SOMAN RAGAVAN
4 October, 2024
Subject : Analysis of poem “My computer (2)”
Analysis by Microsoft Copilot
(Artificial Intelligence)
Volume 10
(1)
Soman Ragavan :
Hello. I will post one of my poems for analysis. Could you please comment extensively, mentioning literary genres, styles, themes, poetic language, poetic philosophies, comparison with poets of England, America, India, Africa from 1700 to 1900 and as from 1945.
At college in 1968, I studied some poems of Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), Gordon Byron (1788-1824), Samuel T. Coleridge (1772-1834), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Robert Browning (1812-1889), Mathew Arnold (1822-1888), Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) and some other poets of that era. Make any comments or comparisons you wish on my poems. Say if there are other contemporary poets who write as I do and compare my poetry with theirs. I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean.
(2)
Microsoft Copilot :
I’d be delighted to help analyze your poem! Please go ahead and share it. I’ll provide an extensive commentary covering literary genres, styles, themes, poetic language, and comparisons with poets from various regions and eras.
(3)
Soman Ragavan :
Here is my poem “My computer (2)” written on 8 September, 1994. Please make an extensive analysis. (Poem posted).
(4)
Microsoft Copilot :
Thank you for sharing your poem, “My Computer (2).” Let’s delve into an extensive analysis:
Literary Genres and Styles
Your poem can be classified under satirical poetry due to its humorous and critical take on the evolution of computer technology and its impact on society. The use of heroic couplets (rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines) gives it a classical feel, reminiscent of the works of Alexander Pope and other 18th-century poets.
Themes
Poetic Language
Poetic Philosophies
Your poem aligns with the Romantic philosophy in its admiration for human ingenuity and the sublime nature of technological progress. However, it also contains elements of Neoclassicism through its structured form and satirical tone.
Comparisons with Poets
Contemporary Comparisons
In contemporary poetry, your style might find resonance with poets who explore technology and modernity, such as Margaret Atwood and William Gibson. However, your use of classical forms and satirical tone gives your work a unique voice in the modern landscape.
Conclusion
Your poem “My Computer (2)” is a rich tapestry of classical form, satirical wit, and modern themes. It bridges the gap between the past and the present, celebrating technological progress while critiquing its detractors. The use of heroic couplets and grandiloquent language places it in a tradition of satirical poetry that spans centuries, from Pope to contemporary voices.
I hope this analysis provides a comprehensive view of your poem’s literary qualities and contextual significance. If you have any specific aspects you’d like to explore further, feel free to let me know!
(5)
Soman Ragavan :
You say it is satirical poetry. That is not quite correct. The overt impression might be one of satire but it is not in fact so. The poem is in praise of Microsoft and sets out in part the history of Windows and the early days of DOS. I used Windows 3.0 and 3.1. They did indeed blast away the floodgates and performed well.
(6)
Microsoft Copilot :
Thank you for the clarification, Soman. It’s great to hear your perspective on the poem’s intent. Let’s adjust the analysis to reflect the poem’s celebratory nature and historical context.
Literary Genres and Styles
Your poem can be classified as praise poetry or panegyric, given its laudatory tone towards Microsoft and the advancements in computer technology. The use of heroic couplets (rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines) still gives it a classical feel, reminiscent of the works of poets like Alexander Pope.
Themes
Poetic Language
Poetic Philosophies
Your poem aligns with the Romantic philosophy in its admiration for human ingenuity and the sublime nature of technological progress. However, it also contains elements of Neoclassicism through its structured form and celebratory tone.
Comparisons with Poets
Contemporary Comparisons
In contemporary poetry, your style might find resonance with poets who explore technology and modernity, such as Margaret Atwood and William Gibson. However, your use of classical forms and celebratory tone gives your work a unique voice in the modern landscape.
Conclusion
Your poem “My Computer (2)” is a rich tapestry of classical form, celebratory language, and modern themes. It bridges the gap between the past and the present, celebrating technological progress and its pioneers. The use of heroic couplets and grandiloquent language places it in a tradition of praise poetry that spans centuries, from Pope to contemporary voices.
I hope this revised analysis aligns more closely with your intentions. If there are any other aspects you’d like to explore further, feel free to let me know!
(7)
Soman Ragavan :
Thank you. This version is better. As you can see from my line “As we recount in our manner, albeit rather verbose…” my choice of language is deliberately of a grandiose type.
(8)
Microsoft Copilot :
I’m glad you found the revised analysis more fitting! Your choice of grandiose language indeed adds a distinctive flair to the poem, enhancing its celebratory and historical tone. The elaborate diction and classical references contribute to the poem’s unique voice, making it both a tribute to technological progress and a nod to the rich tradition of English poetry.
