Soman Ragavan

AnalysisByMicrosoftCopilot-Volume 9-MyComputer1--4Oct2024

SOMAN RAGAVAN

4 October, 2024

Subject : Analysis of poem “My computer (1)”

Analysis by Microsoft Copilot

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 9

(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 :

 Hello Soman Ragavan! I’d be delighted to analyze your poem. Please go ahead and share it with me. I’ll provide an extensive commentary, touching on literary genres, styles, themes, poetic language, and philosophies. I’ll also compare your work with poets from England, America, India, and Africa from the 1700s to 1900s, as well as contemporary poets. Looking forward to reading your poem!

 (3)

Soman Ragavan :

Here is my poem “My computer (1)” written on 8 September, 1994. (Poem posted)

 (4)

Microsoft Copilot :

Thank you for sharing your poem, Soman! Let’s dive into an analysis of “My Computer (1)”.

Literary Genres and Styles

Your poem can be classified under contemporary poetry with elements of technological poetry. It blends modern themes with a traditional structure, using rhymed couplets and a consistent meter, reminiscent of neoclassical poetry.

Themes

The primary theme is the interaction between humans and technology. You explore the marvels and frustrations of using a computer, a theme that resonates with the rapid technological advancements of the late 20th century. There’s also a subtle commentary on the dependency on technology and the almost anthropomorphic relationship we develop with machines.

Poetic Language and Techniques

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions like “green lights shining and flicking” and “millions of bits though the mother-board do race” create a dynamic visual of the computer’s operations.
• Personification: The computer is given human-like qualities, such as “the beast screams out for action” and “the machine doth embrace”.
• Alliteration and Assonance: Phrases like “swift, mind-boggling flurries” and “clever and marauding rodent” enhance the musical quality of the poem.
• Humor and Irony: There’s a playful tone, especially in lines like “What? Non-system disk? Replace disk? Hence! And get lost, non-system risk!”

Poetic Philosophies

Your poem reflects a Romantic fascination with the sublime, here represented by the awe-inspiring complexity of the computer. It also touches on Modernist themes of alienation and the mechanization of life.

Comparisons with Poets

• England (1700-1900): Your use of structured rhyme and meter is reminiscent of Alexander Pope and Oliver Goldsmith. The playful yet critical tone can be compared to Lord Byron.
• America (1700-1900): The focus on technology and modern life echoes Walt Whitman’s celebration of progress and innovation.
• India (1700-1900): The blend of traditional form with contemporary content can be likened to Rabindranath Tagore, who often merged classical forms with modern themes.
• Africa (1700-1900): While African poetry from this period often focused on oral traditions and communal themes, your poem’s engagement with modernity can be seen as a continuation of the African oral tradition’s adaptability to new contexts.

Contemporary Comparisons

Your work shares similarities with contemporary poets who explore technology, such as Margaret Atwood and William Gibson. The humorous and critical engagement with technology also aligns with poets like Billy Collins.

Conclusion

“My Computer (1)” is a delightful and insightful poem that captures the essence of the human-technology relationship with wit and precision. Your use of traditional poetic forms to discuss modern themes creates a unique and engaging piece that stands out in contemporary poetry.

Do you have any other poems you’d like to share or specific aspects you’d like to delve deeper into?

 (5)

Soman Ragavan :

Please make a more detailed analysis by stanza.

   (6)

Microsoft Copilot :

Absolutely, Soman! Let’s break down your poem “My Computer (1)” stanza by stanza.

Stanza 1

As I sit comfortably on my swivelling chair
In this, my air-condition’d computer lair,
I reach forward and power-on my computer
And gaze on at this whacking wonder.

• Imagery: The stanza sets the scene with vivid imagery of a comfortable, modern workspace. Words like “swivelling chair” and “air-condition’d computer lair” create a sense of ease and control.
• Tone: There’s a sense of admiration and wonder towards the computer, described as a “whacking wonder.”
• Rhyme and Meter: The use of rhymed couplets and a regular meter gives the poem a rhythmic and structured feel, reminiscent of neoclassical poetry.

Stanza 2

I see a couple of green lights shining and flicking,
While some genius takes command — caps lock !
The machine has been unleash’d — num lock !
See how the equipment is given a booting !

• Personification: The computer is given human-like qualities, with “some genius” taking command. This adds a playful tone.
• Technical Jargon: Terms like “caps lock” and “num lock” ground the poem in the technological world, making it relatable to anyone familiar with computers.
• Action and Movement: The stanza is dynamic, with verbs like “shining,” “flicking,” and “booting” conveying the computer’s activity.

