Certain lines in the poem also suggest a conflict between nature and the man made; for example, the opening line, “It seemed an unlikely match.” could suggest that the speaker feels as though machinery such as the chainsaw was not intended to be used against nature in this way, while the fact that the pampas grass regrows itself without any human intervention while the chainsaw requires extensive assistance by the speaker hints that the speaker sees nature as being superior to anything created by humans. In summary, ‘Chainsaw versus the Pampas Grass’ is about a man taking a chainsaw and cutting down the pampas grass of South America. The speaker is clutching at straws trying to justify the destruction of the grass! See also, in this section of the poem, how we move from ‘light’ to ‘bulbs’; ‘cuttings’ suggests the unkindest cut of all, that of the chainsaw mowing down the grass; ‘sunning itself’ makes the grass sound indolent and vain against the proactive movement of the chainsaw; ‘spears’ suggests a primitive form of weapon contrasted with the modern machinery of the electric chainsaw.
Similarily in the poem ‘Chainsaw versus the Pampas Grass’ explores the struggle for control between both masculine and feminine identities between the two and the speakers genders relationship with nature too. ‘Chainsaw versus Pampas Grass’ is a first person poem that explores the struggle for control between the 2 entities. Throughout the beginning of the poem it is clear that the Chainsaw is the male entity as it is portrayed through harsh actions ‘grinding it’s teeth whereas the pampas grass is more feminine compared to the chainsaw ‘taking the warmth and light.
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This is similar to Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass as it also replicates the same sadistic pleasure that a serial killer would feel through their violent acts. In Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass there is also a strong sense of coming alive and feeling for the first time which is shown through the last two lines of the third stanza in which the first reference to any of his feelings are shown directly after he took he chainsaw and ‘lifted it into the sun’. After violently cutting down the pampas grass he says ‘Overkill’ which is shown as a one-word sentence making it feel even more dramatic as though he is proud of the destruction he has caused.
chainsaw vs the pampas grass essay Related Question:
What is chainsaw versus the pampas grass about?
In summary, ‘Chainsaw versus the Pampas Grass’ is about a man (we assume the speaker is male) taking a chainsaw and cutting down the pampas grass of South America. The chainsaw is ‘overkill’ where such a simple task is concerned: one doesn’t need to use an electric chainsaw to cut grass.
How is power presented in chainsaw vs pampas grass?
‘Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass’ Key Themes Power: There is extreme power exhibited by the chainsaw throughout the poem, with the potential of harm adding to the sense of power and brutality. However, the grass also shows power albeit more subtly in that it is able to survive.
How is masculinity presented in chainsaw vs pampas grass?
In conclusion, both poems centre around a female versus male contest. Through the use of the chainsaw and the gun we see masculinity being a passionate, angry power while the pampas grass and the speaker in “The Gun” express femininity as consistent and gentle.
What is the tone of chainsaw versus the pampas grass?
‘Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass’ was first published in the poet’s 2002 collection The Universal Home Doctor. Within this piece, Armitage delvers into themes of man versus nature, violence, and defeat. The tone is direct, but also at times humorous.
How is power presented in Eat Me?
Power: Throughout ‘Eat Me’ the idea of power is very important because it is fundamental to the ‘feeder’ relationship. Without this power it wouldn’t be able to operate, and the objectification and possession would not be able to take place.
What is an easy passage about?
“An Easy Passage” follows a teenage girl’s precarious climb as she tries to sneak back into her house, contrasting her exciting and perilous struggle with the monotonous routines of adulthood. The girl might be in danger of getting hurt or in trouble, but she’s also exploring her sense of agency and pushing boundaries.
What is the poem material about?
‘Material’ by Ros Barber is an amusing, moving, and clever poem that speaks on the past and tradition through the symbol of a handkerchief. The poem takes the reader through the speaker’s youth and delves into her mother’s love of handkerchiefs. She always kept them on her person, usually up in her sleeves.
What is a minor role about?
‘A Minor Role’ by UA Fanthorpe explores the concept of an individual’s place in society, and the way that illness can impact it. Fanthorpe was born in London in 1929 and died in 2009, having become very well known for her work and her style of writing.
What is Simon Armitage’s most famous poem?
Simon Armitage was born in 1963 in Yorkshire. He was a probation officer in Greater Manchester. He is the current Poet Laureate of the U.K (2019-2029). His most well-known poems include ‘Kid’, ‘Homecoming’, ‘Poem’, and ‘Remains’.
What is history by John Burnside about?
Within ‘History’ Burnside explores themes of war, loss, and human nature. The mood is solemn throughout with a few more peaceful and wistful sections woven in. Even when the mood lightens and the speaker depicts a scene that is more peaceful, it is never without the presence of darkness.
What are chainsaws used for?
A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable gasoline-, electric-, or battery-powered saw that cuts with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain driven along a guide bar. It is used in activities such as tree felling, limbing, bucking, pruning, cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression, and harvesting of firewood.
What were chainsaws first used for?
Two doctors invented the chainsaw in 1780 to make the removal of pelvic bone easier and less time-consuming during childbirth. It was powered by a hand crank and looked like a modern-day kitchen knife with little teeth on a chain that wound in an oval.
How does a chainsaw work?
The Components of Chainsaw Most simply put, a chainsaw works by spinning a chain of saw blades, also called “teeth”, around a guide bar quickly to cut through wood in a fast, smooth motion. Sizes of blades/teeth and guide bars can vary greatly between chainsaws.
What is the message of the poem eat me?
Within ‘Eat Me’ Agbabi explores themes of abuse, control, and revenge. The tone is at times withdrawn, and submissive, and later on, resolved and determined. Agbabi creates a mood in this piece that should make a reader feel surprised and disturbed while contemplating the consequences of emotional and mental abuse.
How is violence presented in Eat Me?
Her partner can only see the speaker as a sexual object rather than a real person; he treats her as though she’s food that exists solely for his consumption. Through this, the poem suggests that men’s sexist objectification of women is an act of violence, dehumanizing women and eating away at their sense of self.