Poetry, as a genre of literature, possesses an exclusive capacity to function as an object or observer that records moments, sentiments, and encounters in a manner that permits readers to explore the essence of being human. Two separate poems, “Duplex” by Jericho Brown and “Zoo” by Cathy Park Hong, may seem dissimilar in style and arrangement; however, they exhibit remarkable resemblances in theme and tone. Using poetic devices, these works act as influential observers, shedding light on the intricacies of identity and the human encounter.
Identity exploration is a recurring theme in “Duplex” and “Zoo.” Jericho Brown explores the nuanced facets of love, memory, and parenting in “Duplex.” Lines that reoccur throughout the poem, “A poem is a gesture toward home,” emphasize how everyone yearns for a location where they feel emotionally secure and for a sense of belonging (Brown, line 1). The poem’s use of repetition and variety emphasizes the notion that our experiences and recollections shape our identities. Brown’s account of his first love, who “was fast and awful, tall as my father,” emphasizes how early relationships have a profound effect on a person’s sense of self and how our past experiences shape who we are now.
In Cathy Park Hong’s poem “Zoo,” the theme of identity is explored, specifically focusing on the immigrant experience and the difficulty of finding a sense of belonging in a different cultural setting. The title itself suggests that immigrants are put on display as if their true selves are reduced to mere spectacles. Linguistic elements such as the use of Hottentot click sounds and unfamiliar words like “shi” and “kkatchi” bear witness to the linguistic struggle faced when trying to adjust to a new language and culture (Hong). By delving into this tension between one’s native tongue and the necessity for adaptation in an unfamiliar linguistic landscape, Hong sheds light on the obstacles immigrants encounter while striving to maintain their identity within a foreign environment.
Both poems utilize distinctive poetic techniques that enhance their function as artifacts and observers. In “Duplex,” Jericho Brown skillfully employs the duplex form, incorporating recurring lines and alterations, which act as a structural observer of the theme of memory and its enduring influence on one’s identity. The recurrence of lines combined with the transformation in repeated words instills a sensation of accumulation and development, mirroring how our memories mold us throughout our lives.
In Cathy Park Hong’s piece “Zoo,” a variety of linguistic devices, including alliteration, consonance, and assonance, are employed to construct a dissonant and fragmented auditory experience that mirrors the challenges faced by immigrants in effectively communicating through an unfamiliar language. The incorporation of phonetic symbols like “Ga,” “Na,” and “Da” serves to highlight the bewilderment and struggles associated with navigating a foreign linguistic terrain. Moreover, Hong skillfully juxtaposes seemingly disparate words such as “mother” and “monkey,” which exposes the underlying tension between societal expectations linked to culture versus one’s sense of self.
In conclusion, despite their contrasting styles and structures, “Duplex” by Jericho Brown and “Zoo” by Cathy Park Hong delve into identity exploration and the human experience. By skillfully employing poetic devices and unconventional formats, these poems serve as significant artifacts that witness how memory, language, and personal history intricately shape our being. They prompt readers to reflect on the universal desire for a sense of home and belonging while highlighting the difficulties immigrants encounter in maintaining their identity within a new cultural milieu. Through their artistic mastery in verse composition, these two poems provide an enriched comprehension of the intricate complexities inherent in human existence.
Works Cited
Brown, Jericho. “Duplex .” Poetry Foundation, 25 Sept. 2020, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/152729/duplex.
Hong, Cathy Park. “Zoo.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53601/zoo-56d23308176fb.
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