Stanza 3

While the machine fires up its ROM-BIOS,
Dutifully comes into play our MS-DOS,
Revving up and booting up relentlessly,
Scanning its programm’d logic flawlessly.

• Technical Precision: This stanza delves into the technical processes of the computer, using specific terms like “ROM-BIOS” and “MS-DOS.”
• Personification and Duty: The computer is described as “dutiful,” suggesting reliability and efficiency.
• Alliteration: Phrases like “Revving up and booting up” add a musical quality to the poem.

Stanza 4

Thou shalt boot up, it hath been decreed !
What ? Non-system disk ? Replace disk ?
Hence ! And get lost, non-system risk !
Strike a key ? \'Tis done – with lightning speed.

• Humor and Irony: The stanza humorously portrays the frustrations of encountering a “Non-system disk” error, using archaic language for a modern problem.
• Command and Control: The speaker’s interaction with the computer is authoritative, reflecting a sense of mastery over technology.

Stanza 5

As millions of bits though the mother-board do race,
Its anti-virus mode the machine doth embrace;
Gathering up speed and careering on ever faster,
The greedy beast roars on, in one mother-flicker.

• Imagery and Personification: The computer is depicted as a “greedy beast,” emphasizing its power and relentless activity.
• Technical Jargon: Terms like “mother-board” and “anti-virus mode” continue to ground the poem in the technological realm.
• Dynamic Movement: The stanza is full of action, with verbs like “race,” “embrace,” and “careering.”

Stanza 6

Going through swift, mind-boggling flurries,
The machine suddenly returns my DOSSHELL,
Listing fully the masses of directories :
The beast screams out for action, bloody hell !

• Action and Speed: The stanza conveys the rapid processing power of the computer, with phrases like “swift, mind-boggling flurries.”
• Personification and Humor: The computer “screams out for action,” adding a humorous touch to its efficiency.
• Frustration and Admiration: The exclamation “bloody hell” captures both the speaker’s frustration and admiration for the machine’s capabilities.

Stanza 7

About a lot of choices the lively screen doth prate :
Pick and choose. Click this, choose that mate !
Yes, click on, pal, to thy heart’s content
With this clever and marauding rodent.

• Interactive Language: The stanza mimics the interactive nature of using a computer, with commands like “Pick and choose.”
• Personification and Humor: The mouse is described as a “clever and marauding rodent,” adding a playful tone.
• Engagement: The speaker encourages engagement with the computer, reflecting the immersive experience of using technology.

Conclusion

Your poem “My Computer (1)” is a rich tapestry of imagery, personification, and humor, capturing the essence of the human-technology relationship. Each stanza builds on the theme of technological marvel and frustration, using a blend of technical jargon and poetic language to create a unique and engaging piece.

Do you have any specific aspects or stanzas you’d like to explore further?

 (7)

Soman Ragavan :

 What do you think of the technical words and jargon woven into the poem ?

 (8)

Microsoft Copilot :

The technical words and jargon in your poem add a unique and authentic flavor to the piece. Here’s a detailed look at their impact:

Authenticity and Relatability

• Authenticity: The use of terms like “ROM-BIOS,” “MS-DOS,” “caps lock,” and “num lock” grounds the poem in the real-world experience of using a computer. It shows a deep understanding of the subject matter, making the poem credible and relatable to anyone familiar with computers.
• Relatability: For readers who have experienced the frustrations and marvels of early computer technology, these terms evoke a sense of nostalgia and recognition.

Thematic Depth

• Technological Marvel: The jargon emphasizes the complexity and sophistication of the computer, aligning with the theme of technological marvel. It highlights the intricate processes that occur behind the scenes, which are often taken for granted.
• Human-Technology Interaction: By weaving in technical terms, the poem underscores the intimate relationship between humans and technology. It reflects how deeply integrated these machines have become in our daily lives.

Poetic Techniques

• Personification: The technical jargon is often personified, giving the computer human-like qualities. For example, “the machine doth embrace” its anti-virus mode, and “the beast screams out for action.” This personification adds a playful and engaging tone to the poem.
• Humor and Irony: The juxtaposition of archaic language with modern technical terms creates a humorous and ironic effect. Phrases like “What? Non-system disk? Replace disk?” and “Hence! And get lost, non-system risk!” blend the old with the new in a witty manner.

