Essay Questions

How does “Catatonic” vary from many of Pinsky’s other poems?

In “Catatonic,” the narrator does not take the form of a human person. Rather, the narrator varies from stanza to stanza and is representative of many different elements of Earth. This is a departure from Pinsky’s other poems, which feature a human and often male narrator. Additionally, this poem is far more ethereal and abstract than many of his other poems, as it pertains to the hypothetical feelings and emotions of inanimate objects, such as mountains, valleys, and the moon. Though some of Pinsky’s other poems address abstract and symbolic occurrences, none take this symbolism as seriously as “Catatonic,” which makes it unique from Pinsky’s other poems.

Why does Pinsky refer to the apocalypse as a performance in “Ceremony?”

In this poem, the narrator references a plague that will be wrought upon all humanity—ultimately destroying it and banishing them to Heaven or Hell. The narrator then goes on to explain that God will watch this performance from his seat in the heavens and will revel in the destruction of his original creation. As performance is a word that has an inherently positive connotation—for being associated with theatrical performances and enjoyable pastimes—the narrator is suggesting that God will view mankind’s destruction as a theatrical performance, something to be enjoyed. Therefore, Pinsky likely refers to the apocalypse as a performance to paint God as a vengeful and malevolent being, one who has grown disappointed in humanity and feels they need to be destroyed.

How does Pinsky address different types of death in “Dying?”

In his poem “Dying,” Pinsky discusses the many different ways in which things, objects, beings, and ideas can die. Pinsky begins by address the death of living things. He points out that the golden retriever and cocker spaniel who lives down the street have both died—just as everything eventually will. The narrator then uses these animals’ deaths a point of transition. He explains that these animals exist now only in his memory, which will soon fade and, in a way, die. Next, Pinsky addresses how phrases—common sayings—die out as society changes and these phrases become less relevant. Pinsky concludes, however, by considering how none of these other deaths can compare to the death of a real human. In this way, Pinsky addresses the many different ways in which objects, ideas, and even real beings can die, but how none of those ‘deaths’ could ever compare to the death of a human, whose worth is much greater than that of a dog or idea or saying.