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For The Sleepwalkers Summary

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Edward Hirsch’s poem “For the Sleepwalkers”, he discusses his admiration for sleepwalkers and their ability to not be constricted by overthinking. His writing suggests the power of faith and the benefits of open mindedness. Hirsch also illustrates the opportunities people are willing to take when following their heart. He goes on to explain how people should strive to be like the sleepwalkers and follow their audacious actions. As he encourages people to embrace change through fresh perspectives, his morose diction makes change seem intimidating and unappealing. Hirsch also negates himself as he describes the need for enlightenment in order to develop this new perspective. His suggestion of “stupefying” oneself seems inconsistent with his …show more content…

He describes the faith that the sleepwalkers have in the “arrow carved into the carpet” (line 4). Hirsch doesn’t intend for this to be seen as a literal arrow but as a metaphorical arrow that is pointing the sleepwalkers in the right direction. He also writes about the “worn path that leads to the stairs instead of the window”. This use of imagery shows the sleepwalkers’ frequent use of the path has caused it to become warn down. He also makes an argument about the stairs versus the window. The path to the stairs implying they continue to move and take action whereas the window is merely for looking and observing. Hirsch continues to adore the sleepwalkers as he goes on to discusses how the sleepwalkers “raise their arms and welcome the darkness”. It also shows how sleepwalkers welcome the darkness rather than being afraid of it as many people are when they are awake. This metaphor allows the readers to see the sleepwalker’s ability to embrace change with open arms. The goes on to say how sleepwalkers return home unharmed each night and Hirsch compares them to “blind men”. It has been said the blind men are the only ones who can truly see because they have to judge based off of character rather than appearances. As the sleepwalkers “step out of their bodies”, their confidence and ability to adapt allows them to be guided through the

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