and effective literary devices, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and wonder for many readers.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Application For A Driving License: A Poem of Identity and Freedom

Michael Ondaatje’s poem “Application For A Driving License” is a powerful exploration of identity and the desire for freedom. The poem is a vivid portrayal of a young man’s journey towards self-discovery and independence, as he seeks to obtain a driving license and break free from the constraints of his past.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and imagery. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the young man’s hometown and his longing to escape it. The second stanza is a vivid description of the driving test, with its strict rules and regulations. The final stanza is a reflection on the young man’s newfound freedom, as he drives away from his past and towards a new future.

The poem begins with a description of the young man’s hometown, which is portrayed as a place of confinement and limitation. The town is described as “a town with one traffic light” and “a town where the only things moving / were boredom and ambition”. This imagery creates a sense of stagnation and frustration, as the young man longs for something more.

The second stanza is a vivid description of the driving test, with its strict rules and regulations. The young man is forced to navigate a series of obstacles, including “the stop sign, the sharp turn, / the hill, the fork, the light”. The strict rules of the test are portrayed as a metaphor for the constraints of society, which limit our freedom and prevent us from achieving our full potential.

The final stanza is a reflection on the young man’s newfound freedom, as he drives away from his past and towards a new future. The imagery in this stanza is particularly powerful, as the young man is described as “flying down the highway / with the radio on loud”. This image of speed and freedom is contrasted with the earlier imagery of the town, which was portrayed as slow and stagnant.

Throughout the poem, Ondaatje uses powerful imagery to convey the young man’s journey towards self-discovery and independence. The driving test is portrayed as a metaphor for the challenges we face in life, as we seek to break free from the constraints of society and discover our true selves. The young man’s journey towards freedom is a universal theme that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The poem also explores the theme of identity, as the young man seeks to define himself in a world that is constantly changing. The driving license is a symbol of his newfound independence, as he is no longer reliant on others for transportation. This newfound freedom allows him to explore new places and meet new people, as he seeks to define himself in a world that is constantly changing.

In conclusion, Michael Ondaatje’s poem “Application For A Driving License” is a powerful exploration of identity and the desire for freedom. The poem is a vivid portrayal of a young man’s journey towards self-discovery and independence, as he seeks to obtain a driving license and break free from the constraints of his past. The poem’s powerful imagery and universal themes make it a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

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