Comparison with Other Poets

• Modernist Influence: The integration of technical jargon can be seen as a modernist technique, similar to how poets like T. S. Eliot incorporated contemporary references and language into their work.
• Contemporary Poets: Your approach is akin to contemporary poets who explore technology, such as Margaret Atwood and William Gibson, who often blend technical language with poetic expression.

Conclusion

The technical words and jargon in your poem are not just decorative; they are integral to its theme, tone, and overall impact. They enhance the authenticity, relatability, and humor of the piece, making it a distinctive and engaging work.

Would you like to explore any other aspects of your poem or discuss another piece?

 (9)

Soman Ragavan :

What could be the reactions of (a) Microsoft staff and (b) computer people today when reading this poem ?

 (10)

Microsoft Copilot :

That’s an interesting poem! Here are some possible reactions:

Microsoft Staff

• Nostalgia: They might feel nostalgic, reminiscing about the early days of computing and the evolution of Microsoft’s software from MS-DOS to the modern Windows operating systems.
• Pride: They could feel proud of how far technology has come and the role Microsoft has played in advancing it.
• Amusement: The playful language and personification of the computer might amuse them, highlighting the quirks of older technology.

Computer Enthusiasts

• Appreciation: They might appreciate the technical references and the historical context of the poem, recognizing the significance of MS-DOS and early computing experiences.
• Humor: The humorous take on the booting process and the “non-system disk” error could resonate with their own experiences and bring a smile to their faces.
• Reflection: They might reflect on how much technology has advanced since 1994, considering the rapid pace of innovation and the changes in user interfaces and hardware.

What do you think about the poem? Does it bring back any memories or thoughts for you?

 (11)

Soman Ragavan :

I think it is a funny poem while staying true to the facts presented. At that time, the machines had a hard disk of 20 mb !.... You could not keep much stuff on it. Even Windows had a “temporary swap file” that was created each time you accessed Windows and was deleted upon exit. Later the swap file was permanent. Memory, too, was incredibly miserly in extent. If you kept loading more work, at one point you would get the message “Low on memory,” and later “Out of memory.” Those were strange times...

  (12)

Microsoft Copilot :

Absolutely, those were indeed fascinating times in the history of computing! It’s amazing to think about how much technology has evolved since then. Here are a few reflections on your points:

• Hard Disk Space: A 20 MB hard disk seems almost unimaginable today, given that modern devices often come with storage capacities in the terabytes. It’s a testament to how data storage technology has advanced.
• Swap Files: The concept of temporary swap files being created and deleted with each session is quite interesting. The evolution to permanent swap files and then to more sophisticated memory management techniques shows significant progress.
• Memory Limitations: The “Low on memory” and “Out of memory” messages were common frustrations. Nowadays, with gigabytes of RAM and advanced memory management, such issues are much less frequent.

It’s fun to look back and see how far we’ve come. Do you have any other memories or thoughts from those early computing days?

 (13)

Soman Ragavan :

Yes, we had File Manager and Program Manager. Floppy disks were liable to get damaged. If you did not have copies, you were done. You could HEAR the computer accessing the floppy disk... When running low on memory, a message would ask you to close down some of your programs or even programs on the hard disk.

  (14)

Microsoft Copilot :

Those were indeed unique times in the world of computing! Here are some reflections on your points:

• File Manager and Program Manager: These were the precursors to the modern graphical user interfaces we use today. They were essential tools for navigating and managing files and applications.
• Floppy Disks: The fragility of floppy disks was a significant challenge. The sound of the computer accessing the floppy disk is a nostalgic memory for many. It was always a good practice to have multiple backups to avoid data loss.
• Memory Management: The messages prompting users to close programs due to low memory were a common occurrence. It required careful management of resources to keep the system running smoothly.

It’s fascinating to see how these early experiences have shaped the robust and user-friendly systems we have today. Do you have any favorite memories or stories from those early days of computing?

(15)

Soman Ragavan :

The machines were considered as marvels because they were a quantum leap over electronic typewriters. They could also store a lot of files. They were appreciated by typists, who were later called Word Processing Operators. Also, they had a large monitor, compared with the small screen of electronic typewriters. Those typewriters had little memory. After reaching the limit of storage, you had to print and clear the memory in order to type in more stuff. There was not much saving of data. The computer keyboard is smaller than that of electronic typewriters, over which your fingers had to navigate longer distances.

