My first reaction to this poem, besides it being completely creepy, was that the book could possibly be about the bible. The skin binding representing Jesus and the self sacrifice he made that brought all of the stories in the Bible together. As the owner of this book read on and went through life, he realized the depth and enormity of what it was about. After reading it a couple more times, I changed my mind.
My second reaction was that a young man found a book and carried it with him through life. As he went through more experiences, he documented them into this blank book. It became fuller and fuller as the real world corrupted him throughout time. When the book keeper told him that this book was bound in human skin, it forced the man to take a step back and think about it's contents and his life. He realizes that he has been selfish in the way he has been living and looked out for himself, and sacrificed others for hims own happiness. It's a reflection on humanity and the desire to get ahead at any cost.
Both of these views still being demented, and again, extremely creepy, I like that this poem can be taken in lots of different ways. I'm sure when we discuss it in class everyone will have their own ideas, which are interesting to hear.
Hmmm...interesting biblical allusion/idea. I haven't heard anyone mention that yet. It is a kind of creepy poem no matter how you look at it.
ReplyDeleteWhat can you tell me about the choices the poet made in setting it up? In using language? Stuff like that? :)