Berry 1

Kylee Berry English 2400 Dr. Jessica Tvordi February 14, 2014 Response Paper 5: Essay 1 Ideas The Convergence of the Twain by Thomas Hardy looks back on the sinking of the titanic. But it does it in a way that focuses not on the tragedy of the event, but rather the inevitability of the ships destruction. The title itself sets a message for the poem; it is a meeting of two great forces. Hardy focuses on the great strength of nature, and how it, or she, is involved in manmade processes. From the beginning I love the objective, philosophical nature of how he breaks down the event. It something that is romanticized so often that this perspective is very refreshing, and forces the reader to look at something differently. I also think that when broken down structurally it has a lot to offer, like wonderfully vivid imagery and sounds that help create Hardys realist perspective. Emily Dickinsons Much Madness is Divinest Sense makes the reader question what exactly the meaning of sanity is. Dickinson questions this basic construct in a way that links society and its expectations to how well received someone is. She has come to the conclusion that sometimes those who are said to be made have the clearest minds, because they have overcome the thinking of the majority in order to come to their own more solid conclusions. The poem is short and to-the-point, which is reflected in the message of the definition of madness. It is labeled in someone instantly based on their actions, and by whether or not they go along with the masses. This poem is quite brief, but has a lot to say, and these ideas can be translated to many elaborate concepts, like the structure or truth based on society.