 (16)

Microsoft Copilot :

It’s fascinating to hear about the transition from electronic typewriters to early computers! Here are some reflections on your points:

• Quantum Leap: Indeed, the shift from electronic typewriters to computers was revolutionary. The ability to store and manage large amounts of data was a game-changer.
• Word Processing Operators: The evolution of job roles from typists to Word Processing Operators highlights how technology transformed the workplace. It also brought new skills and efficiencies.
• Monitor Size: The larger monitors of early computers were a significant improvement over the small screens of electronic typewriters, making it easier to view and edit documents.
• Memory Limitations of Typewriters: The limited memory of electronic typewriters meant frequent interruptions to print and clear memory. Computers eliminated this hassle, allowing for more continuous and efficient work.
• Keyboard Differences: The smaller keyboard of computers compared to electronic typewriters made typing more comfortable and less strenuous for the fingers.

These advancements not only improved productivity but also changed the way people interacted with technology. Do you have any other interesting anecdotes or thoughts from that era?

 (17)

Soman Ragavan :

One office worker asked me if the monitor would run out of ink !.... He thought the device used ink to display stuff on screen... Another typist told me : “Mr Ragavan,  I can’t find that backflash !” It was “Backslash.” Another one said to me, when a computer was having problems : “Don’t you think it’s that virus eating up things inside ?...” He thought a virus in the computer was a living MICROBE !...

 (18)

Microsoft Copilot :

Those are some amusing anecdotes! It’s funny how technology can sometimes be misunderstood. The idea of a monitor running out of ink is quite imaginative! And the confusion between “backflash” and “backslash” is a classic mix-up. As for the virus being a living microbe, it’s a reminder of how the terminology we use in tech can sometimes lead to interesting misconceptions.

Have you encountered any other funny or surprising tech-related misunderstandings?

 (19)

Soman Ragavan :

Jokingly one software company (making antiviruses) said : don’t worry if you can’t differentiate a hard disk from a slipped disk; you thought a hard drive was a drive along a bumpy road ?...

From floppy disks we migrated to “zip disks” that could hold 100 mb of data. That was mind-blogging.

 (20)

Microsoft Copilot :

Those are some great examples of how tech terms can be both confusing and amusing! The comparison between a hard disk and a slipped disk is hilarious, and the idea of a hard drive being a bumpy road is quite the mental image. The evolution from floppy disks to zip disks must have indeed been mind-boggling at the time, especially considering how much data storage has advanced since then.

Have you come across any other interesting or funny tech-related stories?

(21)

Soman Ragavan :

Before Windows, the computer had DOS, with a dark screen and without a mouse. There were many commands the machine could not understand. Quite often you would get the message : “Abort, Retry, Cancel ?” One pregnant woman who was working on one machine refused to choose “Abort” !!!... AI, if a machine could abort you without touching you, that must have been the mother of all quantum leaps !!...

 (22)

Microsoft Copilot :

That’s a hilarious story! The “Abort, Retry, Cancel?” prompt was definitely a source of confusion and amusement for many. It’s understandable why someone might hesitate to choose “Abort” in that context! The idea of a machine performing such an action without physical contact is indeed a humorous leap of imagination.

Do you have any other memorable experiences from the early days of computing? It’s fascinating to hear how people interacted with technology back then.

(23)

Soman Ragavan :

Computers were rapidly accepted because they were a big advantage over typewriters, less tiring and capable of storing a lot of data. Imagine the stress of typists when having to type the same stuff again and again. The mechanical typewriters were much worse : they tired you out and made your shoulders and fingers ache.

 (24)

Microsoft Copilot :

Absolutely, the transition from typewriters to computers must have been a huge relief for many office workers. The ability to easily edit and store documents without retyping everything was a game-changer. Mechanical typewriters, with their heavy keys and lack of error correction, certainly made typing a physically demanding task.

Do you have any specific memories or stories from that time when computers were first being introduced in offices? It’s always interesting to hear about those early experiences with technology.

(25)

Soman Ragavan :

Computers and printers brought additional work for men. Women were rather unable to lift and carry CRT monitors and dot-matrix printers around the office.

Those were those hilarious times. I will come back to you another day for two more poems called “My computer (2)” and “My computer (3).”

Thank you and goodbye for now.

 (26)

Microsoft Copilot :

Thank you for sharing that interesting snippet, Soman Ragavan! It’s fascinating to think about how technology has evolved and how it impacted office dynamics back then. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to share your next poems, “My computer (2)” and “My computer (3).” Have a great day and goodbye for now!

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