Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
"Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" is a poem written by Robert Frost that explores the theme of nature and the individual's relationship with it. The poem is filled with symbolism, including the woods, the horse, and the snow, all of which represent different aspects of the human experience.
The woods in the poem are a symbol for the natural world and the beauty and mystery it holds. The speaker is drawn to the woods, stopping to take in their "lovely, dark and deep" appearance, despite the fact that he has "promises to keep" and "miles to go before I sleep." This suggests that the speaker is drawn to the beauty and peace of the natural world, even if it means slowing down or deviating from his daily routine.
The horse in the poem represents the practical and practicality of human life. The horse is "harnessed" to a "sleigh," symbolizing the responsibilities and obligations that the speaker must fulfill in the world. The horse is also described as "patient" and "fed," suggesting that it is well taken care of and able to fulfill its duties.
The snow in the poem is a symbol for the passage of time and the impermanence of life. The speaker notes that the snow is "deep" and "drifts," covering the ground and making it difficult to travel. This represents the way in which time and the natural world can obscure and change the landscape of our lives.
Overall, the symbolism in "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" serves to highlight the beauty and mystery of the natural world, as well as the practicalities and responsibilities of human life. The poem invites readers to consider the balance between these two aspects of existence and the importance of finding time to appreciate and connect with the natural world.
