Essay Questions

Why is the skin described in the poem “Hairless” as being unable to lie?

In the poem “Hairless”, the narrator describes the skin every person has as almost another person, individual from ever living being. The skin is described as being the most truthful element in a person’s body and it is characterized as being “pure knowledge” and the medium through which a person’s brain can communicate with the outside. The reason why the skin is described as being unable to lie is because most people are not able to control their physical reactions and emotions such as shame and even affection are clearly seen on the naked skin. Because of this, the narrator claims the skin will always tell the truth even when the words will say otherwise.

What does the tree represent in the poem “I GO INSIDE THE TREE”?

The interior of the tree is described by the narrator as being a place which is less than ideal, a place filled with dangers and inhospitable. Despite this description, the narrator urges the reader to go inside the tree and take the time to visit it. The tree represents in this poem death and the fascination people have with death. Despite knowing full well death is final and even though it is often described as a horrible event, many people can’t stop themselves from being fascinated by it and wanting to know more about death. Because of this, many people explore the idea of death through religion or other experiences which they believe will help them gain knowledge about the unavoidable event.

What are the holes described by the narrator in the poem “THE MAD COW TALKS BACK”?

The holes mentioned in the poem are linked with the idea of a defective brain and the narrator claims the brain needs those holes in order to expand and grow. The people who do not possess holes in their skulls are described as being mediocre and happy with a dull and boring life. The people who have holes in their skulls are described as being different and seen as being mad from the outside. In this sense, the holes are used in the poem as a way of transmitting the idea that sometimes, greatness can be acquired only through great sacrifices and how sometimes the normal society will have problems understanding the mind of a genius or of a truly great person.