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The Naming of Parts By: Henry Reed Henry Reed comprised the narrative poem, "Naming of Parts" in five stanzas each being six lines in length. With the exitance of two voices, an unlikely juxtaposition, and use of repitition, Reed introduces a unique twist on the usual theme of life versus death, using the images of life in a garden in comparison with steely act of naming the parts of a gun. In each stanza Reed effectively presents two voices. The first is that of a military type instructor who appears to lack enthusiasm when instructing his class on naming each part of their gun. The first stanza reads: Today we have naming of parts. Yesterday, We had daily cleaning. And tomorrow morning, We shall have what to do after firing. But today, Today we have naming of parts. Japonica Glistens like coral in all of the neighboring gardens, And today we have naming of parts. The montone nature of instruction seems fitting with the stereotypical trait suited for military personnel. The boredom felt seems appropriate for the act of naming parts of a gun. The second voice presents a surprising softness that instroduces beautiful landscape images at the end of each stanza. This is effective as the sense of boredom seems to ease into a sense of content. The instructor seems satisfied with his duties each day, as if he can see beyond the hard, unfeeling steel of the gun, and finds beauty in the day.
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