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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Note Passed to Superman" by Lucille Clifton is a fascinating poem that juxtaposes the mythic persona of Superman with the speaker's reality, creating a dialogue that transcends the comic book narrative to explore themes of identity, understanding, and the shared strangeness of human (and superhuman) experience. Through a conversational tone and an intimate address to Superman, Clifton crafts a piece that is both whimsical and deeply reflective, inviting readers to consider the complexities beneath the surface of both iconic heroes and everyday individuals. The poem opens with a playful yet earnest appeal to Superman, calling him "sweet jesus superman," immediately establishing a tone of familiarity and reverence. This address serves to both humanize the superhero and elevate him, blending the sacred with the pop cultural. The speaker expresses a wish that they could have recognized Superman in his iconic blue suit, suggesting that the outward signs of his heroism would have made his identity and purpose clear. The mention of "that choir boy Clark" refers to Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, characterized here as someone who can afford to be a passive observer, in contrast to Superman's active duty to save Metropolis. This distinction underscores the poem's exploration of identity and the facades that individuals maintain. The speaker acknowledges the burdens that come with Superman's role, including his constant battle against enemies "filthy with kryptonite." This acknowledgment serves as a bridge of empathy between the speaker's experience and Superman's, highlighting the universal struggle against one's vulnerabilities. The phrase "lord, man of steel" further emphasizes the admiration the speaker holds for Superman, acknowledging his strength and resilience. Yet, it's in understanding the "cape, the leggings, the whole / ball of wax" that the speaker communicates a deeper comprehension of the sacrifices and responsibilities entailed in being a superhero. This understanding extends beyond the physical attributes to the essence of Superman's mission and the loneliness that can accompany such a singular purpose. The poem culminates in a moment of connection and solidarity when the speaker confides, "you can trust me, / there is no planet stranger / than the one i'm from." This statement reveals the speaker's own feeling of otherness and displacement, mirroring Superman's alien origins. It's a declaration of shared experience, an acknowledgment that the strangeness of existence is not unique to beings from other planets but is a fundamental part of the human condition as well. "Note Passed to Superman" stands out as a poignant commentary on the search for understanding and connection in a world that often feels alien and incomprehensible. Through the lens of a familiar superhero narrative, Clifton invites readers to reflect on their own identities, challenges, and the universal desire to be seen and understood. The poem beautifully encapsulates the idea that beneath the extraordinary or the mundane, there exists a common ground of experience, a mutual strangeness that binds all beings in their quest for belonging and purpose.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IF I SHOULD (TO CLARK KENT) by LUCILLE CLIFTON FINAL NOTE TO CLARK by LUCILLE CLIFTON FURTHER NOTE TO CLARK by LUCILLE CLIFTON NORMAL LIGHT by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER BEHOLD THE MAN by BRYAN D. DIETRICH GIVE TO HER YOUR CLOAK ALSO by BRYAN D. DIETRICH HIS MACULATE ERECTION by BRYAN D. DIETRICH INSCRIPTION FOR AN ASYLUM by BRYAN D. DIETRICH SONNET: INSCRIPTION FOR A PORTRAIT OF DANTE by GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO |
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