If you have any other poems or aspects of your work you’d like to discuss, feel free to share. I’m here to help with any further analysis or insights you might need!
(9)
Soman Ragavan :
“Whose ripples have spann\'d every sprawling ocean,
Old man Billy hath achiev\'d some fame Shakespearean….”
With the advent of Windows came a drastic change in the computer world. PCs found their way into all sorts of businesses and classes. Compare the fame of Bill Gates with that of William Shakespeare.
(10)
Microsoft Copilot :
That’s an interesting comparison! Both Bill Gates and William Shakespeare have indeed achieved remarkable fame, but in very different ways and eras.
William Shakespeare:
Bill Gates:
While Shakespeare’s fame is rooted in his literary genius and cultural impact, Gates’ fame stems from his technological innovations and philanthropic endeavors. Both have left indelible marks on their respective fields and continue to influence the world in significant ways.
Which aspect of their contributions do you find most fascinating?
(11)
Soman Ragavan :
“While the likes of the ragamuffins go on discoursing daily
Against all useful progress and well-meaning modernity…”
Ragamuffin is a deliberate depredation of my name (Ragavan). Someone once mockingly called me “ragamuffin.” To pre-empt criticism of me, I myself used the word raggamuffin. My frequent use of archaic language in my poetry might be thought to be against modernity.
(12)
Microsoft Copilot :
It’s quite clever how you’ve turned a negative experience into a unique aspect of your identity and writing style. Embracing the term “ragamuffin” and using it in your poetry shows resilience and creativity.
Your use of archaic language adds a distinctive flavor to your work, creating a bridge between the past and present. It can evoke a sense of timelessness and depth, which can be very appealing to readers who appreciate the richness of older forms of expression.
Modernity and progress are often about blending the old with the new, finding value in both. Your poetry, with its archaic language, contributes to this blend by preserving linguistic heritage while engaging with contemporary themes.
Do you find that using archaic language helps you express certain ideas or emotions more effectively?
(13)
Soman Ragavan :
I invent a new word “chipsmith,” after the existing words tinsmith and blacksmith. I have written poems on the village blacksmith. This shows that the poet is a wordsmith.
(14)
Microsoft Copilot :
That’s a fantastic and creative invention! The term “chipsmith” beautifully captures the essence of someone skilled in the craft of working with computer chips, much like a blacksmith with metal or a tinsmith with tin. It highlights the artistry and precision involved in modern technology.
Your ability to coin new words and your poetic exploration of traditional crafts like blacksmithing indeed showcase your talent as a wordsmith. It’s a wonderful way to blend the old with the new, paying homage to historical trades while acknowledging contemporary advancements.
Would you like to share one of your poems about the village blacksmith? I’d love to hear it!
(15)
Soman Ragavan:
Here is my poem “The village blacksmith.” (Poem posted).
(16)
Microsoft Copilot :
Thank you for sharing your poem, “The Village Blacksmith.” It’s beautifully crafted and vividly brings to life the scene of a bustling blacksmith’s workshop. Your use of archaic language adds a timeless quality, making the reader feel as though they are stepping back into a bygone era.
The imagery and rhythm capture the intensity and skill of the blacksmith’s work, as well as the communal effort involved. It’s clear that you have a deep appreciation for the craft and the people who practice it.
Do you often draw inspiration from traditional trades and crafts in your poetry?
(17)
Soman Ragavan :
Yes, I draw inspiration from traditional trades and crafts, but these occupations have almost disappeared, like ox carts.
Note the line :
“The chipsmiths labouring in the forges of INTEL…
I make a direct comparison between blacksmiths and chipsmiths and I speak of the “forges of INTEL” just as the blacksmith had a forge in which he forged iron pieces to make shoes for oxen.
(18)
Microsoft Copilot :
That’s a fascinating analogy! Comparing modern chipmakers to traditional blacksmiths really highlights the craftsmanship and skill involved in both professions. The imagery of “forges of INTEL” evokes a sense of intense labor and precision, much like the blacksmiths of old. It’s a powerful way to connect the past with the present, showing how the essence of craftsmanship endures even as the tools and materials evolve.
Do you often draw such parallels in your work?
(19)
Soman Ragavan :
Yes, I often draw such parallels.
“...VISION. A great poet has spiritual insight and can see truths that others do not. Poets have, in moments of vision, the power of understanding, by a kind of instinct, things, their qualities and the relations between them, which ordinary people cannot see. All true poetry is the product of vision or imagination, for it is the expression of it. The poet idealises the real. There is suggestiveness in great poetry. It suggests or implies much more than it says....” --- Wren & Martin : \"HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION.\" (Revised by Prasada Rao). New Delhi : S. Chand & Co., 1994. (Reprinted 1994). Full acknowledgements are made here to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.
