Eyes By Ali Eckerman Essay

In her poetry, Ali Cobby Eckermann grapples with the relationship between language, culture, and identity, and the ways in which language can both affirm and challenge these concepts. Three of her poems, "Eyes," "Key," and "Leaves," offer insights into the complexities of this relationship. Through her use of language in these poems, Eckermann explores the connections between language, culture, and identity and illuminates the ways in which language can be a tool for both oppression and empowerment. This essay will analyze these three poems in order to understand how language can affirm or challenge culture and identity, and what this means for the individuals and communities who use it. By exploring the themes of language, culture, and identity

The poem is a powerful expression of the importance of language in shaping the way individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world. The line "my eyes change to show my mood, my soul, my land" demonstrates how language can be used to express cultural identity through the use of metaphor. The speaker's eyes are a reflection of their connection to their cultural identity and their land, which are both deeply intertwined. Additionally, the use of the word "my" reinforces the idea that the speaker's cultural identity is personal and deeply rooted in their individual experience. However, the line "I speak English to you, you do not understand" highlights the challenges that can arise when language is used to communicate across cultures. Even when the speaker attempts to express their cultural identity in a language that is not their own, there can still be a disconnect in understanding. This reinforces the idea that language is a powerful tool for expressing cultural identity, but it can also create barriers when used to communicate across cultural divides. Overall, "Eyes" illustrates the importance of language in shaping cultural identity, and the complexities that arise when language is used to communicate across

The poem centers on the image of a key, which represents access to knowledge and power. The line "my language is my key to my culture" demonstrates the importance of language in maintaining cultural identity and connection to tradition. Without access to one's language, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of cultural identity and connection to one's heritage. However, the line "you stole my key, you broke it in two" illustrates how language can be used as a tool for oppression when it is taken away from a culture or community. When a culture's language is taken away, it can be difficult to pass down traditional knowledge and maintain a sense of cultural identity. This can lead to a loss of power and control, as well as a sense of disconnection from one's heritage. Furthermore, the line "I must forge a new key" highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of communities that have had their language and culture threatened. Despite the loss of their original key, the speaker is able to create a new one, demonstrating their ability to adapt and survive. Overall, "Key" illustrates the power dynamics at play in the relationship between language, culture, and identity, and demonstrates the ways in which language can be used as both a tool for empowerment and