When I think of epic stories and poems, I often think of swashbuckling heroes. These include Robin Hood and Ivanhoe, sailing through the air on another adventure. Of course, epic poetry goes much further than that in the mind of the poet, and the details of these poems often have a bit more depth. In this post, we are going to define the characteristics of epic poetry and inspect some examples.
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An Analysis of “Knock Knock” by Daniel Beaty
I have not had an immediate stifling of sobbing in a while. After reading “Knock Knock” by Daniel Beaty, that streak is ended. All I can really say is that being a parent has changed me emotionally. To this point, I have to be mindful of the content of some books and films. Regardless, Beaty’s “Knock Knock” reminded me of those stabbing memories that come at me from the dark sometimes. I guess life is like that. A constant reminder of the good and the bad.
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“On Turning Ten” by Billy Collins
Billy Collins’ poem “On Turning Ten” is a fun poetry that explores all of the resonate qualities of a poem. It is philosophical about youth and discusses the relevancy of thinking about life from evolving eyes. Collins also nails the feeling of being a kid and what matters, especially during childhood. Technology was different when I was younger, not for better or worse, so I really identify with his thoughts on looking at the changing colors of his bike or playing fantastical pretend. This poem also briefly discusses the condescension that older people often pass onto younger people—a carpe diem mentality that only appears when trying to pass wisdom. But this sort of wisdom never really sheds any light on the pain we feel when falling upon “the sidewalks of life.”
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I Am Legend by Richard Matheson: Humanity, Monsters, and Isolation
“The last man on Earth sits alone in his room when suddenly there is a knock at the door.” Perhaps one of the scariest short stories ever written, this one line can make your skin crawl. Yet, in I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, the protagonist faces this scenario every single night. An excellent novel of humanity versus assailing monsters, this novel covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
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An Author in Many Forms: Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson is a great, unsung hero of literature. While he is well-known in writerly circles, he often seems vacant from mainstream discussion. Nevertheless, he may be one of the most talented horror authors and genre writers of all time. This is because he writes in a modern, straightforward way that speaks to a universal audience. His style is utilitarian, and has no frills or accoutrement. Putting it plainly, he is just a brilliant writer with an equitable style. In this post, we will analyze his history and his style.
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“Self-publishing for the right reasons” By Benjamin J. Gohs
In this post, author Benjamin J. Gohs provides insight into the world of self-publishing.
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The Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac, Indigenous Horror
Joseph Bruchac’s The Skeleton Man is a fantastic young-adult read. It has just the right level of gross out and disturbing mixed with mystery and adventure. With that said, it caters to young readers with an interest in horror stories. Additionally, it offers an exploration of indigenous folklore through a terrifying tale.
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An Analysis of a Haunting Poem: “The Hearse Song”
Much like learning about the multiple stories behind “London Bridge is Falling Down,” the equally unsettling “The Hearse Song” had a grisly impact on me as a kid. I guess mortality is a weird thing to think about when you are young. I remember purposefully stepping on a caterpillar when I was a child and then running to my room in tears because of what I had done.
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“The Conqueror Worm” by Edgar Allan Poe
In this post, we are going to discuss Edgar Allan Poe by referencing more of his excellent poetry. In this case, in discussing “The Conqueror Worm” by Poe, we find that, much like “The Raven,” it’s mechanically sound. It also has an undercurrent of evil, which is unequivocally menacing: “It writhes! –It writhes!” It’s also a magnificent addition to Poe’s already airtight catalogue of horror and suspense.
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’20th Century Ghosts’ by Joe Hill, Haunting and Emotional
Author of 20th Century Ghosts Joe Hill is something truly unique. While it has many great short stories inside, it also showcases the talents of an author capable of moving through multiple genres. Through this collection Hill has put together one of the finest assemblages of short stories in recent memory. While sounding hyperbolic, it is true. The sheer quality of the novel places it high on a literary pedestal.
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