Explanation Of Childhood In Matthew Zapruder's 'Schwinn'

The narrator in Matthew Zapruder’s “Schwinn,” has a very bleak and empty perspective of his childhood, along with how it shapes him into the person he is today. At the very beginning of the poem, an inner struggle presents itself. To put differently, the narrator is undoubtedly unhappy with his life and identity: “I hate the phrase ‘inner life’ My attic hurts, / and I’d like to quit the committee / for naming tornadoes” (1-3). The symbolism in this section is essential for the understanding of the poem. Terms the narrator uses have a purpose, such as “attic” and “committee for naming tornadoes”. These words assist in the interpretation of his mental battle with who he is versus who he wants to be. The “attic” represents the clash of his thoughts inside his head, due to him wanting to experience life to the fullest.

Wanting to quit the committee for naming tornadoes is a metaphor for the lack of fulfillment he feels when he just watches things happen instead of doing anything about it or being in the action (he is bored). The poem remains to have a heavy tone after the enjambment at the end of the third line: “Do you remember / how easy and sad it was to be young / and defined by our bicycles” (3-5). Furthermore, the narrator uses symbolism again in reference to the bicycle. People don’t realize how good they have it at a young age and child sees the world through narrow eyes, causing no stress. The bicycle represents how small a child’s biggest worry may be, in comparison to the harsh reality as an adult or to the hardships of