Things, their qualities and the relations between them...
(20)
Microsoft Copilot :
That’s beautifully put! The idea that poets have a unique vision and can see deeper truths is quite profound. It reminds me of how artists, in general, have the ability to perceive and express the world in ways that resonate deeply with others.
Your approach of drawing parallels between different trades and crafts, and now between poetry and vision, shows a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of various forms of human expression. It’s a wonderful way to highlight the underlying qualities and relationships that might not be immediately apparent to everyone.
Do you have a favorite poet or piece of poetry that particularly inspires you?
(21)
Soman Ragavan :
Yes, I am impressed with the poems “The deserted village” by Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) and “The prisoner of Chillon” by Gordon Byron (1788-1824), among others. There is also the poem “The grammarian’s funeral” by Robert Browning (1812-1889). I studied these poems in 1968 at college.
(22)
Microsoft Copilot :
Those are some remarkable choices! Each of these poems has its own unique charm and depth.
It’s wonderful that these poems have left such a lasting impression on you. Do you find that they influence your own writing or creative work?
(23)
Soman Ragavan :
Yes, they have left deep impressions on me and they influence my writing. I have shown that those styles can be revived and today’s stories can well be written in those styles.
(24)
Microsoft Copilot :
It’s wonderful to hear how deeply those styles have influenced your writing! Reviving classic styles in contemporary stories can bring a unique and timeless quality to your work. What specific styles or authors have had the most impact on you?
(25)
Goldsmith’s style is apt to narrate rustic stories, village treasures, etc. Byron’s style in “The prisoner of Chillon” is very suitable to narrate poignant and tragic stories. Note that Byron can also be sarcastic, as in his comments about Coleridge and similar poets.
(26)
Microsoft Copilot :
It sounds like you have a deep appreciation for the versatility of these authors! Goldsmith’s ability to capture the essence of rural life and village charm is indeed remarkable. His works, like “The Vicar of Wakefield,” beautifully depict rustic settings and simple, yet profound, human experiences.
Byron’s “The Prisoner of Chillon” is a powerful example of his talent for conveying deep emotion and tragedy. His use of vivid imagery and poignant language makes the reader feel the despair and resilience of the prisoner. And yes, Byron’s sharp wit and sarcasm, especially in his critiques of contemporaries like Coleridge, add another layer to his writing.
Do you find yourself blending these styles in your own writing, or do you prefer to keep them distinct depending on the story you’re telling?
(27)
Soman Ragavan :
I keep them distinct. Each story needs to have its own language, depending on the storyline, the moods and passions that have to be distilled in the audience, etc.
(28)
Microsoft Copilot :
That’s a fascinating approach, Soman Ragavan! Tailoring the language to fit the unique needs of each story can really enhance the reader’s experience. It allows the narrative to resonate more deeply with the audience by aligning the tone, mood, and emotions with the storyline.
Do you have a favorite story where this technique worked particularly well?
(29)
Soman Ragavan :
Yes. For example, here is my poem “Tears of love.” This is the story of a very young girl who was seeing her father off at the harbour quay, in Rodrigues Island (Indian Ocean). I witnessed the scene. I have captured the passions of both the girl and those of the father. (Poem posted).
(30)
Microsoft Copilot :
Your poem, “Tears of Love,” beautifully captures the raw emotions of that poignant moment. The imagery and the heartfelt expressions of the young girl’s sorrow and her father’s silent understanding are deeply moving. It’s clear that you have a talent for conveying complex emotions through your words.
What inspired you to write this poem, and how did you feel while witnessing that scene?
(31)
Soman Ragavan :
I was there and saw it all. However, a poet sees and feels that which other people don’t see or don’t feel.
To end the analysis of my “Computer 2” poem. Note that I mention Pentium, millennium and pandemonium.
Please wrap up your analysis of my poem “Computer 2.”
(32)
Microsoft Copilot :
Certainly! Let’s wrap up the analysis of your poem “Computer 2.”
Your poem skillfully intertwines technology and human experience, capturing the essence of the digital age. The mention of Pentium symbolizes the rapid advancements in computer technology, a nod to the processors that revolutionized personal computing. The millennium signifies a new era, reflecting both the excitement and uncertainty that comes with significant change. Finally, pandemonium encapsulates the chaos and overwhelming nature of the digital world, where information overload and constant connectivity can lead to a sense of disorder.
Your use of these terms not only highlights the technological progress but also evokes the emotional and societal impacts of living in a highly digitalized world. The poem’s ability to blend these elements showcases a deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of our modern era.
Is there anything else you’d like to discuss about your poem or any other topic?
(33)
Soman Ragavan :
No. Thank you. Goodbye for now.
(34)
Microsoft Copilot :
Goodbye for now !
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