Discussion on Poem - "WHEN I HEARD THE LEARN'D ASTRONOMER

WHEN I HEARD THE LEARN'D ASTRONOMER posted by Felicia McCaw Sat May 22 19:53:37 2010

This poem reflects a subject who is a learned astronomer versed and trained and an associate to assist. The concrete imagery is reflected throughout the poem with proofs, figures, situated in neat columns, charts and diagrams which are the lifeblood of an astronomer's life. The very detailed and precision necessary in his profession is like having water in a lake. A lake cannot be if there is no water. Can it?

Also, at the beginning of the poem is a little sarcasm "learn'd astronomer", e.g., if he is so learned why does he need me to check his work. Further, there appears to be a streak of jealously relayed since the assistant or associate who had to check the work became ill for no accountable reason due to probably his feeling of not being acknowledged as a team player who contributed to the project.

All the time the assistant or associate had to endure the applause, applause the astronomer received whilst he received none. After enduring the lecture for as long as he could he left (to be alone licking his wounds) with a sense of being wronged and stood looking at the stars in perfect silence in the mystical moist night-air and peaceful quietness without having to hear the astronomer drone on and on.

These are my thoughts on this poem that sometimes in America although you assist just don't expect to get the credit you deserve also.