The Names By Billy Collins Poem Analysis
Danielle Baxter
Ms. Seaton
Public Speaking S2
11 April 2016
[Title]
The poem The Names by William James Collins is about the tragic events of 9/11 and the people that were lost in the catastrophic events of the heartbreaking event. Mr. Collins illustrates the hurtful events and shows a deep understanding and respect for the tragic events that took place on 9/11. Mr. Collins brings in harsh and truthful events that left a lasting impact on me and others who read this meaningful poem. William James Collins, also known as Billy Collins, is an American poet who was born in Manhattan, New York on March 22, 1941. Mr. Collins was appointed poet laurate for the United States in the years 2001 to 2003. Mr. Collins has written eighteen books that share all of his poetry and won many awards because of it. When Ms. Collins was younger, he grew up an only child in Manhattan. Later in his life, Mr. Collins …show more content…
Mr. Collins uses lots of literary device like imagery, metaphors, and extended metaphors (or allegory) to describe the brutalityof the day and effect thatwill last on this country forever. The poem recreates a deep meaning to anyone who was effected by the attacks on the United States, but also effects those who may not have been as involved in the terrible terrorist attacks. Mr. Collins uses the names of the victims of 9/11 and puts them in alphabetical order: each letter represents a different person who lost their life. The letters begin to symbolize the names and lives lost. Mr. Collins ends the poem with “So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart” (55). This reminds the readers that the number of people who died during this tragic day is vast. The saddest part is, all the victims of 9/11 weren’t even accounted for. Let us not forget the tragic lives that were lost in the dreadful day of mourning,
Ms. Seaton
Public Speaking S2
11 April 2016
[Title]
The poem The Names by William James Collins is about the tragic events of 9/11 and the people that were lost in the catastrophic events of the heartbreaking event. Mr. Collins illustrates the hurtful events and shows a deep understanding and respect for the tragic events that took place on 9/11. Mr. Collins brings in harsh and truthful events that left a lasting impact on me and others who read this meaningful poem. William James Collins, also known as Billy Collins, is an American poet who was born in Manhattan, New York on March 22, 1941. Mr. Collins was appointed poet laurate for the United States in the years 2001 to 2003. Mr. Collins has written eighteen books that share all of his poetry and won many awards because of it. When Ms. Collins was younger, he grew up an only child in Manhattan. Later in his life, Mr. Collins …show more content…
Mr. Collins uses lots of literary device like imagery, metaphors, and extended metaphors (or allegory) to describe the brutalityof the day and effect thatwill last on this country forever. The poem recreates a deep meaning to anyone who was effected by the attacks on the United States, but also effects those who may not have been as involved in the terrible terrorist attacks. Mr. Collins uses the names of the victims of 9/11 and puts them in alphabetical order: each letter represents a different person who lost their life. The letters begin to symbolize the names and lives lost. Mr. Collins ends the poem with “So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart” (55). This reminds the readers that the number of people who died during this tragic day is vast. The saddest part is, all the victims of 9/11 weren’t even accounted for. Let us not forget the tragic lives that were lost in the dreadful day of mourning,