Nicholas Huang, 07A07

Poems A (Portrait of a Machine) and B (This Excellent Machine) portrays

machines in different lights, each poems discussing the intent of machines differently,
but share a common ominous perception about Man’s use and reliance on machines and
technology.

Poem A and B first differ in the portrayal of the machines through the writers’ use
of language and imagery. Poem A depicts machines as animated organisms, each with
minds of their own. The use of the metaphor of ‘Obedient monster’ in describing the
machines best serves to illustrate the notion that machines are detestable, but yet still
conform to Man’s wishes. The use of words like “loathing” and “deeper malice” creates
the impression that the machines are capable of emotion and thought, while the use of the
words “destroying hate” imbues the machines with a specific intent, and an irrepressible
desire to express its emotions

Poem B, on the other hand, portrays machines as simplistic, precise tools and
implements, however, without any semblance of thought capability. The use of specific
words like “neatly planned” creates the impression that machines are merely a byproduct
of man’s work, and possess no individual thought or intent. Likewise, the use of the
phrase “each cog in motion moves the next” conjures up an image of efficiency, where
the machines perform their task in precise motion, calibrated and organized. The
machines are also portrayed as simplistic by using an analogy of “a child, a half-wit
would not feel perplexed” to exaggerate and thus exemplify the sheer simplicity of use.

Poems A and B next differ in the depiction of man’s attitude towards machines
though the use of tone and language. Poem A shows the machines as sinister beings,
harboring ill feelings towards Man. The personification of the machine’s emotions in the
2nd stanza with the words “deeper malice and destroying hate” conveys a sinister tone.
The ominous depiction of the machines intent to “see this great lord of the earth become a
slave…” show a sense of fear which the persona has projected, and a dread which is
directed towards these machines, afraid of Man’s overdependence on machines. The
casting of the machines as a formidable power where “this vast engine could rend the

1
Nicholas Huang, 07A07

soil” with “naked iron muscles” shows that the persona is well aware of the strength and
capability of the machines, and fears that they grow a mind of their own and turn upon its
masters.

Poem B agrees with Poem A in certain aspects. The use of the metaphor and
simile of “automatic knives, guaranteed to finish dead as mutton” helps illustrate the
destructive capability with an ominous tone, similar to Poem A. similarly, “if you merely
tap it, the armaments will start their devastations” lends credence of the sheer power of
the machines, similar to Poem A.

Despite its certain similarities, Poem B, depicts machines which will serve to help
quicken man’s destruction. However, the main emphasis is that the machines do not
initiate this destruction, like in Poem A, but will inevitably help in the process. Poem B
serves to depict machines as precise tools and implements, with no emotions and thus no
qualms about aiding in killing others. Thus, it is the fault of man’s politics and internal
disagreements, where “the modern world is divided into nations” and thus, any violence
would be, at the basic level, the fault of Man, not machine. However, the fact that the
destruction is magnified and facilitated by machines creates a loathing towards these
engines of destruction. Hence, the poems diverge in opinion of the cause of the conflict,
but agree with the ability of the machine to destroy Man.

The next manner where the poems differ would be in terms of style and verse.
Poem A uses a rhyme scheme of “ABBA” in the 1st stanza and switches to the “ABAB”
rhyme scheme in the 2nd stanza. The poet decides to use a rhyme scheme to create an
impression of order and conformity within the poem. By imposing structure and order to
the poem, Untermeyer is simulating the machines logical algorithms and continuous
process of functioning. The shift in rhyme schemes from stanza 1-2 can be interpreted as
a shift in ‘gears’ of sorts, where in stanza 1, poem focuses on the exterior of the machine,
while in stanza 2, the poem focuses on the machine’s internal thought process. This
shifting gears is thus made explicit by the change in rhyme schemes.

2
Nicholas Huang, 07A07

Poem B, in direct contrasts, opts for a free verse throughout the entire poem
where the poem, and the absence of any rhymes, either internal or end rhymes suggests
that the poet is possibly implying that the machines are subject to the differing intentions
of man, where “the modern world divided into nations” would mean that there are many
nations with differing ideas and uses for machines, and the machine, unlike in Poem A,
does not possess a mind of its own, and would thus be subjected to the whims of man.

In conclusion, Poems A and B share a similar perception that machines are indeed
formidable in capability, but diverge in terms of Man’s attitude towards these machines,
and these differences are illustrated by the 2 poets’ differing use of language and style.

Nicholas Huang,
07A07