The two poems that I chose to compare and contrast were "My Father and the Figtree" (p. 6-7) and "My Grandmother in the Stars" (p. 69). From face value (and based on the titles) it is clear to see that both of these works center around important people in Nye's life, (i.e. her father and grandmother). Since these two figures provide Nye with her Middle Eastern heritage and background, I think Nye uses these two familial characters to emphasize the importance of roots and developing one's sense of home. Both poems, written in a similar story-telling fashion, incorporate similar themes of world views, being interwoven (i.e. "scarves"), and chasing one's desires.
In the first poem, "My Father and the Figtree," Nye's father expresses his love for the fig. I think that the fig represents the richness of his culture and how, no matter where he went, he longed for a place where he could be surrounded by the "sweetest" fruit there was; but could never find it. When he discounted a dried fig as generic and lifelyess saying, "I'm talking about a fig straight from the earth---gift of Allah!---on a branch so heavy it touches the ground" (l. 15-17) Nye is trying to show the significance of the fruit and how it is a direct gift from above, but comes down on the same level of the people despite it's opulence. It isn't until he finds a home with a figtree that grew naturally that Nye's father feels he has finally found a place in this world that is his own. His home.
Compared to the second poem, "My Grandmother in the Stars," Nye, again discusses finding one's place in the world, but goes on to further discuss what makes that place a home. Nye, now deals with the passing of her grandmother, a very religious woman, and says "Where we live in the world is never one place" (l. 12-13) which I believe ties into the first poem. Nye and her grandmother are from two different worlds, but through it all, the sky, and their beliefs, hold them together (just as Nye's father's beliefs kept him grounded in spite of his constant moving). Not only does a grounded faith keep Nye and her family united, their memories with each other connect them when they can no longer reside in the same home. No matter what, they will always have the roots of their "figtree" and memories to make them rich.
I also noticed the Grandmother and Father showing up in many of the poems. They always seem to represent a sense of strength and are often in the same poems alongside with gods such as Allah. This really says a lot to their character and importance in Nye's life.
ReplyDeleteIrene Bloomer