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Perhaps The World Ends Here Poem Analysis

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Joy Harjo’s poem “Perhaps the World Ends Here” implants an impression of the world as a kitchen table: “The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.” (1). As I interpreted the poem, I perceived it as a brief analysis of life. Harjo elaborates life as one protracted feast, and our life ends when we eat the concluding bite of our meal: “Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.” (11). What is the point of life? This question wandered about in my head demanding an answer as I read the poem. Is life as simple as a short meal at a kitchen table? After reading “Perhaps the World Ends Here,” I am made aware of the answer to this very question. We design …show more content…

Therefore, I chose to further analyze Harjo’s work through a psychological approach. According to research, Harjo was the first Native American to be awarded the Wallace Stevens award from the Academy of American Poets. It is an award that recognizes outstanding and proven mastery in the art of poetry. At an interview, Harjo said, “As a Native person, you go through tests. There have been times I've almost given up and have had every door slammed in my face, especially with poetry. I feel like I'm carrying this award for all of us.” Regarding the interview, this demonstrates to readers the mentality of Harjo. She experienced assorted types of adversity due to her social status of being a Native American. However, it is indisputable that it was her mindset that inspired her to withstand hard times and fulfill her goals as a poet. Viewing “Perhaps the World Ends Here” from a psychological perspective gave me insight in to why Harjo would deliver a poem with such an inspiring moral. Harjo’s life defines the word “effort” and “Perhaps the World Ends Here” is a summarization of her life. Knowing how she achieved her many accomplishments regardless of the mental pressure she must have received due to her social status allows me to have deeper recognition for Harjo and her work. Her work emphasizes

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