Deciphering Depth: An Analysis of Patrick Rosal's 'BEAST'

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Patrick Rosal’s poem, “BEAST,” is a unique poem that diverges from the archetypal model of poetry. Perhaps, to an untrained eye, it may seem like a poorly written poem, however, it is actually quite eloquently crafted. There are several elements that give it a deeper meaning that might be difficult to understand upon the first couple readings. The more the poem is read, the more obvious the elements become. Rosal’s consistency with his diction throughout the story, the first portion of the poem acting as a juxtaposition to the second, and connections with the poem, “How to Fall in Love With Your Father,” are combined perfectly to form this excellent piece of work. Throughout the entirety of the poem, the diction has a very negative animal-like connotation. Rosal refers to the protagonist as a “beast,” and a “monster” in the beginning (Rosal). To add to it, he replaces the word, mouth, with mandible which is reminiscent of a bug; not a human. In the last few lines, when Beast’s father dies is where the diction is shown most in the end. …show more content…

Rosal keeps up with the startling choice of words that evoke a negative response in the reader for the entire poem. Another irrefutable element that is present in the poem is the juxtaposition of the poem within itself. The first portion of the poem is set in a gym with a “crud-ridden” floor where monsters go to play their “ugly” game (Rosal). Now, the change comes with the world “but” in the lines, “This is how I listened to Beast recite after those Wednesday nights his invented names for fire in such holy brag and trash but also

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